Samsung has taken the time to talk to two facilitators and two top performing students who are in this year’s SIC programme. The discussion focused on obtaining perspective from facilitators and evaluating the students’ progress as well as the overall impact of this initiative on their lives. During the conversations, this is what the beneficiaries and the facilitators had to say:

One of the NMU facilitators for the SIC programme, Siseko Dano explained that his role involved delivering technical training, mentoring students and monitoring their progress. Throughout the SIC programme, Dano said: “My focus has been to create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and learning through experimentation.”

As facilitators, they are spending a great deal of time ensuring that every beneficiary of the programme has the opportunity to succeed. He added: “Students have shown genuine enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the programme. Attendance has generally been very good and many students go beyond the minimum requirements by completing additional practice and collaborating with their peers. It’s rewarding to see students who initially lacked confidence become increasingly independent and capable as the programme progresses.”

The second NMU facilitator in the SIC programme, Jason Macnamara echoed his colleague’s sentiments on the importance of the role they continue to play in improving the lives of these participating students. Macnamara said: “One of the main challenges that many young people experience is lack of access to structured, practical technology training. They may use technology daily, but that does not necessarily mean they have had the opportunity to learn coding, data analysis or how to build their own digital solutions.”

Macnamara believes that the SIC programme is able to help address this challenge by giving students practical experience in Python programming, algorithms, problem-solving, data processing, visualisation and dashboard development. SIC also develops these students’ communication and creativity skills, while also encouraging teamwork and collaboration through practical exercises and the recently held hackathon.

The facilitators have both indicated that some of the students have discussed some business ideas with them and are busy looking for ways to use their new found skills to earn an income. Another group of students have even discussed creating websites for companies or local businesses, while others have experimented with ideas such as tools that monitor internet performance and other digital services. A few of them have already secured employment, a positive development that motivates others.

Kamva Twala – an NMU student who is originally from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape is currently studying a postgraduate diploma in Cybersecurity – after he completed his Bachelor of Information Technology (IT) degree. He is studying further so that he can build a career in cybersecurity and software development.

Twala said that he applied to the SIC programme because he wanted to strengthen his technical skills and gain practical industry experience. Before joining the SIC programme, he had a solid academic foundation, but had limited exposure to industry-level development practices and collaborative software projects.

He said: “SIC has provided an opportunity for me to bridge that gap; by working on real-world challenges while learning from experienced facilitators. Being part of this programme has strengthened my Python programming skills, improved my problem-solving ability and I’ve now learnt how to approach software development in a professional environment.”

Twala also expressed how grateful he is to Samsung and NMU for creating opportunities that help students prepare for successful careers in the digital economy. Because of this SIC programme, he’s now also learnt some more critical skills that include the importance of collaborating with others and developing strong interpersonal skills, which are essential when working in diverse teams.

Another beneficiary of the SIC programme, Mihle Vika who also comes from Gqeberha in Kwa-Zakhele township is currently doing first year of her master’s degree in Information Technology (MIT). Vika became part of the SIC programme through NMU and the Mandela University Africa Hub’s memo calls.

According to Vika, the SIC programme has helped him to master his knowledge in Python, Streamlit and Data Analysis. Before the programme, these are modules that he found to be the most challenging in his second year of study. He expressed his gratitude to the facilitators of the programme and his lecturers who helped him find his passion.

Before the SIC programme, Vika explained: “I was discouraged to apply for internships because of their specific and stringent requirements, which mostly involve Python and data analysis. However, because I now have better understanding of how the code behind Python and Data Analysis works, I’m confident that I meet these industry requirements. These critical skills that I have acquired have helped me grasp the concepts more quickly and efficiently than ever before.”

Vika is encouraging others who have not yet been part of this SIC programme to not be held back by fear. Instead, to apply for what he believes is an opportunity to expand their skills and knowledge.

