When Samsung India launched IGNITE (Inspiring Growth & Nurturing Interns Towards Excellence) in 2017, the vision was simple yet powerful — to create a platform where young talent could learn, experiment, and contribute to real business challenges.

Ten years later, IGNITE has grown into one of Samsung India’s flagship talent development programmes, offering students from India’s leading B-schools an opportunity to gain hands-on corporate experience while working alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry.

For the IGNITE 2026 cohort, the experience was marked by ownership, collaboration and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the business from day one.

“As we celebrate 10 years of IGNITE, we are proud of the community of young leaders that the programme has helped nurture over the years. What began as an internship initiative has evolved into a powerful platform for learning and development. Every year, IGNITE brings fresh perspectives into Samsung while giving students an opportunity to work on real business challenges and create meaningful impact. The success of the programme lies not only in the projects delivered, but in the confidence, skills and experiences that participants carry forward into their careers,” said Rishabh Nagpal, Head of People Team, Samsung India.

For Pratik Panda from XLRI Jamshedpur who interned with the B2B team, the experience reinforced the importance of staying connected to market realities.

” The work meant speaking with people in the field, reading market signals, and turning what I learned into something tangible for the business. It taught me that good strategy lives in the details, not above them. I’m grateful to have contributed to real work on a real product, and to have a team that trusted me with it,” he said.

For Vaibhav Aggarwal, Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi the internship offered a front-row view into how large organizations operate and collaborate.

“This opportunity provided me with valuable exposure to enterprise strategy, cross-functional collaboration, governance mechanisms, and large-scale B2B execution,” he said.

Working on strengthening Samsung’s General Trade channel gave Karen Tresa Philip from XLRI Jamshedpur an opportunity to combine analytics with business problem-solving.

“This rewarding learning experience focused on understanding and strengthening the General Trade channel. It gave me the opportunity to work closely with data, business stakeholders, and on-ground teams, helping me develop a more analytical and structured approach to problem-solving. I gained valuable insights into sales operations and channel management while learning how large organizations drive business impact. I leave the experience with new skills, greater confidence, and a deeper appreciation for continuous learning,” she said.

Bhagyasree V S from NMIMS, highlighted how the internship helped bridge the gap between academic concepts and real-world business execution.

“I got a unique opportunity to translate classroom learning into meaningful business impact. Working on a strategic project helped me develop a stronger understanding of data-driven decision-making, stakeholder management, and business problem-solving. The experience offered valuable exposure to a fast-paced corporate environment while encouraging ownership, collaboration, and continuous learning. I am grateful for the mentorship and insights gained throughout this journey,” she said.

The supportive culture at Samsung left a lasting impression on Krishnanshu Sharma from IIM Lucknow.

“It was a very welcoming opportunity for me. My team and manager were patient and understanding, helping me through tasks whenever I felt stuck and giving me room for taking bold initiatives. I am very grateful for this experience,” he said.

While each intern worked on unique projects across different business functions, a common thread ran through their experiences — trust, ownership, mentorship, collaboration and the freedom to contribute meaningfully from day one.

These experiences reflect the core philosophy that has defined IGNITE over the past decade: empowering young talent to learn by doing, think boldly, and create meaningful impact.

As the programme enters its second decade, the mission remains unchanged — empowering young talent with the opportunities, mentorship and experiences they need to transform potential into impact.

For the Class of 2026, the internship may have come to an end, but their IGNITE journey is only just beginning.

Through Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, Samsung’s flagship CSR programme, young innovators across India are transforming ideas into impactful solutions that address environmental sustainability, waste management, resource conservation and public health. Their innovations demonstrate how technology can become a powerful force for positive change.

Among these inspiring changemakers is Team Udaan, winners of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2022. Comprising Prisha Dubey, Anupriya Nayak and Vanalika Konwar, the team developed eco-friendly, affordable and washable sanitary pads made from shredded sugarcane bagasse, an agricultural byproduct often discarded as waste.

Team Udaan

By converting agricultural residue into a sustainable menstrual hygiene solution, Team Udaan addressed two critical challenges simultaneously reducing environmental waste and improving access to affordable menstrual products for women, particularly in underserved communities.

A year later, another group of young innovators brought environmental technology to India’s coastlines. Aditi Japariya, Harshil Mistry and Vaibhav Gupta from NIT Surat developed ‘Sweep’, an automated beach-cleaning robot that can detect, identify and segregate waste based on recyclability.

