A sharply defined subject against a softly blurred background creates a sense of depth long associated with professional camera lenses. Researchers have continued to explore ways to achieve this effect in smartphone video.

With the Galaxy Z series, Portrait Video recreates the distinctive depth and Bokeh¹ of a large-aperture lens.² To make this possible, Samsung Research analysed the optical characteristics of actual camera lenses and developed AI-powered video processing technology, while the MX Business optimised it for the device.

Samsung Newsroom spoke with YoungGeol Kim of the Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research and Sang-uk Park, responsible for camera development at the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, about how Portrait Video evolved from a research concept into a Galaxy camera feature.

A New Level of Depth in Portrait Video

Q. What is Portrait Video? What has changed with the latest Galaxy Z series?

Park: Portrait Video keeps the main subject in focus while softly blurring the background, creating a cinematic look that makes the subject stand out.

On the Galaxy Z series, the degree of blur changes naturally based on the distance between the subject and background. Small background lights appear as soft, rounded Bokeh, much as they would through a large-aperture lens. This allows users to draw attention to the subject and capture videos with greater depth and atmosphere using just a smartphone, without the need for separate professional equipment.

Users can also shift the focus to a different subject or adjust the blur level after filming.

Q. What inspired the technology behind Portrait Video?

Kim: Photography has been my hobby for 25 years. That passion led me to camera technology research and development and sparked a lasting interest in the unique visual character of lenses.

As smartphone cameras advanced rapidly, photography benefited from a range of new features and improvements in image quality. Video evolved quickly as well, but I saw further potential in recreating the depth and background rendering of professional camera lenses. We proposed the idea during the research stage, just as the MX Business was exploring ways to help users create professional-looking videos more easily, paving the way for joint development.

Q. How did the teams collaborate to turn Portrait Video into a camera feature?

Kim: Existing solutions alone weren’t enough to achieve the natural lens rendering we wanted. At the time, Samsung Research’s technology was still in the research stage, so applying it to a product was not an easy decision. Even so, the MX Business recognised its potential and decided to commercialise it.

From there, full-scale testing and refinement began. We evaluated the technology on actual devices and exchanged feedback, turning it into a camera feature for users.

Park: To prepare the feature for real-world use, we had to shoot countless videos under a wide range of conditions and validate the results. Since the feature is centered on people, experts from both teams even served as models and filmed one another. We focused particularly on how naturally subjects were separated from their backgrounds and whether the blur and Bokeh looked right at different distances.

As we filmed each other, reviewed the results together and continued our discussions, what I remember most is how noticeably the results improved.

Large-Aperture Lens Rendering on Smartphones

Q. What is the key technology that takes Portrait Video to the next level?

Kim: The key is technology that recreates the distinctive look of large-aperture professional camera lenses in smartphone video. We used AI and optical analysis to make this possible.

Simply blurring an image is not enough to reproduce the depth and natural background rendering of a professional camera. Conventional blur softens an image by blending surrounding colors, but a large-aperture lens works differently. The degree of blur changes naturally based on the distance between the subject and background, while bright points of light spread into Bokeh that retain their shape and brightness. The shapes and textures of these out-of-focus areas are known as bokeh.

This requires accounting for both subject-to-background distance and how light spreads through an actual camera lens.

Recreating this effect on a smartphone required two elements. First, we analysed how light spreads through a real large-aperture lens and the resulting bokeh characteristics, then converted the results into data. We combined this with AI-estimated distance information for the scene, allowing the system to adjust the degree of blur and bokeh size based on the distance between the subject and background.

Q. What technical challenges did the teams face when creating blur and bokeh on smartphones?

Kim: The biggest challenge was naturally rendering complex boundaries between the subject and background, such as hair or eyeglass frames. On smartphones, AI-estimated distance information alone isn’t sufficient to accurately distinguish fine boundaries. Even a small error can blur strands of hair or leave parts of the background sharp, making the subject look unnaturally cut out.

To address this, we combined AI-estimated distance information with boundary information from the original footage, allowing for natural separation between the subject and background even around fine details such as hair.

Park: Maintaining consistent results across different shooting conditions — including weather, lighting, subject movement, and distance — was crucial. We repeatedly filmed under a wide range of conditions and reviewed the results, improving unnatural elements through software optimisation and additional AI training data. Building on Samsung Research’s technology, image quality experts from the MX Business also evaluated the results from a user perspective, further refining the feature.