These testimonials are re-affirming Samsung’s committment to bridging the digital divide by empowering youth through its technology and 4IR-driven (forth industrial revolution) initiatives. This is all in an effort to equip youth with critical technological capabilities, entrepreneurship mindsets and workplace skills that can help prepare the future generation to lead and thrive in 4IR.

Taking place on 5 September 2026 at Crocodile Creek Polo Club, Lanseria, 947 Joburg Day, in partnership with Primedia, returns with the theme “Everyone’s a Headliner”, bringing together an electrifying line-up including some of South Africa’s hottest artists.

The only twist here is that being a headliner at a festival is about more than taking the stage. It is about being in the moment, capturing it and sharing it your way. And with the Galaxy Z8 Series, festivalgoers have a pocket-sized creative companion designed to help them do exactly that, hence everyone being a headliner.

From getting the perfect shot of your favourite artist to capturing the chaos of a group selfie, filming while dancing in the crowd or polishing content before posting it, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8 and Z Flip8 are built to turn festival moments into content worth every byte of your phone’s storage.

Unpacking the ultimate festival companions

The Galaxy Z Flip8 brings maximum portability to festival mode as Samsung’s slimmest and lightest flip device[1]. Compact enough to slip into a pocket or bag, it gives festivalgoers the freedom to move, dance and explore without feeling weighed down.

Its flexible form factor also makes quick interactions more convenient. Users can check what they need without opening the device, helping them stay connected while keeping their phone use discreet.

When the music starts, the Z Flip8 becomes a content-creation tool. FlexCam and hands-free capture make it easy to frame group shots and multi-angle selfies without needing a tripod or recruiting a helpful stranger. Its camera capabilities, including Nightography[2], zoom and Super Steady[3] video with Horizon Lock, help capture vibrant festival scenes, sharp low-light selfies² and smooth footage even when the crowd is moving.

And because festival days are long, battery life matters. From the first performance to the final encore, the Z Flip8 is designed to keep users connected, capturing content and sharing memories throughout the day[4].

Then there is the editing. With the Galaxy AI Suite, features such as Photo Assist[5] and Generative Edit[6] can help polish content on the go, giving users more time to put their phone down and get back to the music.

For those who want to take their festival content further, the new Galaxy Z Fold8’s passport-inspired shape could transport you to the best 947 Joburg Day experience yet. As Samsung’s lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet, it combines portability with an expansive experience, making it easier to view, create and share content while on the move.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 is also festival-ready, featuring an Armor Aluminium frame[7] and IP48 water-resistance rating[8], adding another layer of confidence when navigating the unpredictable conditions of a busy outdoor event.

Its camera experience is where the Z Fold8 really comes into its own. Hands-Free Flex Mode, Rear-Cam Selfies, My FanCam[9] Auto-Tracking, Super Steady and Horizon Lock work together to make capturing the action easier, whether users are filming themselves, their friends or the artist commanding the stage.

“Everyone’s a Headliner is a powerful idea because it reflects how people experience festivals today. You are not simply watching the show, you are capturing it, sharing it and creating your own version of the experience,” says Rae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing: Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa. “With Galaxy Z Flip8 and Galaxy Z Fold8, we are giving people the flexibility and creative tools to make their festival moments their own. Whether you want something ultra-portable that keeps up with you or a larger canvas that takes your content further, Galaxy Z8 series is ready for the day.”

At 947 Joburg Day, the stage may belong to some of South Africa’s biggest names, but the story belongs to everyone. With a Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8 or a Z Flip8 in hand, festivalgoers can capture the moment, create the content and become the content headliner.

When it comes to capturing those perfect festival moments, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra comes equipped and fit for purpose with a 200MP camera. Whether it’s taking pictures or recording videos, you can zoom in on your favourite artist and still get great images from the back of the crowd, demonstrating its ultra-level clarity and zoom capabilities. From the moment you arrive in the morning until the sun sets and night comes, the Z Fold8 Ultra is built to capture the entire festival experience, showing its versatility across different lighting conditions[10].

947 Joburg Day takes place on 5 September 2026 at Crocodile Creek Polo Club, Lanseria (Johannesburg), from 9AM.

[1] Compared to previous models.