Designed to operate autonomously across difficult terrain, Sweep aims to improve the efficiency of beach-cleaning operations while helping protect marine ecosystems from the growing threat of plastic and other waste materials.

Team Sweep

The spirit of innovation continued in Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025, where three Class 12 students from Ludhiana, developed ‘Prithvi Rakshak’—a smart vermicomposting system that transforms organic waste into valuable resources.

Created by Abhishek Dhanda, Prabhkirat Singh and Rachita Chandok, the solution uses sensors, modular compartments and intelligent controls to reduce composting time from nearly 90 days to around 30 days. The system produces nutrient-rich vermicompost, organic liquid fertilizer and compost sticks, making sustainable waste management practical for homes, farms and urban communities alike. “Our biggest learning was that empathy can be a design tool,” says Rachita Chandok.

Team Prithvi Rakshak

Beyond waste management, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow has also supported innovations focused on one of humanity’s most essential resources—clean water. Teams such as Eco Tech Innovator and METAL developed solutions aimed at improving access to safe drinking water and removing arsenic contamination from groundwater, earning incubation support to further advance their technologies.

Together, these innovators represent the core philosophy of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow: empowering young people to solve real-world problems through technology and entrepreneurship.

The programme continues to provide mentorship, incubation support and access to experts, enabling promising ideas to evolve into scalable solutions with the potential to create meaningful social and environmental impact.

As we mark World Environment Day, the journeys of these young innovators serve as a reminder that the solutions to some of our biggest environmental challenges may already be taking shape in classrooms, colleges and communities across India.

At Samsung, we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of changemakers whose ideas can help build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for all.

As Samsung marks 30 years in India, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow reflects a long-term commitment to empowering young people to become problem-solvers, innovators and entrepreneurs.

Building on four successful seasons, Samsung has now opened applications for Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2026.

Young innovators aged 14-22 can apply across four themes: AI Living for India, Health and Education, Environmental Sustainability, and Sport and Tech.

While travelling in an autorickshaw on the way to the hospital, her phone slipped from the seat and fell under the vehicle when it hit a ditch. The device was still functioning, but the display had been damaged — making it difficult to access essential documents and digital payments she needed for her hospital visit.

With little time to spare before her 10 AM consultation, she arrived at the nearby Samsung service centre hoping for a quick solution.

Anooja explained the urgency of the situation — her medical appointment was just minutes away, and her phone held important health records and access to payment apps.

After carefully examining the device, the service team confirmed that the display needed replacement. While repairs usually take some time, the team reassured her that they would do their best to help her continue her day without added stress.

Anooja NV at the Samsung Service Centre in Calicut

Understanding the situation, the customer care officer suggested that she proceed to the hospital without worry, while the team worked on repairing the device.

To ensure she remained connected and comfortable during her visit, a temporary handset was arranged so she could stay reachable and access essential services.

Relieved, she left for her appointment, reassured that her device was in safe hands.

Back at the service centre, the engineer immediately began working on the phone. The display was replaced, and all key functions — including touch responsiveness, camera, network connectivity, fingerprint recognition and battery performance — were thoroughly tested to ensure everything was working perfectly.

Within 57 minutes, the device was ready.

As she completed her consultation, she received a call informing her that the phone had been repaired — just in time for her return.

Switching on the device, she found everything working smoothly again.

“You have saved my time,” she said. “This is truly satisfying service. Thank you for going beyond your duty.”

Before she left, the team presented her with a small potted plant — a simple gesture symbolising care and new beginnings.

Moved by the thoughtful experience, Anooja later shared her feedback.

“I am really impressed with the service centre. The staff behaviour and the ambience were very good. I had accidentally dropped my phone and felt choked up and confused. However, the service team treated me very well. Their support and professionalism were excellent. They even gave me a lovely gift, which made the experience even more special,” said Anooja.

A month since then, Anooja is a happy mother of a newborn, marking a beautiful chapter in her life.

Sometimes, meaningful experiences are shaped by small moments of understanding — a reassuring conversation, a timely solution, or a gesture that brings comfort when it is needed most.

Because in the end, care is not always about grand actions — often, it is about being present at the right moment.

Strengthening its community engagement in Tamil Nadu’s key manufacturing corridor, Samsung India today announced a new skill development initiative for women in the Sriperumbudur region, aimed at enhancing livelihood opportunities and supporting local economic participation.