Q. What did it take to make this complex video processing reliable and ready for use on the Galaxy Z series?

Kim: The biggest hurdle was reducing power consumption and heat generation without compromising quality. Video is a rapid sequence of images, so processing 4K video in real time requires significant computation.

That meant we had to prioritise. We preserved the processing essential to image quality while reducing computation in areas where users were unlikely to notice a difference.

As a result, we struck a balance between natural lens rendering and real-time processing, ensuring stable, efficient performance even during extended recording.

More Freedom in Video Creation

Q. What are some tips to help users get the most out of Portrait Video?

Kim: To make bokeh stand out, look for scenes with bright light sources against a relatively dark background. Sunlight sparkling through leaves, Christmas lights, or streetlights at night can spread softly into circular Bokeh, creating a more atmospheric look.

When filming a person, it’s best to avoid strong light from the front. Instead, position the light source behind or to the side of the subject. This can softly illuminate the subject’s hair and contours while making the background Bokeh more prominent. Reflected light or ambient sources like streetlights can help keep the face from getting too dark for a more balanced result.

Q. What reaction would you most like to hear from people who have tried Portrait Video?

Park: I’d like users, creators, and video professionals to be surprised by how easy it is to create cinematic video on a smartphone. I hope the natural blur, Bokeh, and post-capture editing features give them greater freedom to achieve the look and feel they want.

Kim: Ultimately, I hope people feel they no longer need to carry a separate professional camera. We will continue advancing the underlying technologies so they can create cinematic videos with just a smartphone.

Bringing the cinematic shallow depth of field and light rendering of professional camera lenses to smartphone video required extensive testing and collaboration to turn a research concept into a reliable product feature. Developed through the combined expertise of Samsung Research and the MX Business, Portrait Video expands the Galaxy video experience, giving users more ways to realise their creative vision.

1. The shape and texture of blur in out-of-focus areas, often seen when small points of light appear as circular highlights. ︎
2. A lens with an aperture that can open wide to let in more light, making it well suited for keeping the subject sharp while softly blurring the background and rendering bokeh highlights. ︎

This year’s International Women’s Day is centred around the theme of ‘Give To Gain’, celebrating the power of support and generosity. What does this mean to you?

The theme of ‘Give To Gain’ resonates deeply with me. At Samsung, I’ve experienced the transformative power of support by investing in each other.

We create a two-way culture of trust and growth that benefits everyone, for now and for the future. We actively encourage our colleagues to ‘pay it forward’— a principle that aligns perfectly with this year’s theme.

An example of this is our CSR team’s partnership with Benevity, where every SEUK employee is entitled to three paid volunteering days, allowing us to give back to our communities while fostering a sense of shared purpose.

Through all of our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), we aim to create opportunities to support each other, to acknowledge what is going well and to collaborate on moving the dial in areas where we need to improve.

Whether it’s through mentorship, advocacy, or simply being there for one another, we believe that giving generously creates a ripple effect of positive change.

Looking back, has there been a defining moment that changed how you saw your own potential or what you were capable of?

I have two defining moments that reshaped my understanding of my potential. The first was when I stepped away from a 20-year career as a professional dancer, unsure of what my future held. With little confidence in my next steps, I took a leap of faith and started my own business, supporting other mums with young children by providing them with Virtual Assistant work, to fit around family life.

At the time, this concept was still very new, but it allowed me to channel my skills and creativity into something meaningful. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability.

The second defining moment came when I joined Samsung. Initially, my confidence was not at a high level, but everything changed when a manager told me how much she believed in me. Her trust in my abilities gave me the courage to take on new challenges and expand my role within the company.

Additionally, a mentor helped me recognise my talents and appreciate my own potential. This journey taught me that true drive comes from within, feeling comfortable in your own skill and to have belief in your skills and qualities rather than what you think might impress others.

Is there an idea or value that has guided you throughout your career, and why has this been so important to you?

The value of trust has been central to my career. I trust people until they give me a reason not to. In addition to trust, navigationhas been a core skill that has helped me progress. I’ve learned to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and take accountability for my growth.

This mindset has allowed me to adapt to different roles and responsibilities throughout my career, from starting as an EA and Admin team manager to growing into roles in Internal Comms, Events, Inclusion, and Health & Wellbeing.