[2] Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.

[3] Super Steady results may vary depending on editing method and/or shooting conditions.

[4] Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated capacity is 4174 mAh for Galaxy Z Flip8.

Estimated against the usage profile of an average/typical user Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, number of times charged and many other factors.

[5] Photo Assist is a Galaxy AI tool in the Gallery app that lets you move, resize, or delete objects, and turn simple sketches into photorealistic images. Photo Assist may require a network connection and Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language or device model. Photo Assist may result in a resized photo. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.

[6] Generative Edit is a Galaxy AI tool on supported Samsung devices that lets you resize, move, or remove objects, and auto-fill background spaces using artificial intelligence.

[7] Armor Aluminum frame does not include volume and side keys, SIM tray or camera lens barrel

[8] Based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Water resistance of device is not permanent and may diminish over time because of normal wear and tear.

[9] My FanCam feature requires a Samsung Account login. Availability may vary by video. Not supported if there is no subject to track. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[10] Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.

When the awards launched in 2022, the mission was simple: celebrate creators at a time when many still had to justify content creation as a legitimate career. Four years later, that conversation has changed.

Today, the awards recognise the country’s most influential creators, the brands and agencies investing in the space, and the work that continues to push the industry forward.

“As the creator economy has evolved, so have the awards,” said Manuela Dias de Deus, Founder of the Awards and Founder of One-eyed Jack. “When we launched these awards, we were celebrating brave pioneers who were proving that content creation could be a real career. Today we’re recognising world-class creators who are building businesses, influencing culture, driving commerce and setting global standards. Our responsibility has shifted from legitimising the industry to raising the benchmark for excellence. This is no longer about recognising creators for what’s possible. It’s about celebrating those who are setting the standard for the future of marketing, entertainment and entrepreneurship in South Africa.”

This year’s awards feature 20 categories, all refined to better reflect today’s creator landscape. Entry criteria have become more rigorous, with judging criteria developed in collaboration with the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB South Africa) to ensure greater consistency, credibility and industry alignment.

An exciting new category, the #CapturedWithGalaxy Award, was also announced at the launch and remains open for entries, giving creators one final opportunity to be recognised before entries officially close.

Open to creators of all niches, the category celebrates exceptional content captured on any type of Samsung Galaxy device. The winner will receive a Content Creator Award trophy, as well as a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 valued at approximately R40,999.

Entries close on 20 September.

Samsung Galaxy Announced As Headline Sponsor

Samsung Galaxy was officially unveiled as title sponsor, signalling the growing confidence major brands have in South Africa’s creator economy.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Content Creator Awards,” saidRae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing: Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa.“Creators are shaping culture, influencing purchasing decisions and redefining storytelling every single day. Samsung Galaxy exists to give creators the technology they need to tell those stories, and we’re excited to celebrate the incredible talent driving South Africa’s creator economy.”

The Awards Night

The winners will be announced at a spectacular gala evening on 17 October 2026 in Sandton.

Tickets for the awards are now available at https://www.quicket.co.za/events/391220-content-creator-awards-sponsored-by-samsung/#/.

Press Launch Highlights

The launch itself, hosted by Lesego Tlabi (Coconut Kelz), demonstrated the extraordinary momentum behind the awards, drawing one of the largest industry gatherings in the programme’s history.