Samsung has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children, India) to roll out a structured vocational training programme for 200 women from Santhavellore and Sirumangadu villages in Kanchipuram district.

The 12-week programme, scheduled between April and September 2026, will provide hands-on training in professional tailoring, followed by government-recognised certification. Participants will also receive sewing machines upon completion, enabling them to pursue income-generating opportunities and micro-entrepreneurship.

“Tamil Nadu has consistently been a leader in industrial development and skill creation. At Samsung, we are proud to contribute to this vision by enabling women in the Sriperumbudur region with skills that can drive self-reliance and entrepreneurship. Our focus is on creating long-term, sustainable impact at the grassroots, aligned with the state’s broader goals of inclusive economic growth,” said SH Yoon, President, Samsung Chennai Plant.

The programme is part of Samsung’s broader CSR commitment in India and reflects its continued focus on inclusive development in regions where it operates. Sriperumbudur, one of Tamil Nadu’s fastest-growing industrial hubs, has seen significant transformation over the years, and initiatives like these aim to ensure that local communities benefit from this growth.

By investing in grassroots skilling and women’s empowerment, Samsung is contributing to Tamil Nadu’s broader vision of inclusive industrial development and strengthening the socio-economic fabric of communities around its manufacturing ecosystem. Marking 30 years in India, Samsung continues to strengthen its commitment to advancing education and digital inclusion.

In the industrial belt of Sriperumbudur — a region that has transformed into one of Tamil Nadu’s most important manufacturing corridors — Samsung’s Chennai plant is quietly shaping another story of progress. Workers who began on the shopfloor have now stepped into leadership roles over time.

As Samsung completes 30 years in India, its long-term presence in Tamil Nadu reflects not only manufacturing scale, but sustained investment in people.

Several employees who joined as entry-level technicians have progressed into specialist and supervisory roles across procurement, utilities and production — demonstrating how structured training, internal mobility and mentorship are enabling upward career movement within the plant.

Rajaram S, Thamizh Selvi K, Karthick N and V Prabasan from Samsung Chennai Plant in Sriperumbudur

Growth Rooted in Opportunity

For Karthick N, an associate in the Indirect Procurement Team, the journey began as a Production Employee in the AC plant, working at a basic technician level. Like many early-career professionals, repetition sometimes brought moments of boredom. But instead of standing still, Karthick chose movement — learning new processes, exploring different responsibilities, and steadily reshaping his path.

“Every experience I learned made me progress,” he said. Structured learning interventions like CLAS and CDP training programmes became defining moments, helping transform consistency into confidence. Today, he speaks not just of career progression, but of purpose. “I feel proud to work for Samsung. My work has meaning.”

That sentiment echoes across the plant.

At Samsung Chennai plant, the Associate designation represents a significant career milestone earned through years of experience, skill-building, and formal assessment. Employees typically progress through multiple operator and technician levels over 12 to 15 years, gaining deep technical expertise and operational understanding.

Those who further invest in higher education can qualify for structured programmes such as Career Development Programme (CDP) and Career Level Assessment (CLAS).

At the heart of many such journeys lies reinvention.

Thamizh Selvi K, Associate in System Stock management Team, joined Samsung Chennai in 2007, fresh out of higher secondary education. For her, the job represented more than employment — it marked “the turning point” for her life and family.

Her early years in the PBA team were defined by skill-building and multi-stage exposure. Over nearly 15 years, she evolved from line operations to line management, guided by leaders who recognised both effort and potential. The Internal Job Posting (IJP) opportunity eventually opened the door to R&D — a long-held aspiration.

Even when the transition involved temporary financial adjustments during GET training, she chose belief over hesitation. “I saw it as the beginning of achieving my dream.”

Today, holding an MBA earned while working, she reflects on a journey built on perseverance, continuous learning, and organisational support. “If you have talent, commitment and a supportive work environment, opportunities will come.”

Similarly, when Rajaram S, Associate in Utility – Mechanical & Civil Team joined as a Technician, the transition into a new environment brought its own learning curve. What stands out most in his memory is not the challenge, but the support. “The guidance from managers and the team gave me confidence,” he said.

Over time, his responsibilities expanded — from basic duties to planning, coordination, and team leadership. Continuous pivotal assignments proved to be breakthroughs, allowing Rajaram to demonstrate his capabilities on a larger stage. “These opportunities helped me grow technically and personally. Today, I make decisions with greater confidence.”

