Samsung’s Innovation Program Fuels Startup Collaboration
Samsung has launched the 2026 edition of its flagship global startup incubation programme, Samsung Mobile Advance (SMA) , inviting Indian deep-tech startups to co-create the future of mobile technologies . The initiative, led by Samsung’s R&D institutes in Bengaluru and Noida, reflects the company’s long-term commitment to nurturing India’s innovation ecosystem while accelerating breakthroughs in mobile technology .
💰 Zero-Equity Support: Startups Retain Full Ownership
A key feature of the programme is its grant-based funding model of up to $50,000 for Proof-of-Concept (PoC) development . Under this model, Samsung does not take any equity or ownership in the participating startups for technologies developed through the programme, allowing founders to retain full ownership while benefiting from Samsung’s resources and expertise .
This zero-equity structure distinguishes SMA from traditional accelerator programmes, making it particularly attractive for early-stage deep-tech startups looking to validate their innovations without diluting ownership .
🎯 Focus Areas for 2026
The programme encourages applications across a broad range of mobile-related technology domains :
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) – next-generation mobile AI applications
- Extended Reality (XR) – AR and VR experiences
- Security – mobile security and privacy solutions
- Health – mobile health and wellness technologies
- Camera – imaging and photography innovations
- Audio – sound and voice technologies
- Wearables – smart wearable devices and accessories
- Other Samsung mobile-related domains
📋 Programme Structure and Timeline
SMA follows a structured, multi-stage selection and incubation process :
| Stage | Timeline | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Application Submission | April – June 30, 2026 | Startups submit a detailed 6-month PoC proposal outlining innovation, feasibility, and impact |
| Application Review | July 2026 | Proposals evaluated by Samsung’s expert panel |
| Pitch Day | September 2026 | Shortlisted startups present to a jury of Samsung leaders |
| Final Selection | Post Pitch Day | Selected startups announced |
| Programme Commencement | October 2026 | Incubation begins with funding and mentorship |
| PoC Demo Day | Culmination | Final showcase with potential pathways to commercialisation or investment |
🚀 What Selected Startups Receive
Startups selected under Samsung Mobile Advance benefit from :
- Grant funding up to $50,000 for PoC development (no equity)
- Mentorship from Samsung’s global experts and talent network
- Access to Samsung’s product ecosystem and distribution scale
- Opportunities for strategic partnerships and investments
- Long-term collaboration within Samsung’s innovation ecosystem
“SMA reflects our deep commitment to open innovation, bringing together startup ingenuity and Samsung’s global R&D strength to co-create the future of mobile experiences,” said Mohan Rao Goli, Managing Director and CVP, Samsung R&D Institute India, Bangalore .
🌍 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow: Youth Innovation Programme
Beyond startup collaboration, Samsung is also empowering young innovators through the fifth edition of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, its flagship innovation and education programme for students aged 14–22 .
Programme Highlights
- ₹2 crore incubation grants for the top four winning teams at IIT Delhi
- 100 design-thinking workshops across cities nationwide during the application phase
- Four themes: AI Living for India, Health & Education, Environmental Sustainability, and Sport & Tech
- Over 240,000 hours of training and mentorship provided to participants
“Bharat is being shaped by a new generation of young innovators who are solving for the world as well. Through Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, we see early-stage ideas being nurtured into viable solutions with the potential to scale,” said Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India .
🤝 Strategic Partnership with Startup India
Samsung has also signed a strategic MoU with Startup India to empower young innovators from remote corners of India and strengthen the country’s startup ecosystem . The partnership brings together Samsung Solve for Tomorrow’s innovation programme and Startup India’s national ecosystem of incubators, accelerators, and mentors.
This public-private partnership aims to :
- Empower youth from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
- Provide access to infrastructure, expert guidance, and funding
- Strengthen the innovation ecosystem in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat, Skill India, and Digital India
📈 Applications Closing Soon
Applications for Samsung Mobile Advance close on June 30, 2026 . Startups can apply by emailing their PoC proposals to st*************@*****ng.com .
Applications for Samsung Solve for Tomorrow remain open until July 3, 2026 .