2026 CONTENT CREATOR AWARDS NOMINEES

Public Voting Categories

Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year Award

Donovan Goliath SMS “COTY1” to 33622

Grace Mondlana SMS “COTY2” to 33622

Nadia Jaftha     SMS “COTY3” to 33622

Primo9teen       SMS “COTY4” to 33622

Vafa Naraghi    SMS “COTY5” to 33622

YouTube Creator Of The Year Award

Centtwinz SMS “YOUTUBE1” to 33622

Lasizwe SMS “YOUTUBE2” to 33622

Noko Mashaba SMS “YOUTUBE3” to 33622

Shev and Dev SMS “YOUTUBE4” to 33622

SMWX  SMS “YOUTUBE5” to 33622

Zayaan SMS “YOUTUBE6” to 33622

Cars.co.za Automotive Content Award

Chris Rogers SMS “CARS1” TO 33622

Mpoomy Ledwaba SMS “CARS2” TO 33622

Rory Petzer SMS “CARS3” TO 33622

Sam from TheCarScene SMS “CARS4” TO 33622

Shane Assad SMS “CARS5” TO 33622

Tebogo Moropa SMS “CARS6” TO 33622

Emerging Creator Award, backed by Creator Club

Anica Kiana SMS “EMERGING1” to 33622

Isaac Mehlape SMS “EMERGING2” to 33622

Sibo Mchunu SMS “EMERGING3” to 33622

Sine_rsa_ SMS “EMERGING4” to 33622

Socially Jordie SMS “EMERGING5” to 33622

People’s Choice Award

Anika Dambuza SMS “CHOICE1” to 33622

Garfieldzar SMS “CHOICE2” to 33622

Grace Mondlana SMS “CHOICE3” to 33622

Olwethu Ncapayi SMS “CHOICE4” to 33622

Tanaka Dube    SMS “CHOICE5” to 33622

Non-Public Voting Categories

Telkom Best Online Series Award

Awkward Dates by Lasizwe

Hungry & Shameless

Kickin it with Kim Jayde

SABS Network

The Adventures of Noko Mashaba

947 Sound of Tomorrow Award

Chesrae Megan

Carter Najar

Lordkez

Lukiemusic

Mikhalé Jones

Teagan’s Things

Dance Creator Award

Chad Jones

Benny Jnr

Ludopie

Rudi Smit

TDO Thando

Style Award

Kimos

Lue & Rue

Pumla Dineo

Wisemanzither

Yasmin Furmie

Best Online Social Series Award

Dalin Oliver

Nuri Gallow

Simo Ziqubu

Stefan van der Merwe

Vafa Naraghi

Zayaan

Best Creator x Brand Collaboration Award

Baxbara – Delicious Festival

Lukiemusic – #IAmOriginal88

Nabilah Kariem – Le Creuset

Nabilah Kariem – Samsung

Sni Mhlongo – Vaseline

Expert Voices Award

Bella Monsoon

Kriya Gangiah

Miss Angler

Stefan van der Merwe for We Do Tech

The Conscious Psychologist

Trendsetter Award

Anika Dambuza | The City Makoti

Grace Mondlana

Kim Jayde

Lingling

Primo9teen

Zayaan

Podcast of the Year Award

GenC Podcast

Mindset Profits

SMWX

The Makhs

The Sias du Plessis Show

Wisdom & Wellness

Impact Creator Award

Conrad Koch & Chester Missing

Joshwideawake

Shandor Larenty

Nick Hamman

Theshaya

Best Comedy Content Creator Award

Céline Tshika

Ikho

Sipho2skiits

Tanaka Dube

Titus Mokou

Wildcard Award

Lindosasmr

Nathan Molefe

Yombusoo Cthandiweii

Zinhle Africa

Thumb-stopping Award

Céline Tshika

Chris Rogers

Kaytee Shots

Planettobii

Vafa Naraghi

Notes to Editors

Awards Ceremony

17 October 2026

Sandton, Johannesburg

Official Partners

Samsung Galaxy – Title Sponsor

YouTube – YouTube Creator of the Year Award (TBC Category)

Telkom – Best Online Series Award

947 – Sound of Tomorrow Award

eVOD – Official Broadcast Partner

Cars.co.za – Automotive Award

The Creator Club – Emerging Creator Award Partner

One-eyed Jack – Founders and Official Marketing and Production Agency

Supporting Partners

Humanz – AI Data Analytics Partner

Ray-Ban – Official Eyewear Partner

About the Content Creator Awards

Now in its fourth year, the Content Creator Awards celebrate South Africa’s leading digital creators, alongside the brands and agencies helping shape the country’s rapidly growing creator economy. Registered as a non-profit organisation, the awards reinvest sponsorship and partnership revenue into initiatives that support education, collaboration and growth across the creator industry.

