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Samsung Electronics opens applications for the 9th batch of its "C-Lab Outside" startup acceleration program. / Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics is seeking to discover promising startups in future growth industries, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital health. The company plans to accelerate the cultivation of the domestic startup ecosystem through an open innovation program that provides not only direct financial backing but also collaboration opportunities with Samsung's business divisions.

Samsung Electronics announced on June 15 that it is launching an open recruitment for the 9th batch of its "C-Lab Outside" program. The application window runs from today through June 26. The program welcomes applicants across eight sectors—AI, digital health, content/services, robotics, materials/components, IoT, mobility, and ESG—and plans to select 30 startups.

Recruitment will take place simultaneously across four regions: Seoul, Daegu, Gyeongbuk, and Gwangju. Startups registered as South Korean legal entities that are at or below the Series B funding stage are eligible to apply. The final selections will be announced in November following document reviews and presentation evaluations.

Launched in 2018, C-Lab Outside differentiates itself by offering direct business tie-ins with Samsung Electronics. Selected startups with high potential for synergy can secure business meetings and conduct Proof of Concept (PoC) projects with Samsung's business units to explore actual commercialization.

Such corporate collaborations are steadily growing. Out of the 30 startups selected for the 7th batch last year, 17 proceeded with PoC projects alongside Samsung Electronics. Startups from the current 8th batch are similarly driving various collaborative projects with the tech giant.

For instance, Config Intelligence, a startup possessing physical AI data compilation technology required for building robot foundation models, is working with Samsung to acquire data for physical AI development. Exarion, a deep-tech company developing immersive 3D audio and AI video processing semiconductor IP, is in talks for business cooperation and PoCs. Meanwhile, Impactive AI, an AI-driven demand forecasting solution provider, successfully executed a project to upgrade the demand forecasting models for Samsung's online sales channels.

Samsung Electronics also operates programs to sharpen the technical and business capabilities of these startups. Company experts provide consulting in areas ranging from technology development and product planning to organizational management and marketing. Additionally, the company supports participation in global exhibitions, such as CES and VivaTech in Europe, helping startups discover overseas clients, investors, and partners.

The accelerator package includes up to 100 million won in non-equity business grants, dedicated office spaces, and free transfers or licensing rights to patents held by Samsung Electronics.

"Opportunities to validate and scale technology are just as vital to a startup as the technical prowess itself," said Lee Byung-chul, Head of the Creativity and Development Center at Samsung Electronics. "Through C-Lab Outside, we will support promising domestic startups as they explore diverse collaboration avenues and break into larger markets."

To date, Samsung Electronics has nurtured a total of 1,000 in-house ventures and startups through C-Lab. Since launching its in-house venture program "C-Lab Inside" in 2012, it has supported 434 internal projects and 566 external startups. Since 2023, the firm has expanded the program to regions like Daegu, Gwangju, and Gyeongbuk to revitalize regional startup ecosystems. At CES 2026 earlier this year, C-Lab-backed companies demonstrated their global competitiveness by clinching a total of 17 Innovation Awards, including two Best of Innovation Awards.

                                                                                                                Lee Ji-sun