Growth, here, is rarely accidental.

Internal Mobility as a Pathway

For V Prabasan, Associate, Indirect Procurement, who joined almost two decades ago, in the CRT TV line, the plant initially felt like “a small family.” In those early years, with fewer teams and a single plant, collaboration came naturally. “Everyone felt like close friends,” he recalls.

What continues to shape his journey is the discipline embedded in the workplace culture. “Samsung’s standards brought more punctuality, discipline, and clarity to my life goals.” Encouraged to move beyond manual processes, Prabasan went on to develop an automated HS Code Management System, simplifying workflows within import purchase operations — a reminder that innovation is not confined to R&D labs.

Across these stories runs a common thread — not dramatic leaps, but steady progression enabled by training, mentorship, and a culture that encourages employees to stretch beyond defined roles.

Professional growth here is deeply personal.

For Karthick, it means security and happiness for his family. For Rajaram, maturity and confidence in decision-making. For Prabasan, discipline and clarity of vision. For Thamizh Selvi K, not just career advancement, but becoming an example for the next generation.

Their advice to newcomers is strikingly similar: stay curious, stay consistent, keep learning, prioritise safety, and trust the journey.

Because at Samsung Chennai plant, careers are not merely built.  They are grown — from within.

Samsung R&D Institute-India, Bengaluru (SRI-B) marked a special milestone this year with ‘Sarang’, its Annual Day celebration commemorating 30 years of innovation, growth and people. More than just an annual gathering, the event stood as a tribute to a remarkable journey shaped by vision, perseverance and purpose.

Long before Bengaluru became synonymous with technology and innovation, a small team of engineers began their journey in 1996 under Samsung India Software Operations — the original name of SRI-B. What started as a modest beginning, driven by curiosity and determination, has since evolved into one of the strongest innovation hubs within Samsung’s global technology ecosystem. Over the years, this early foundation grew into a centre known for breakthrough ideas and reimagined technologies, reflecting the powerful synergy of Korean ambition and Indian passion.

From contributing to the world’s first 3G, 4G and 5G releases to supporting Make in India initiatives and delivering flagship innovations for Galaxy S series and Z series, SRI-B has consistently driven meaningful progress. Those early years were defined by experimentation, long hours and an unwavering spirit to build something enduring — a spirit that continues to define the centre today.

Sarang brought this extraordinary journey to life in a visually captivating way. The evening began with inspiring remarks from Mohan Rao Goli, Managing Director, SRI-B, whose address reflected on the past, celebrated the present and envisioned an even more ambitious future. Nearly 2,000 employees attended the celebration, which featured a breathtaking sand art performance illustrating SRI-B’s story.

“Over the past three decades, we have achieved remarkable growth by embracing technological advancements, anticipating change, and delivering innovations that seamlessly integrate into people’s everyday lives. While technology serves as a powerful enabler, it is our people who remain the true catalysts of this transformative journey. Every breakthrough and milestone stands as a testament to the creativity, ideas and passion of our teams. As we celebrate this significant occasion, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to SRI-B’s journey. I look forward with confidence and optimism to the years ahead, and I hope that three decades from now, we will once again come together to celebrate our shared passion, innovation and success”, said Mohan Rao Goli, CVP and Managing Director, SRI-B.

The event also showcased vibrant performances — from a music jam session by leaders and stand-up comedy by Sumukhi Suresh to energetic dance and musical acts by employees and leadership alike. Annual awards recognising SRIBians for their exemplary contributions were also announced. Altogether, the evening seamlessly blended celebration, excellence and passion.

Beyond the performances and festivities, Sarang highlighted a deeper purpose. One of the most memorable moments of the evening was seeing students from a government school in Kolar walk the ramp alongside SRI-B leaders. During the ceremony, leaders were joined on stage by students from the school supported by SRI-B this year — not as beneficiaries, but as equals. The walk symbolised Samsung’s core ethos: leadership is at its best when it walks with the future, learning from it and enabling it.

SRI-B also acknowledged its extended support ecosystem, including teams from Suwon, Seoul and Samsung’s Global R&D Centres (GRCs), whose collaboration has been integral to this journey.

Samsung’s people-centric philosophy has always been one of its greatest strengths, and Sarang beautifully reaffirmed this commitment. More than an event, it was a heartfelt expression of gratitude, unity and forward momentum.

As the lights dimmed and applause filled the venue, one thing was clear: the story that began with a handful of engineers in 1996 is still being written — and its most exciting chapters lie ahead.