I also believe in ‘equity for all’ and that ‘meritocracy’ must come first. These principles have been essential in creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

Can you share an experience where you had to push past a challenge or bias in your career, and what it taught you about leadership?

One of the most challenging experiences in my career occurred when a previous manager, from many moons back, created a negative and highly intense working environment, which was impacting my team.

When I addressed my concerns, I was told to “be more like a man,” a comment that initially shook me. However, I quickly responded by sharing my views on what it means to be a good leader, emphasising that gender is irrelevant to leadership effectiveness. I made it clear that empathy and understanding were not weaknesses but strengths that fostered collaboration and trust within my team.

This experience taught me the importance of not only standing up for myself but also advocating for a positive and inclusive workplace culture. It also highlighted the need in my view for managers to be held accountable for their leadership capabilities.

As a single mum, I’ve faced additional challenges, balancing personal and professional responsibilities. I don’t see work and home life as separate; they are intrinsically linked.

My experience reinforced my belief that true leadership is about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. It also strengthened my commitment to addressing biases and promoting equity in the workplace.

How do you support or mentor others in your team, and can you share an example of something that’s made a real difference for women at Samsung?

I actively mentor team members by encouraging them to be open about their aspirations. Supporting my team is not just a responsibility; it’s a position of honour. I believe that how my team feels at the end of each day is a reflection of the environment I want to help create and importantly, maintain.

One of the most impactful ways I’ve supported women at Samsung is by co-founding Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in the UK and in our European Office. The Black Lives Matter movement brought a harsh reality to our lives during difficult moments across the world, and also highlighted to me the importance of giving our colleagues a voice across all demographics. This led to the creation of the Women@Samsung ERG, which has grown from strength to strength over the past five years.

Through the group of strong women, we have addressed inequities, evolved our parental leave policies, and introduced a menopause policy. We’ve also partnered with Women@Tech to help raise the impact of equality initiatives within the tech industry, and helped promote the policy of increased flexible working options.

Our deep focus on creating opportunities for women has made a tangible difference in fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

Who or what inspires you today to continue pushing boundaries, and how does that influence the way you approach your work?

I’m inspired by the amazing women around me; my colleagues (especially the People Team) mentors, mentees, my coach and I have to mention my two wonderful teenage daughters Matilda and Delilah, who demonstrate and teach me more about resilience, creativity, and vulnerability every day. Their views, understanding and dedication – to the importance of driving change – motivates me to continue pushing boundaries in my work and career.

I also draw inspiration from external figures like Brené Brown and Jacinda Ardern. Brené Brown’s work on courage and empathy resonates deeply with me. Her insights have shaped my understanding of leadership as an act of connection and authenticity. Jacinda Ardern, with her compassionate and inclusive approach to leadership, also serves as a powerful example of how to lead with empathy and integrity.

What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received as a woman working in tech, and why has it stayed with you?

The advice that has stayed with me is to “trust yourself and your abilities.” This piece of wisdom has been crucial in navigating challenges and making decisions with confidence. It reminds me to believe in my potential and not be afraid to take risks or step out of my comfort zone.

In the tech industry, where biases and challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, this advice serves as a constant reminder to stay true to myself and my values.

What personal or professional goals are you most excited to pursue in the future?

I am excited about the future of the journey at Samsung, particularly in addressing discrimination in the workplace. This focus has the potential to take our efforts to new heights, fostering deeper understanding, tolerance, and education across the organisation. I am eager to continue to work with the global D&I team on future objectives, collaborating with my colleagues around the world to support their local endeavours and ensure that our initiatives are inclusive, impactful and aligned.

Looking ahead, I will continue advocating for policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion. Whether it’s through mentorship, education, or collaboration, I am committed to supporting the next generation of leaders and ensuring that everyone at Samsung feels valued and empowered.

What small actions can each of us take daily to create meaningful change?

Small actions like actively listening to others, offering support when needed, and advocating for inclusive practices can create meaningful change. Taking a pause before making decisions, especially regarding team progression or opportunities, ensures fairness and consideration. Everyday gestures of kindness and encouragement can have a lasting impact on individuals and teams.

Finally, please talk about how the Women@Samsung team are looking into the next five years, what do you feel will drive you all to continue to impact change and shape more role models within the next generation of female leadership at Samsung?

