Samsung Electronics Opens Applications for 9th C

Samsung Electronics announced on June 15 that it is recruiting startups for the ninth batch of its external startup incubation program, “C-Lab Outside.”

The company plans to select 30 startups across eight sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital health, content and services, robotics, materials and components, Internet of Things (IoT), mobility, and ESG. Applications will be accepted from June 15 to 26. Recruitment will take place simultaneously across four regions: Seoul, Daegu, North Gyeongsang Province, and Gwangju.

Startups with registered domestic corporate entities and funding stages up to Series B are eligible to apply. Samsung Electronics said the final selection results will be announced in November following screening procedures.

C-Lab Outside is an open innovation program operated by Samsung Electronics to identify new business collaboration opportunities with domestic startups. For selected startups with potential business synergies, Samsung Electronics provides business meetings with internal divisions and proof-of-concept (PoC) opportunities. Among the 30 startups selected for the seventh batch of C-Lab Outside last year, 17 conducted PoC projects with Samsung Electronics. Startups selected for the eighth batch are also currently conducting PoC projects.

Samsung Electronics said it will provide consulting programs, opportunities to participate in global exhibitions, business support funding of up to 100 million won, dedicated office space, and free transfer or licensing of patents to selected startups.

Since 2012, Samsung Electronics has fostered a total of 1,000 in-house ventures and startups, including 434 internal ventures and 566 external startups. Since 2016, Samsung Electronics has operated a C-Lab exhibition hall at Eureka Park, the startup exhibition zone at CES. At CES 2026, C-Lab startups won a total of 17 innovation awards, including two Best of Innovation awards.