Before sunrise each day, buses roll out across villages and townships around Kancheepuram district, carrying hundreds of women to one of Tamil Nadu’s largest electronics manufacturing hubs — the Chennai plant of Samsung India.

On the shop floor, amid assembly lines and testing units, these women are doing more than building devices. They are building futures.

This year marks three decades of Samsung’s presence in India — a journey often measured in products, innovation and exports. But inside its Chennai facility, another milestone is visible: the growing number of women shaping the factory floor and redefining what manufacturing looks like in Tamil Nadu.

For Kavya, part of the employee relations team, the plant is a space of growth. With a background in psychology, she works closely on employee well-being initiatives.

“Here, I’ve learned and evolved,” she says. “Colleagues become friends. The workplace feels like family.”

For Sangeeta, who has spent around a decade at the plant, the turning point was transportation. Long commutes once meant stress and safety concerns. Company-arranged door-to-door buses changed that.

“It gave me confidence,” she says. “When travel is safe, you can focus on your work.”

[L-R] Sangeetha and Rekha from Samsung Chennai Plant have spent over a decade there.

Across Tamil Nadu’s industrial corridors, safe commuting has quietly become a key enabler for women entering manufacturing roles.

Then there is Rekha from the Visual Display line who has been with Samsung Plant in Chennai for last 18 years. Her motivation is simple: her mother.

“I want to give her everything she ever wished for,” she says.

Two decades of stable employment has allowed her to support her family with dignity — a sentiment echoed by many first-generation industrial workers in the region.

As Tamil Nadu strengthens its position as an electronics manufacturing powerhouse, the image of the factory floor is evolving. In Sriperumbudur, women are present all across production, quality control and operations — contributing not just to output, but to communities.

Three decades into its India journey, the company’s progress in Chennai is reflected not only in scale, but in stories of independence, safety and self-belief — one shift at a time.

For 30 years, Samsung’s story in India has been written not only through products, plants and patents, but through the people who have built the company—step by step—alongside the country’s own transformation.

From factory floors and R&D labs to sales networks, design studios and corporate teams, Samsung India’s growth has been powered by a culture where employees feel trusted, challenged and proud to contribute. As Samsung marks three decades in India, the company’s workplace identity has become deeply rooted in opportunity, learning and purpose—making it a destination for talent that wants to create impact at scale.

A Culture Built on Trust and Ownership

Across Samsung India, careers are shaped by capability and curiosity. Employees are encouraged to take ownership early, collaborate across teams and build solutions that solve real-world problems.

“Samsung always gave me responsibilities that made me feel truly empowered,” said Sheetal Sharma, General Manager, R&D Product Development Planning from SRI Delhi.

“That trust pushed me to think beyond my role—to think like an innovator, not just an engineer. Over the last 22 years, I have grown with Samsung from the embedded systems era to AI-driven TVs, constantly evolving as a technologist and innovator.”

For many, that sense of ownership is what turns a role into a long-term journey—one that spans businesses, geographies and leadership pathways.

Innovation from India, for the World

Samsung India today is home to one of Samsung’s largest R&D ecosystems outside Korea, supported by world-class manufacturing and design capabilities. For professionals, this means building technology that touches millions—and often billions—of lives.

“Building intelligent, personalised experiences for Galaxy AI has been a profoundly enriching experience,” said Tarun Gopalakrishnan, General Manager, R&D Product Development Planning from SRI Bangalore.

“Our aim has been to identify new ways to boost user productivity and personalise experiences to suit users’ lifestyles.”

He added that the scale of impact brings unmatched pride.

“When billions of users worldwide engage with these features, it’s incredibly rewarding and motivating for us and the global cross-functional teams we work with.”

That feeling is echoed strongly within Samsung’s Bangalore innovation teams.

“Today, knowing that solutions built in India power devices worldwide is deeply motivating,” said Vishal Bhushan Jha, Senior Chief Designer, Interaction Design from SRI Bengaluru.

“Seeing how your work takes wings in the real world—especially when customers experience joy through it—is truly unexplainable.”

Inclusion That Employees Can Feel Every Day

Over the years, Samsung India has sharpened its focus on creating a workplace where people from diverse backgrounds can thrive—strengthening participation and growth for women across manufacturing, R&D and leadership roles.