The Women@Samsung team is focused on attracting, retaining, and developing the amazing female talent we have at Samsung. Over the next five years, we aim to expand mentorship programs, amplify women’s voices through initiatives like International Women’s Day, and drive policies that support work-life balance. Our commitment to ‘Give To Gain’ will continue to inspire us to support one another and shape more role models for future generations of female leaders at Samsung.

To learn more about Samsung’s global Equality initiatives, please go to: https://www.samsung.com/global/sustainability/people/diversity-inclusion/

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 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

The technological competitiveness of these regional C-Lab startups continues to gain recognition.

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 cyber attacks
• 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.

Samsung welcomed the Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh MP to the Manchester Training Centre to discuss the growing heat pump industry and the opportunity for upskilling the workforce of the future, particularly around apprenticeships.

Minister Fahnbulleh spoke to Samsung Technical Degree Apprentice Joshua Long, who is currently in his third year of a Building Services Design Engineering Degree at London Southbank University while working on the design and specification of heating and cooling systems at Samsung.  The Minister also met with the Samsung Climate Solutions team and toured the training facility in Sale, learning about the range of products, training offered and future plans.

Collaboration between government and industry is central to hitting government targets for heat pump installs and reaching Net Zero by 2050. This is reflected in the current growth in installs, as February 2025 saw a 68% increase in Boiler Upgrade Scheme vouchers issued compared to February 2024.^[1] Training the workforce is essential to meet the rising demand and Samsung is committed to delivering continued growth in 2025 following an increase in its training numbers in the UK by almost 70% in 2024 compared to 2023^[2].

Minister Fahnbulleh said: “The figures for our Boiler Upgrade Scheme speak for themselves. Heat pump demand is rising rapidly, meaning we need a growing, highly-skilled workforce to deliver thousands more installations. It was fantastic to visit Samsung and hear from apprentices about the brilliant work being done to train the next generation of heat pump installers.”

Joshua Long commented: “I really valued the opportunity to meet the Minister and discuss why apprenticeships are such an important part of ensuring we have the skills needed for the transition towards Net Zero. For me, my apprenticeship has opened up a new career path to learn from my experienced colleagues as well as earn my degree. I chose this apprenticeship because I wanted to be part of the bigger picture of changing the way we use energy and heat our buildings in the UK. This is a really exciting time to join the sector, and I’m proud to be part of the growth and development of heat pumps.”

[1]https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/boiler-upgrade-scheme-statistics-february-2025

[2]Training data from internal records at Samsung Climate Solutions

No problem! My father was an airplane engineer and sometimes took me to his workplace where I saw all the stages that went into building an aircraft. This experience kick-started my fascination with industries that are constantly evolving and using technology to push the boundaries for what can be achieved.

What dreams and goals did you have growing up, and how did they influence your career path?

I have always been a sports fanatic – as a typical Canadian, I love skiing and ice hockey, but I also am a keen cyclist and sailed competitively for many years. I believe sports teach you passion, the importance of being a team player, and discipline – all skills that have served me well throughout my life. My love for sports led me to working for Nike previously, and in my current role, it gives me lots of opportunities to test our wellness products and features such as Samsung Health.  My favourite accessory is my Galaxy Watch!

Was there a particular turning point or pivotal experience that sparked your inspiration and set you on your current path?

Throughout my career, I’ve been attracted to brands that give their customers a better experience through innovation. I was part of the team that came up with introducing Wi-Fi connectivity at Starbucks – evolving it from a place where you can get a great cup of coffee to a space where you can connect and be productive. That experience showed me the impact innovation can have in completely transforming a business.

What motivated you to join Samsung, and how did you make the decision to become part of the team?

As someone who wants to be at the forefront of innovation, the opportunity to join Samsung was a complete no-brainer. I believe we are going through one of the most exciting phases of change in our history. The AI revolution is one of the most important technological shifts we’ll experience in our lifetime, and I’ve loved being part of the journey bringing this to customers.

Can you describe your current responsibilities at Samsung?

My role is all about putting the customer at the centre of our offering. When buying from us, our customers don’t see divisions; they see one brand. My role is to bring the strength of our ecosystem together for our customers – consumers and businesses –  so that we can help them get more out of their tech and their relationship with us..

