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

• Startups across AI, deeptech or healthtech at any stage partnering with Samsung R&D.

About this scheme

Samsung Mobile Advance (SMA) is Samsung's flagship global startup incubation and partnership programme, and the 2026 edition marks its continued expansion in India through Samsung R&D Institute Bangalore (SRI-B) and Samsung R&D Institute Noida (SRI-N). Rooted in Samsung's Open Innovation vision, SMA is designed to bridge the gap between deep-tech startups and Samsung's global mobile ecosystem , enabling breakthrough innovations that can reach hundreds of millions of devices worldwide.

The core offering is a grant of up to $50,000 (approximately Rs. 45 lakh) for Proof-of-Concept development, with zero equity taken by Samsung. This is a structured 6-month incubation track where selected startups work alongside Samsung's global R&D teams to validate and refine their technology within Samsung's product stack. Samsung takes no ownership stake in the startup or in the IP developed through the programme.

SMA is sector-inclusive, inviting applications across AI, XR, security, health, camera, audio, wearables, and any domain relevant to the Samsung mobile ecosystem. The programme is not limited to software , hardware and device-layer innovations are equally welcome. Past collaborations have spanned voice intelligence, 4D modelling, and security, giving a sense of the technical depth Samsung is looking for.

Selected startups gain more than capital: they get direct access to Samsung's expert and talent network, its product ecosystem, and its global distribution reach. The programme culminates in a PoC Demo Day with pathways to commercialisation, long-term strategic partnerships, and potential follow-on investment. Samsung explicitly frames SMA as a long-term partnership model rather than a one-time grant , startups that demonstrate strong technological and cultural synergy with Samsung's R&D mandate are candidates for deeper integration into Samsung's global innovation roadmap.

For India-based startups building at the intersection of mobile hardware and software, SMA is one of the few corporate innovation programmes that offers non-dilutive capital at the PoC stage alongside direct access to one of the world's largest consumer electronics ecosystems.

Who can apply

• Open to startups based in India
• Must be building technology relevant to Samsung's mobile ecosystem (AI, XR, security, health, camera, audio, wearables, or related mobile domains)
• Must be able to submit a detailed 6-month PoC proposal outlining the innovation, feasibility, and potential impact
• Open to startups at idea, validation, early traction, and scaling stages , no revenue minimum stated
• No DPIIT recognition requirement mentioned
• No equity restriction , Samsung takes zero equity in the startup

Benefits & funding

• Selected startups receive a grant of up to $50,000 (approximately Rs.
• 45 lakh) for 6-month PoC development, with no equity taken by Samsung.
• Beyond capital, participants receive mentorship from Samsung's global R&D experts, access to Samsung's product ecosystem and distribution scale, and potential pathways to commercialisation, strategic partnerships, and follow-on investment.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Samsung R&D Institute India (SRI-B & SRI-N), in your own name.

1. 1

   Proposals are evaluated by Samsung's internal expert panel on innovation merit, technical feasibility, and fit with Samsung's mobile ecosystem.

2. 2

   Shortlisted startups then pitch to a jury of Samsung leaders at Pitch Day in September; final selection is announced post-pitch.

Documents checklist 1

• 6-month PoC proposal (innovation, feasibility, impact)

Need help getting these in order? IncorpX provides assistance for incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST registrations along with document preparation.

Frequently asked questions