“For me, inclusion at Samsung isn’t just a policy—it’s visible in how teams function,” said Kusum Rawat, Assistant Manager, Employee Relations, Samsung Noida Plant.

“Samsung fosters a culture that continuously motivates its employees.”

For teams on the ground, pride comes from being part of a company that evolves with them.

“The trust Samsung places in me and my colleagues, along with its constantly evolving technology and innovation, keeps me deeply connected to the brand,” said Senduran NS, Director, Production Procss Management, Samsung Chennai Plant.

Purpose Beyond the Workplace

Samsung’s people-first culture extends beyond the organisation into the communities where it operates. Through its CSR vision Together for Tomorrow – Enabling People, Samsung has positively impacted over 1.5 million beneficiaries across India through education, innovation, skilling and social inclusion.

“Being part of Samsung means contributing to something larger than yourself,” said Kamal Sharma, Director, HME, Samsung India.

“Our work—whether inside the office or in communities—is connected by the same goal of enabling progress. When Nanum kiosks were set up in our office, it gave employees like me an opportunity to directly support the education of 200 children, creating a deep sense of purpose.”

A Workplace That Grows with Its People

As Samsung India steps into its next decade, the focus remains on strengthening leadership pipelines, future-ready skills and an environment where innovation is built on collaboration, well-being and trust.

“Thirty years on, Samsung feels like a place that is continuously building for the future,” said Vikas Gupta, Chief Manager, Treasury, Samsung India.

“Here, people truly matter. Individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to achieve excellence—it feels like a big family that continues to grow stronger every day.”

For employees who have grown alongside the organisation, pride comes from being trusted to evolve—again and again.

“Samsung enabled me to keep learning, take greater responsibility and grow alongside its ambition,” said Pankaj Mishra, Chief Technical Officer & Vice President, Software R&D, SRI Delhi.

From its early years in 1995 to becoming one of India’s most trusted technology brands, Samsung’s journey has been inseparable from the people who have shaped it—engineers, technicians, creators, problem-solvers and leaders who believe that progress is strongest when it is powered by people.

And as Samsung celebrates 30 years in India, one belief remains constant: its greatest strength is—and will always be—its people.

Samsung Electronics today announced it will showcase new projects that, with the support of its C-Lab program, are innovating in a wide range of fields, including AI, robotics and digital health, at CES 2026, the world’s largest consumer electronics and IT exhibition, running Jan. 6-9.

At CES, Samsung will operate a dedicated C-Lab exhibition area to support the startups’ expansion into the global market. It will be located in Eureka Park at the Venetian Expo, the designated startup zone of CES, where participating startups will showcase innovative technologies.

“Samsung supports C-Lab startups through CES as a platform to validate innovative technologies and build momentum for global growth,” said Byoung Chul Lee, Vice President and Head of the Creativity & Innovation Center at Samsung Electronics. “This year, expanded participation from regional startups highlights the continued evolution of the C-Lab ecosystem.”

C-Lab Outside: 15 Startups That Include AI, Robotics and Digital Health

This year, C-Lab will feature 15 startups, including eight startups directly incubated by Samsung Electronics through the C-Lab Outside program, four from the Samsung Financial Networks-operated Samsung Financial C-Lab Outside, two from Samsung Electronics’ internal venture program, C-Lab Inside and one that was jointly incubated by Samsung Electronics and the Daegu Creative Economy Innovation Center.

Record Participation of Regional Startups

Since 2023, Samsung has expanded C-Lab Outside to the Korean cities of Daegu and Gwangju, as well as the Gyeongbuk province. The program identifies and supports promising startups to strengthen regional startup ecosystems, then provides workspace, stage-based consulting and opportunities to collaborate with Samsung and its affiliates. This allows startups to grow without relocating to the much larger city of Seoul and fosters a sustainable local innovation cycle.

To date, 40 regional startups have been incubated through this initiative, contributing to the revitalization of regional ecosystems and laying the groundwork for future global unicorns.

At CES 2026, seven startups from Daegu, Gwangju and Gyeongbuk will participate, marking the largest-ever presence of regional C-Lab startups at CES.

Regional Startup Achievements Continue to Grow

Repla, a plastic recycling startup from C-Lab Outside Gyeongbuk, received a CES 2026 Innovation Award for its Puri-Checker, a device that analyzes plastic composition ratios.

“For a regional startup, collaborating with a global company like Samsung has been a valuable opportunity,” said Dong-eun Seo, CEO of Repla. “Plastic recycling is a global challenge and CES provides an important platform to explore international market opportunities.”

