Samsung opens applications for Mobile Advance 2026 in India with equity-free PoC grants
Samsung has opened applications for the 2026 edition of Samsung Mobile Advance, its global startup incubation and partnership programme focused on next‑generation mobile technologies. The initiative is being led in India by Samsung R&D Institute Bangalore and Samsung R&D Institute Noida, and is aimed at connecting deep‑tech startups with the company’s mobile ecosystem.
The 2026 edition invites startups from India working in areas including artificial intelligence, extended reality, security, health, camera technologies, audio, wearables and other mobile‑related domains. According to the company, the goal is to support solutions that could be integrated across Samsung’s devices and platforms, combining external innovation with in‑house research and development priorities.
Samsung Mobile Advance was launched in India in 2023 with a grant‑based funding model of up to USD 50,000 for proof‑of‑concept development. Under the programme, selected startups receive grant funding to test and validate their ideas within Samsung’s ecosystem, and Samsung does not take equity or ownership in the participating startups for technologies developed through the programme.
The company says the 2026 edition continues to provide grant funding for proof‑of‑concepts without equity participation, alongside mentorship from Samsung’s engineering and product teams and opportunities to work within its broader product ecosystem. Applications for the 2026 cycle are open until 30 June 2026.
Startups must submit a six‑month proof‑of‑concept proposal outlining the innovation, feasibility and potential impact. An evaluation panel will review applications in July 2026. Shortlisted teams will present during a Pitch Day in September 2026 before a jury of Samsung executives.
The incubation programme is scheduled to begin in October 2026 and will conclude with a Proof‑of‑Concept Demo Day. According to Samsung, outcomes from the programme may lead to potential commercial partnerships, further collaboration or investment discussions.
In recent years, Samsung has worked with startups on voice intelligence, 4D modelling and security technologies as part of its effort to explore external technologies with potential applications in future mobile devices and services.