Don’t be left asking yourself if it’s “AI” (artificial intelligence) when you go online and see videos of your friends having fun at the Cube in your city.

At the heart of the Cube is the new Galaxy S26 series, powered by proactive and adaptive Galaxy AI[1] designed to assist in simplifying everyday tasks. Visitors get to see how the devices work quietly in the background to help them do more, faster and with less effort. They also learn how the new Galaxy Buds4 series, as a natural companion to the Galaxy S26 series, extends everyday experiences beyond the phone while delivering rich and immersive hi-fi sound.

The Hangouts Cube is an immersive, sensory-led journey built around the Galaxy S26 series. Through personalised moments and shared experiences, The Cube brings Galaxy AI capabilities to life in unexpected ways. It’s tangible, interactive, and it’s designed to be both seen and felt. And of course yes, it’s great for content.

Visitors Met Their Springbok Heroes

With Samsung proudly serving as the official mobile and consumer electronics partner to SA Rugby Union (SARU), innovation was not the only thing that drew the crowds to the Cube. As the Fourways Mall Cube concluded, guests were treated to a rare and exciting chance to meet some of their national rugby team heroes. Springbok lock and scrum-half, Ruan Nortje, and Morne van der Berg, made an appearance on Saturday, 7 March, to not only engage with both Samsung fans and passionate Springbok supporters, but also experience the latest Galaxy AI for themselves.

Experience Galaxy AI in Action

At the Cube, guests get hands-on with standout Galaxy S26 features, including:

• Agentic AI – Visitors can test themselves against Galaxy AI in a race against time and see how effortlessly it completes tasks.
• Privacy Display[2] – Visible to you, invisible to others. Experience Samsung’s first built-in AI Privacy Display on mobile, technology that protects your screen from prying eyes.
• Enhanced Nightography Video[3] – Step into the “carousel in a box” and witness how the Galaxy S26 captures moving light in low-light conditions with stunning clarity.

Every station is designed to show how AI moves from being a feature to becoming a true everyday companion.

The Galaxy S26 series is available in Cobalt Violet, White, Black and Sky Blue at these recommended retail prices:

• Galaxy S26 Ultra from R30,999[4]
• Galaxy S26+ from R25,999⁵
• Galaxy S26 from R20,999⁵

Until 26 April, these venues will be a portal into the Galaxy AI-powered future. Miss it, and you’ll hear about it from someone who didn’t.

[1] Samsung Account login may be required to use certain AI features. Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features. Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary depending on the region/country, OS/One UI version, device model and phone carrier.

[2] Privacy Display feature controls the screen’s viewing range to limit peripheral vision. Some changes in image quality may occur outside the viewing range. When activated, some information may still be visible to others depending on the viewing environment, such as angle or brightness. Caution is advised when exposing sensitive information.

[3] Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.

[4] Recommended retail price only. Prices may vary per retailer.

Save the date – Saturday, 28 March 2026 – and join us at the beautiful Sandringham Farm in Stellenbosch from 9am to 7pm for a day full of sunshine, family fun, and unforgettable music, brought to you by Samsung and Kfm 94.5.

These latest artists add exciting textures to an already packed line-up, joining the likes of pop sensation Will Linley, soulful veterans Liquideep, commanding vocalist Ard Matthews (Just Jinjer), heartfelt Msaki, lyrical dynamo YoungstaCPT, and crowd favourite Booshle G. This carefully crafted bill promises a rich and diverse musical journey for everyone attending.

Hennie Myburgh, Kfm 94.5 Station Manager, says: “Welcoming Lordkez, Templeboys and DJ Kent adds exciting new dimensions to Galaxy KDay 2026. Sandringham Farm provides a stunning backdrop for these extraordinary artists to connect with our Western Cape audiences. Our mission remains to create unforgettable moments of music, joy and community – and this broadened line-up promises just that. The energy is palpable, and we can’t wait to share the day with everyone.”

