Samsung Mobile Advance 2026 – SRI-B & SRI-N

The Samsung Mobile Advance (SMA) is Samsung's key worldwide incubation and partnership initiative for emerging companies. The 2026 iteration expands its reach in India through the Samsung R&D Institutes located in Bangalore (SRI-B) and Noida (SRI-N). In line with Samsung's Open Innovation strategy, SMA aims to connect deep-tech startups with Samsung's vast global mobile ecosystem, fostering innovative solutions that can reach a massive user base globally.

The program's core offering is an equity-free grant of up to ₹45 lakh (approximately $50,000) for Proof-of-Concept (PoC) development. This includes a structured six-month incubation period where selected startups collaborate directly with Samsung's global R&D teams to validate and refine their technology within Samsung's product framework. Samsung explicitly states it takes no ownership stake in the participating startups or any intellectual property developed during the program.

SMA welcomes applications from various sectors, including AI, XR, security, health, camera, audio, wearables, and any other domain relevant to the Samsung mobile ecosystem. It supports both software and hardware/device-layer innovations. Past collaborations have involved advancements in areas like voice intelligence, 4D modeling, and security, highlighting the program's focus on deep technical solutions.

Beyond financial aid, chosen startups gain direct access to Samsung's network of experts and talent, its product ecosystem, and its global distribution channels. The program culminates in a PoC Demo Day, presenting avenues for commercialization, long-term strategic alliances, and potential follow-on investments. Samsung views SMA as an ongoing partnership model, not merely a one-time grant, with opportunities for deeper integration into Samsung's global innovation roadmap for startups demonstrating strong synergy.

For Indian startups innovating at the intersection of mobile hardware and software, SMA stands out as one of the few corporate innovation programs offering non-dilutive capital at the PoC stage, combined with direct entry into one of the world's largest consumer electronics ecosystems.

• Equity-free grant up to ₹45 lakh for Proof-of-Concept.
• Open to Indian startups in mobile technology.
• 6-month incubation with Samsung R&D teams.
• Focus on AI, XR, security, health, camera, audio, wearables.
• Access Samsung's product ecosystem and global reach.
• Application deadline: June 30, 2026.

This program is open to startups based in India that are developing technology relevant to Samsung's mobile ecosystem. Eligible areas include AI, XR, security, health, camera, audio, or wearables. Applicants must submit a detailed six-month Proof-of-Concept proposal outlining their innovation, its feasibility, and potential impact. Startups at any stage—from idea and validation to early traction or scaling—are eligible, with no minimum revenue requirement. There is no mention of a mandatory DPIIT recognition, and Samsung does not take any equity in the participating startups.

Successful applicants will receive an equity-free grant of up to ₹45 lakh (equivalent to $50,000) for a 6-month Proof-of-Concept phase. In addition to financial support, startups gain:

• Guidance from Samsung's worldwide R&D specialists
• Access to Samsung's product environment
• Global market reach
• Opportunities for commercialization, strategic alliances, and potential further investments

Samsung's internal expert panel evaluates proposals based on their innovative quality, technical viability, and alignment with the Samsung mobile ecosystem. Shortlisted startups will then present their concepts to a panel of Samsung leaders during a dedicated Pitch Day in September. Final selections are communicated following these presentations.