This is done first through 360 brand campaigns and corporate storytelling that bring to life the value of our innovations to consumers. It also means working together with all our divisions and functional teams to keep enhancing all points in the consumer journey pre + post purchase. It lives in physical spaces such as our flagship retail space, Samsung KX, in London which shows the power of our ecosystem in one place, and online through our live commerce, ecommerce and social channels.

How has Samsung supported your personal and professional growth?

I am proud to be the executive sponsor of the UK ERG Women@Samsung – a brilliant collective of women who volunteer their time to make Samsung UK & Ireland a more inclusive workplace. In my first year at Samsung, I found it a warm, welcoming community and a chance to meet the inspiring women in our UK & Ireland team.

What is the most important keyword that keeps you motivated and inspired, and why does it resonate with you?

These are technically three – but I stand by ‘Power the Possible’. This can mean inspiring the best work in myself and team, as well as what we do every day when bringing our products to market. At Samsung, I believe our products help people live better lives – whether that’s running a business or a marathon!

What dreams or goals do you hope to achieve in the future, both personally and professionally?

I believe technology has the potential to achieve good in society and can level the playing field for underrepresented groups, and I  would love to do more in this space. I am a champion of our Solve for Tomorrow programme which supports and funds young people to develop their confidence and skills to use technology to solve societal problems. My ambition is for this programme to reach more young people and have even greater impact.

What advice would you like to share with the world to help them navigate their own inspiration journeys?

My advice is to build your tribe. Never underestimate the power of your network to lean on when you need coaching, inspiration or advice. Look out for networks such as Women@Samsung, or if they don’t exist build your own. There are so many brilliant women who have helped me in my career and I believe in the importance of paying it forward to the next generation.

LONDON, UK – March 07, 2025 – Samsung Electronics UK has announced the promotion of Annika Bizon to Mobile Experience (MX) VP of Product and Marketing, UK&I.

In this role, Annika will build on successes launching the Galaxy S25 series and growing the Galaxy AI userbase. Her responsibilities have included leading its Marketing & Omnichannel strategy, as well as the MX division in Ireland.

Her passion for putting the customer first has driven both consumer engagement and commercial success, strengthening Samsung UK & Ireland’s market share and brand perceptions across its Galaxy ecosystem.

Annika brings more than 20 years of experience to this new position. Prior to Samsung, she held senior roles at 20^th Century Fox and Three UK. Throughout her career, she has focussed on successfully transitioning brands to a digital-first approach, driving commercial success.

In her new role, Annika will spearhead Galaxy AI adoption, as well as innovation and development, alongside growing Samsung’s ecosystem proposition.

Annika said: “I am looking forward to taking on this new role and remain committed to providing our customers with the best experience, no matter who they are or what Samsung products they use. In partnership with my team, I will be focused on putting the consumer first, ensuring every touchpoint with our products and services is seamless and makes them proud to own Samsung.

Corporate Vice President – Mobile Division, Samsung UK & Ireland, Richard Chang, added: “As Marketing & Omnichannel Director, Annika has been dedicated to best-in-class customer experience and the leadership of our Irish business. Recently, she has also led the product team, developing category management as a key focus area. I look forward to working closely with her, delivering growth and mobile leadership.”

As announced earlier this year, Samsung’s official theme for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, ‘Open always wins,’ articulates the brand’s belief that with an open mind, every new experience becomes a meaningful achievement that opens up new perspectives and infinite possibilities. These three sports, each built with shared values and respect, embody the spirit of ‘Open always wins,’ and Samsung is committed to supporting their inspiring and close-knit communities.

“Surfing, skateboarding and breaking, though proudly unique, share a foundation,” said Stephanie Choi, EVP & Head of Marketing of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Open mindset to try new things, the determination to push the limits of what’s possible, and a culture of inclusivity that embraces everyone lie at the heart of each sport. These attributes are something we at Samsung are also passionate about, and we are honored to support these three organizations and their athletes and recognize their communities – not only as the countdown to Paris 2024 continues, but as they work to open their sports to the world every day.”

Samsung will engage WSL, SLS and PBT athletes and fan bases at key events on the Road to the Games. These partnerships will also come to life through a new collaborative initiative designed to spotlight the iconic figures and subcultures of each community, as well as their unique stories, which will be unveiled in April.