Rae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing MX, Samsung South Africa, adds: “Galaxy KDay keeps getting better, and the 2026 edition is getting even bigger. We’re excited to announce three more incredible artists to an already unmissable line-up. Templeboys are set to bring their infectious energy and feel-good rhythms, with DJ Kent adding his signature house sound that South Africans know and love, and Lordkez will deliver her fresh, soulful edge that speaks to music fans. These additional acts will bring even more depth and diversity to a festival that’s all about connection, shared moments, and unforgettable live experiences. And as Samsung, we’re proud to help create a platform which blends music, technology, and culture.”

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 28 March 2026
Venue: Sandringham Farm, Stellenbosch
Gates Open: 9am
Show Starts: 11am
Show Ends: 7pm

Tickets:
General Access (GA): R400
Kiddies (3-12 years GA): R180
Family Pack: (2 GA + 2 Kiddies): R1,000
Chill Zone (18+ only): R750
Hospitality Area (18+ only): R1,500

Tickets are selling fast, with over 50% of General Access already sold.

Secure yours now at www.ticketmaster.co.za before they’re gone.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this ultimate family-friendly music celebration at one of the Western Cape’s most iconic venues. Whether chilling with family, enjoying the Chill Zone or indulging in the Hospitality Area, Galaxy KDay 2026 promises outstanding music, great food, and unforgettable vibes.

Get ready – Galaxy KDay 2026 is shaping up to be a day to remember!

This Institute’s Certification Programme is a standout benchmark for HR excellence – recognising Samsung for its positive, inclusive and supportive environment that fosters teamwork, respect and a sense of belonging. Samsung’s certification was awarded after a rigorous, data-driven assessment of the organisation’s HR best practices across various domains, including people strategy, work environment, talent acquisition and employee well-being.

Some of the common factors that contributed to the distinction in this prestigious award included employee satisfaction, a clear indication of high levels of overall morale within Samsung coupled with engagement and job satisfaction – often measured through independent, employee surveys. This certification also provides organisations such as Samsung with insights to help them focus on any areas for improvement.

Loren Naicker, People Group Head at Samsung South Africa said: “For us at Samsung, this recognition is quite significant – a testament of our continued dedication to our employees’ wellbeing, innovative work culture and strong career development opportunities. As a company, we would like to express our genuine gratitude to our people because this award is a direct result of their hard work and dedication.”

Samsung views its people as its greatest asset and strength. For this reason, the company supports its employees through its continued commitment to providing opportunities, fostering an inclusive culture and developing their full potential through various programmes. These professional development initiatives include some of Samsung’s most robust training programmes, clear paths for career advancement and ongoing investment in employees’ long-term growth and skills development.

Naicker adds: “This award is a strong external validation that our company is indeed a great place to work for. As Samsung, we pride ourselves on people-centric policies and initiatives that support a healthy equilibrium between professional and personal life. Importantly, this recognition continues to help in boosting our employees’ morale and enables us to attract the best talent that this country has to offer.”

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has 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 revitalisation 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 analyses 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 personalised 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 monetise 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.

*This article contains products and features currently in development. The plans, product claims, timelines, and specifications described are subject to change without notice. Their future availability is not guaranteed.

*Availability may vary per region, country or carrier.

This gathering provided an opportunity for the company to acknowledge the invaluable impact these women have made in shaping a better future for all. The global theme for this year’s commemoration was Accelerate Action for Women’s Equality, which resonated deeply in the local event’s theme: ‘This is Our Story – We Listen, We Don’t Judge’. The atmosphere was filled with positive energy as women shared their personal stories, some of which included overcoming significant challenges. The event was a space to recognise these women, uplift them and spread messages of love, positivity and empowerment.

