Samsung R&D Institute Bangalore (SRI-B) and Samsung R&D Institute Noida (SRI-N) have announced the launch of the 2026 edition of Samsung Mobile Advance (SMA), the company's flagship global startup incubation and partnership programme dedicated to advancing next-generation mobile technologies.
First introduced in India in 2023, SMA aims to bridge the gap between deep-tech startups and Samsung's global mobile ecosystem, enabling breakthrough innovations that can be deployed across millions of devices worldwide. The programme offers a grant funding model of up to $50,000 with no equity requirement for Proof-of-Concept (PoC) development, allowing startups to validate and scale their innovations within Samsung's ecosystem.
In this latest edition, SMA invites startups from India to collaborate with Samsung in shaping the future of mobile experiences. Since its inception, Samsung's Open Innovation initiative has focused on combining external innovation with in-house R&D to deliver differentiated consumer experiences. With dedicated charters spanning integrated partnerships, strategic investments, and startup incubation, SMA plays a critical role in identifying and nurturing high-potential startups.
Leadership Perspectives
Mohan Rao Goli, Managing Director and CVP of Samsung R&D Institute India, Bangalore, said: "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. We aim to build long-term partnerships that not only accelerate innovation but also translate bold ideas into impactful solutions at global scale."
Kyungyun Roo, Managing Director of Samsung R&D Institute India, Noida, added: "Through SMA, we focus on partnering with startups that demonstrate strong cultural and technological synergy. We aim to integrate the best of external innovation with Samsung's R&D expertise to shape the future of mobile experiences."
Samsung Mobile Advance 2026: Focus Areas
SMA encourages startups to apply across a wide range of categories, including artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality (XR), security, health, camera, audio, wearables, and other Samsung mobile-related domains. The programme follows a structured, multi-stage evaluation and incubation process:
- Application Submission (April – June 30): Startups submit a detailed six-month PoC proposal outlining innovation, feasibility, and impact.
- Application Review (July): Proposals are evaluated by Samsung's expert panel.
- Pitch Day (September): Shortlisted startups present to a jury of Samsung leaders.
- Final Selection: Announced after Pitch Day.
- Programme Commencement (October): Selected startups begin incubation with funding and mentorship.
- PoC Demo Day: Culminates in a final showcase with potential pathways to commercialization, partnerships, or investment.
For India, applications can be submitted at startup.connect@samsung.com.
Benefits for Participants
Participants in Samsung Mobile Advance benefit from:
- Grant funding (no equity taken by Samsung) to build Proof-of-Concepts.
- 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.