“We are proud to partner with Samsung to showcase our incredible athletes and their journey to Paris 2024 – and Tahiti,” said Tim Greenberg, WSL EVP, Content Strategy and Production. “Together we will celebrate surfing’s unique culture, communities, and athletes in this important and exciting year for the sport.”

“Our organisation was founded with the aim to foster the popularity and acceptance of street skateboarding worldwide,” said Matt Rodriguez, General Manager, SLS. “We live these values every day, and are so pleased to partner with Samsung, a brand that focuses on openness and inclusivity at its core. Together, we’ll strengthen our platform, support our community, and reinforce our shared belief in openness.”

“Over the past decade since our tour’s inception, we’ve witnessed an incredible evolution in our sport and culture,” said Chris Wright, also known as “CrosOne”, founder of PBT. “Big shoutout to the b-boys and b-girls who push the limits of creativity and self-expression every day. Now, we’re gearing up to make history with our Olympic debut, and we’re excited that Samsung is on board to amplify this pivotal moment in our sport’s journey.”

Additional details on the community initiative and partnership activities will be shared in the coming weeks.

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Olympic Games

Samsung has been a Worldwide Olympic Partner since the Olympic Winter Games Nagano 1998. For over 25 years, athletes and fans have trusted Samsung’s transformative mobile technology to share the Olympic spirit globally and continue to shape the digital future of the Olympic Games for Paris 2024 and beyond. The company’s commitment to the Olympic Movement soon faces its fourth decade of partnership and extends through Los Angeles 2028. Samsung’s purposeful innovations in the wireless communications and computing equipment category, including equipment that features artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality and 5G will change the way the world experiences the Olympic Games.

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Paralympic Games

Samsung is a Worldwide Partner of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in the wireless communications and computing equipment category. Starting from Paralympic Winter Games Torino 2006, the company has proudly supported the Paralympic Movement and enabled athletes and fans around the world to share the excitement and inspiration of the Games through Samsung’s transformative mobile technology. Samsung’s commitment to the Paralympic Games will extend through to Los Angeles 2028 and be celebrated through innovative mobile and computing experiences powered by purposeful innovations in the wireless communications and computing equipment category, including equipment that features artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality and 5G.

About World Surf League

The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfing. The WSL oversees surfing’s global competitive landscape and sets the standard for elite performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports. With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritises the protection of the ocean, equality, and the sport’s rich heritage, while championing progression and innovation. For more information, visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

About Street League Skateboarding

Since its inception in 2010, Street League Skateboarding (SLS) has propelled street skateboarding from a collection of independent standalone events to a renowned global series. As pioneers of street skateboarding’s premium qualification system and competition format, SLS offers an amateur-to-professional pathway and creates thrilling live events across the globe. The SLS Championship Tour is recognised as the world’s premier professional street skateboarding competition. Events take place on custom-built, one-of-a-kind, SLS-certified plazas in major cities around the world, with the best in the sport competing for the highest stakes. For more information, visit StreetLeague.com.

About Pro Breaking Tour

The Pro Breaking Tour stands at the forefront of elevating Breaking, hosting premier competitive events that celebrate the dance form’s artistry, athleticism, and cultural heritage. Through our meticulously organised competitions, we aim to provide a dynamic platform for breakers to showcase their talents, while fostering a community rooted in respect, unity, and creative expression. Our mission is to spotlight the vibrancy of breaking on a global stage, encouraging growth and appreciation for this dynamic element of hip-hop culture. For more information, visit ProBreakingtour.com.

Female leaders Deborah Honig (Chief Customer Officer at Samsung UK), Namrata Murglighar (Global Director Growth Marketing at LinkedIn), Angela Lillis (Senior Analytics Manager at Disney) and Michal Oshman (Bestselling Author and former Head of Culture at TikTok) took to the stage to discuss their career challenges and achievements.

The event at Samsung KX covered a range of topics from career ‘Zigzag’ moments to the importance of networking, providing attendees with tips and tricks on how to expand their skills across their career journey. Its closing Q&A session offered the chance to discuss various challenges that women may experience in the workplace, such as identity & authenticity, navigating career progression through parenthood, and imposter syndrome.