The event kicked off with a powerful address by Simon Lee, President & CEO of Samsung Africa, who extended a warm and motivating message to all the women in attendance and those within the company. “This commemorative day is used globally as an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality,” said Lee. “Today’s event is Samsung’s way of recognising the many achievements made by our women regardless of ethnicity, language, culture, economic or political status.”

Lee went on to emphasise the significance of allowing employees to share their life stories and journeys of perseverance. He remarked, “The main objective is to inspire other women at Samsung, create togetherness and a support group. We want the women at Samsung to feel inspired and their efforts to continue to be celebrated so that together we can shape a more equal future for all.”

The women in attendance looked stunning in their best attire, exuding elegance and grace as they celebrated their collective strength. As the event unfolded, a series of speakers took to the stage to share personal accounts of their lives, offering authentic and powerful narratives of overcoming adversity. The intimate session allowed the speakers to open up, vulnerably addressing topics such as Mental Health (Healing, Resilience and Perseverance) as well as physical well-being which includes the unspoken issues around marriage and transition.

Some of the sessions on the day included ‘The Journey Of Motherhood and How to Come Back Strong’, ‘How to Overcome When Life Gets You Down’, ‘‘How to Be Sane During Chaos’, ‘How to Keep Going’ and ‘Finding a Way Through It’ left a lasting impression on everyone.

As the event drew to a close, the floor was opened for audience members to share their stories. One woman shared her experience of how the support of family, friends and colleagues made all the difference during a personal challenge she experienced. Her story resonated deeply with many, reinforcing the importance of community and connection. A special surprise awaited two lucky attendees – as part of a giveaway, two random seats held tickets that led to the winners each receiving a Samsung sound bar and a vacuum cleaner, which was a delightful way to end the celebration on a high note.

The event concluded with a pledge from everyone to continue supporting one another, showing compassion, treating each other with kindness as well as to listen and not judge. The sentiments echoed the idea that while everyone has personal struggles, we can all thrive together when we share our experiences, uplift each other and create an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

The event’s hashtags, including: #AccelerateAction, #ThisIsOurStory, #IWD2025, #WeListenAndWeDontJudge, #HealingTogether and #Wellbeing, captured the essence of the day – spreading a message of empowerment far beyond the occasion itself.

Samsung has been named a Top Employer in South Africa for 2025. This prestigious certification recognises Samsung’s exceptional commitment to creating an outstanding workplace through excellent human resources (HR) practices and people-first policies.

The award, granted by the Top Employers Institute, acknowledges Samsung’s dedication to employee wellbeing, innovative work culture, and strong career development opportunities. This achievement reflects Samsung’s continuous investment in its most valuable asset – its people.

Loren Naicker, People Group Head at Samsung South Africa said “This achievement celebrates our incredible team. The Top Employers Institute has recognised what we’ve always known: our workplace isn’t just exceptional on paper, it’s exceptional because of the spirit each of our employees bring to the office every day.”

Samsung’s commitment to excellence shines through its people-first culture. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and innovation, Samsung’s created a workplace where professional growth and collaborative success go hand in hand. Their supportive ecosystem empowers every individual to contribute their best and achieve extraordinary results.

Naicker concluded “As an 11-time Top Employer award winner, Samsung continues to set the benchmark for workplace excellence. We invite talented individuals to join our innovative team where exceptional careers are built, diversity is celebrated, and tomorrow’s innovations come to life.”

At CES 2025, the C-Lab companies consist of 12 startups from the C-Lab Outside program, which incubates external startups; two startups from C-Lab Inside, which is an internal venture program for employees; and one startup that was spun-off from Samsung. At the event, Samsung expects C-Lab startups to assess global market response, strengthen business feasibility and meet with investors.

“CES is an important opportunity for Korean startups to gain a foothold in the global market and increase brand awareness,” said Pilgyu Jeon, Executive Vice President and Head of the Creativity & Innovation Center at Samsung Electronics. “C-Lab will continue to support startups on the journey to becoming internationally recognized global innovators.”