The seven participating regional C-Lab startups are as follows:

• Stress Solution (Gyeongbuk): An AI-based personalized mental care sound creation solution
• Deepscent (Gwangju): An AI-powered digital scent solution tailored to every space
• Elevenliter (Daegu): AI-powered diagnostics for progressive diseases in pets
• AunionAI (Gwangju): A web-based AI solution for automated multilingual dubbing and subtitles with expressive voices and sound effects
• Repla (Gyeongbuk): Enzyme-purified recycled plastic, free of impurities
• Univa (Daegu): An on-device multimodal large language model solution
• 10kM.ai (Daegu Creative Economy Innovation Center): An enterprise AI video production solution that can generate, edit and monetize videos

C-Lab Inside Showcases AI-Driven Internal Ventures

Every year since 2016, Samsung has used CES to showcase projects from C-Lab Inside, gauging global market response and validating business potential.

This year, two AI-driven projects evaluated highly for their innovation, global scalability and completeness will be exhibited:

• ChronoMix: An AI solution for object-centric video composition
• EZ Reco: A generative AI platform that makes electronics recommendations based on expert knowledge

Expansion of C-Lab to Affiliates, Including Financial Startups

Reflecting the expansion of Samsung’s open innovation model across its affiliates, four startups from Samsung Financial C-Lab Outside will participate in CES for the first time. This participation enables startups across various industries to seek new global collaboration opportunities by leveraging Samsung’s incubation experience. The Samsung Financial C-Lab Outside startups are as follows:

• Selectstar (Samsung Life Insurance): Copyright-cleared datasets and an all-in-one AI evaluation platform
• Datumo (Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance): Cyber risk modeling to quantify and reduce the financial impact of cyberattacks
• WINNING.I (Samsung Card): Next-gen identity verification (eKYC) powered by simultaneous fingerprint and face biometrics
• Pillsang (Samsung Securities): Real-time phishing (scam/fraud) detection solution using on-device AI

C-Lab Startups Win 17 CES 2026 Innovation Awards

C-Lab startups have received a total of 17 CES 2026 Innovation Awards, including two Best of Innovation Awards, as announced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).

Both Best of Innovation Award recipients — MangoSlab and StudioLab — originated from C-Lab Inside and later spun off as independent startups, reaffirming the technological excellence and growth potential of Samsung’s internal ventures.

What began as an informal conversation platform over a cup of chai, coffee, or a plate of snacks has grown into an integral part of Samsung’s employee culture. ConnectX is not just about meetings; it’s about moments. These sessions have brought to life inspiring personal stories, heartfelt anecdotes, and laughter, helping employees and leaders see each other as people first.

A Journey of Conversations & Care

From its very first session, ConnectX was envisioned as a platform where employees could go beyond work to know their leaders—their journeys, families, and life experiences. Equally, leaders gained first-hand insights into the diverse perspectives, aspirations, and challenges of their teams across business functions.

Over time, ConnectX has become a bridge between leadership and employees. What started with the CEO has now cascaded across the organization. Today, both business heads and divisional leaders host monthly ConnectX sessions across India, ensuring employees from different regions and backgrounds feel heard and valued.

ConnectX in 2025

This year alone, Samsung has held over 32 leadership connects across pan-India locations. These gatherings have brought together employees ranging from Gen Z new joiners and management trainees to long-service awardees, women professionals, recognition winners & other employees.

“Through ConnectX, we wanted to create a space where leaders and employees could connect as people, not just colleagues. These sessions are about listening deeply, celebrating achievements, sharing our vision, and building trust. The feedback and stories we hear at these connects are invaluable, and they remind us that Samsung’s culture is at its strongest when dialogue is open and bonds are personal,” said Rishabh Nagpal, Head of People Team, Samsung Southwest Asia.

The Spirit of ConnectX

For employees, the program has been a chance to feel closer to leadership and to Samsung’s broader journey in India. For leaders, it has been a platform to convey their approachability, gather grassroot feedback, and align teams with the company’s vision for the future.

Looking Ahead

As ConnectX continues to grow, it reflects Samsung’s commitment to listening, caring, and connecting with employees at every level. Beyond strategies and goals, these sessions remind us that what truly powers Samsung’s success is its people. At its heart, ConnectX is about building bonds that last beyond the workplace, beyond titles, fueling a culture of belonging and togetherness.