Deborah Honig, Chief Customer Officer at Samsung UK, said: “We believe in gender equality and equal opportunity, and are committed to collaborating across the industry and with our colleagues and partners to drive positive change. Together we can create an environment that supports, champions and empowers the incredible women around us, helping them to really succeed. This year’s International Women’s Day is about how we can invest in women to accelerate progress and we’re extremely proud of our employee resource group, Women@Samsung, for being at the forefront of this conversation. On International Women’s Day and in our day-to-day, let’s all pledge to spend more time helping the women around us realise their personal and professional ambitions.”

Women@Samsung strives to create a more diverse working culture. It aims to attract the best female talent to join Samsung UK, build an inclusive, supportive and engaged community, and support career planning and development for all the women at Samsung.

Happy International Women’s Day to all across the world.

For more information on Samsung’s approaches to welcoming diversity and inclusion visit:  Diversity & Inclusion | Samsung UK.

For more information on Samsung KX visit: Discover New Samsung King’s Cross Space | Samsung UK

LONDON, United Kingdom – January 9th, 2024 – Samsung Electronics UK has announced the appointment of Deborah Honig, its first-ever Chief Customer Officer.

With responsibility for delivering an innovative, customer-first experience, Deborah will span the breadth of Samsung’s business offerings, bringing its product technology together on both a functional and emotional level.

Samsung is uniquely positioned as a global technology company with its ecosystem of products and services to help revolutionise the way people live and engage in the world. Deborah will be tasked with evolving the overarching brand offering here in the UK and with this in mind, helping to define its purpose in the everyday for work, rest and play.

Deborah joins Samsung UK with extensive global experience at the executive level and a track record of success in building high-performing teams whilst delivering innovation and growth across a number of consumer facing sectors. She spent the first part of her career as a management consultant at McKinsey where she was part of the consumer practice and advised global businesses on strategy, marketing and commercial leadership.  Deborah went on to work for some of the world’s most loved brands including Nike, Amazon, M&S and Starbucks.  She has been responsible for developing brands and customer propositions, developing strategic partnerships, leading retail businesses and building new omni-channel capabilities, and leveraging data and technology to transform how businesses serve the needs of their customers.

Speaking of her appointment, Deborah Honig, Chief Customer Officer, Samsung UK & Ireland said:

“From its rich cultural heritage to the breadth of innovative technology that our customers are using in their daily lives, Samsung is such an exciting brand to help steward and I’m thrilled to be joining the team.  Our technology puts the power into our customers’ hands and gives them tools to save time and money, bring joy to their homes and communities, and solve the problems that matter most to them.

“Throughout my career I’ve always put myself in the shoes of our customers to fully appreciate what they want and expect from a brand. I look forward to working with the fantastic team here at Samsung to deepen our connection with our customers, and help them get the most out of their technology and their relationship with us.”

Inha Cho, President, Samsung UK & Ireland said:

“On behalf of Samsung UK, I am thrilled to welcome Deborah as our first UK Chief Customer Officer.  She brings a wealth of experience from her strategic and commercial leadership roles at a number of world-class companies, and a unique understanding of UK consumers and the retail landscape. I am proud to have her by my side to drive transformational change across our brand communications, partner engagement and cross-divisional collaboration. Deborah will be key to us developing a more customer-centric culture, alongside building long-term loyal customers through more tailored and personalised relationships.”

London, UK – Dec. 29, 2023 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced it will be showcasing new innovative projects developed from its C-Lab program at CES® 2024, which runs from January 9 through 12. During the showcase, Samsung will highlight 15 startups and projects — the highest number the company has ever featured — at Eureka Park at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, the main exhibition space for startups at the world’s biggest tech show.

This year’s CES is expected to feature more than 1,000 startups and attract more than 130,000 visitors from around the world, including business executives, investors and media. At the event, Samsung expects startups from C-Lab to assess global market responses, strengthen their business feasibility and meet with investors.

“The goal of the C-Lab program is to elevate a platform for startups to grow and flourish,” said Pilgyu Jeon, Executive Vice President and Head of the Creativity & Innovation Center at Samsung Electronics. “CES is the perfect venue for these exciting companies and projects to show major tech players that they belong on the global stage.”

The C-Lab program was created in 2012 and since it was established, Samsung has nurtured a total of 872 startups and projects. This includes 475 through C-Lab Outside and 397 through C-Lab Inside. In particular, the 537 C-Lab startups (62 from C-Lab Spin-off and 475 from C-Lab Outside) have raised a cumulative total of $1 billion in investment.