C-Lab Outside: Twelve Startups That Include AI, IoT and Digital Health

This year, C-Lab will feature 12 startups, including 11 startups directly incubated by Samsung Electronics through the C-Lab Outside program and one startup jointly incubated by Samsung Electronics and the Daegu Center for Creative Economy & Innovation. The 12 startups are as follows:

AI

• DEEP.FINE: An XR solution using Vision-AI and Visual Localization (VL) for precise digital space creation
• Mainspace: An online shopping service based on automated 3D interior design technology
• ENERZAi: A next-generation AI inference optimization engine
• Cochl: An AI-based sound technology that can understand any sound like a human
• Korea Greendata: Revolutionizing energy data analytic platform with AI-driven chatbot integration
• 10kM.ai: An enterprise AI video production solution that can generate, edit, and distribute at scale

 Digital Health

• Riduck: An AI-based aerobic exercise coaching solution based on data from a wearable device
• LabSD: A digital ophthalmoscope manufactured with upcycled smartphones and a teleophthalmology system
• Meditrix: A VR-based neuro-biofeedback motion chair and mobile digital therapeutics

 IoT

• Ghostpass: A remote hands-free authentication solution by storing user biometrics on smartphones
• Pinpoint: Smart building OS that integrates operations and user experiences into a unified solution

 Robot

• Quester: A high-performance hand tracking glove with sensor fusion technology

C-Lab will showcase four local startups from Daegu and Gwangju, Korea, which is a new record achieved through Samsung Electronics’ efforts to promote the local startup ecosystem. Since 2023, Samsung Electronics has expanded the C-Lab Outside program to discover and nurture innovative startups in these regions. The immense potential of these startups has been demonstrated by GhostPass, a startup from C-Lab Outside Gwangju that has won the Best of Innovation Award in Fintech at CES 2025.

“Thanks to the support and coaching of C-Lab Outside, we were able to grow our company in a short period of time,” said Sunkwan Lee, CEO and founder of GhostPass. “We are excited to attend CES 2025 with C-Lab and showcase our solution, which won the CES Best of Innovation Award.”

C-Lab Outside was created in October 2018, and startups selected for the program receive full support — including a business support fund, office workspaces and customized development programs — along with business cooperation from Samsung Electronics.

Two C-Lab Inside Projects From Samsung Employees; One C-Lab Spin-off That Began at Samsung

Since 2016, Samsung has been exhibiting its C-Lab Inside projects at CES to see how the global market responds and to test their business viability.

The C-Lab Inside projects that Samsung Electronics is showcasing at CES have been widely recognized for their innovation, global marketability and completeness — including IoT solutions that provide differentiated experiences in conjunction with Samsung Electronics products, as well as a new conceptual robotics platform. This year’s projects are as follows:

• GreenFollow: Galaxy-enabled autonomous driving solution for electric golf trolley
• Modulero: A modular platform for robotics development

In 2015, 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 2025, C-Lab spin-offEdintwill showcase its mobile-based AI online exam proctoring service.

C-Lab Startups Win 12 CES 2025 Innovation Awards

In November 2024, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) announced the winners of the CES 2025 Innovation Awards, including the award for Best of Innovation. C-Lab startups received one Best of Innovation Award and 11 Innovation Award Honorees.

C-Lab’s products and services that received honors include GhostPass, DEEP.Fine, Mainspace, ENERZAi, Quester and others. The CES 2025 Innovation Award-winning products and services will be displayed separately at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas.

The C-Lab program was created in 2012, and since it was established, Samsung has nurtured a total of 912 startups and projects (506 through C-Lab Outside and 406 through C-Lab Inside) so far. Through “C-Lab Family” program, a unique professional network, all startups of C-Lab can also continue to co-operate with Samsung even after graduating from the C-Lab Outside or spinning off from C-Lab.

^[1]Started in December 2012, C-Lab Inside nurtures employees’ innovative ideas while instilling a corporate culture in which creativity is at the fore. Since 2015, Samsung has been supporting successful C-Lab projects that demonstrate great market potential and facilitating their launch as startups under the C-Lab spin-off policy.