C-Lab Outside: Ten Startups That Include AI, Energy and Healthcare Products

C-Lab Outside was created in October 2018, and startups selected for the program receive full support — including office workspaces, customised development programs and investment — along with business cooperation from Samsung Electronics. Dr.Tail, an online veterinary consultation service, has collaborated with Samsung Electronics to bring its services to Samsung Smart TVs^[1] and will be exhibited at the C-Lab booths at CES.

In addition to Dr.Tail, Samsung Electronics will exhibit nine other startups selected and supported by the C-Lab Outside program:

• RebuilderAI: AI solutions for fast and easy 3D content creation on smartphones
• Ghost Pass: decentralised remote biometric authentication solutions
• DEEPX: an NPU-based^[2] AI semiconductor
• Style Bot: a fashion recommendation service based on user-owned clothing data
• Vsion: a smart window with adjustable transparency
• DolbomDream: a smart, inflatable jacket designed to monitor the health of senior citizens
• 60Hertz: an AI-powered virtual power plant (VPP) solution
• Wrtn Technologies: a generative AI portal service
• NdotLight: a web-based collaborative 3D design platform

“We are excited to be part of C-Lab’s high-profile startup booth at Eureka Park,” said Sunkwan Lee, CEO of Ghost Pass. “Thanks to the support of Samsung C-Lab, we won the CES Innovation Award this year, which I think makes this year’s CES a good opportunity for us to take a step toward going global.”

Two C-Lab Inside Projects From Samsung Employees and Three C-Lab Spin-off Startups That Started at Samsung

Samsung has been exhibiting its C-Lab Inside projects at CES since 2016, and this year’s CES exhibit will feature two projects that are currently being fostered in-house. These projects are from the healthcare and pet-tech sectors and have been highly regarded for their innovation, marketability, and completeness:

• EARS: a healthcare platform that analyses brain waves captured by earbuds
• DumboCam: a pet training platform that utilises Vision AI

In 2016, Samsung Electronics introduced its C-Lab spin-off program, which allows C-Lab Inside projects with high market potential to be launched as fully-fledged startups. At CES 2024, three C-Lab spin-off startups — which initially started as C-Lab Inside projects — will showcase their innovative products in C-Lab booths:

• Yellosis: smart toilets and AI healthcare solutions based on measurement of liquid body waste
• Becon: AI-powered hair loss management solutions
• Goose Labs: metaverse home workout app with real-time motion-sensing avatars

C-Lab Startups Win 23 CES 2024 Innovation Awards

In November 2023, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) announced the winners of the CES 2024 Innovation Awards, including the award for Best of Innovation. Projects from the C-Lab program received one Best of Innovation Award and 22 Innovation Award Honorees.

Samsung is sharing its knowledge of winning CES Innovation Awards and entering the global market with the C-Lab startups, which has allowed them to find success. At CES 2024, 16 C-Lab Outside startups were named as Innovation Award Honorees. As for C-Lab Spin-off startups, one project received a Best of Innovation Award and four were named Innovation Award Honorees.

Specifically, STUDIO LAB — a startup spun off in 2021 — won the CES Innovation Award. The company’s products include Seller Canvas, an AI-based commerce detail page automation service, and Photo-bot, an automated commerce photography robot that combines AI and robotics.

Yellosis and DEEPX — two of the startups being exhibited at the C-Lab booths — each received Innovation Awards in three categories. Yellosis is a digital health startup spun off in 2020 that developed Cym702 Seat, a smart toilet that automatically measures liquid body waste and provides health management solutions. The company also developed Cym702 Circle, a smart toilet that simply measures glucose in liquid body waste in public restrooms. Yellosis won CES Innovation Awards in three categories, including Digital Health,Smart Cities and Product in support of human security.

DEEPX was founded in 2018 and develops edge AI chips for computational processing of AI algorithms such as deep learning-based object recognition, face/voice recognition, image classification and image quality improvement. DEEPX is the first AI semiconductor company to win CES Innovation Awards in three categories, including Embedded technology, Robotics and Computer hardware & components.

[1] Services will be available on Samsung Smart TVs released in the U.S. starting in 2024.

[2] A neural processing unit (NPU) is a microprocessor specialised for AI workloads and simultaneous operations.