Samsung Mobile Advance 2026 — SRI-B & SRI-N
By Samsung R&D Institute India (SRI-B & SRI-N)
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Quick Answer
Up to ₹45L equity-free PoC grant for Indian startups building next-gen mobile tech with Samsung.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹45 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 30 June 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Samsung R&D Institute India (SRI-B & SRI-N). Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
Samsung Mobile Advance (SMA) is Samsung's flagship global startup incubation and partnership programme, and the 2026 edition marks its continued expansion in India through Samsung R&D Institute Bangalore (SRI-B) and Samsung R&D Institute Noida (SRI-N). Rooted in Samsung's Open Innovation vision, SMA is designed to bridge the gap between deep-tech startups and Samsung's global mobile ecosystem , enabling breakthrough innovations that can reach hundreds of millions of devices worldwide.
The core offering is a grant of up to ₹46.5 lakh for Proof-of-Concept development, with zero equity taken by Samsung. This is a structured 6-month incubation track where selected startups work alongside Samsung's global R&D teams to validate and refine their technology within Samsung's product stack. Samsung takes no ownership stake in the startup or in the IP developed through the programme.
SMA is sector-inclusive, inviting applications across AI, XR, security, health, camera, audio, wearables, and any domain relevant to the Samsung mobile ecosystem. The programme is not limited to software , hardware and device-layer innovations are equally welcome. Past collaborations have spanned voice intelligence, 4D modelling, and security, giving a sense of the technical depth Samsung is looking for.
Selected startups gain more than capital: they get direct access to Samsung's expert and talent network, its product ecosystem, and its global distribution reach. The programme culminates in a PoC Demo Day with pathways to commercialisation, long-term strategic partnerships, and potential follow-on investment. Samsung explicitly frames SMA as a long-term partnership model rather than a one-time grant , startups that demonstrate strong technological and cultural synergy with Samsung's R&D mandate are candidates for deeper integration into Samsung's global innovation roadmap.
For India-based startups building at the intersection of mobile hardware and software, SMA is one of the few corporate innovation programmes that offers non-dilutive capital at the PoC stage alongside direct access to one of the world's largest consumer electronics ecosystems.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Samsung R&D Institute India — Bangalore (SRI-B) and Samsung R&D Institute India — Noida (SRI-N) are Samsung's two premier R&D facilities in India. Together, they run the Samsung Mobile Advance (SMA) program — a flagship global startup incubation and partnership initiative…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹45 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Selected startups receive a grant of up to ₹46.5 lakh for 6-month PoC development, with no equity taken by Samsung. Beyond capital, participants receive mentorship from Samsung's global R&D experts, access to Samsung's product ecosystem and distribution scale, and potential pathways to commercialisation, strategic partnerships, and follow-on investment.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Duration
- 6 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Proposals are evaluated by Samsung's internal expert panel on innovation merit, technical feasibility, and fit with Samsung's mobile ecosystem. Shortlisted startups then pitch to a jury of Samsung leaders at Pitch Day in September; final selection is announced post-pitch.
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Samsung take equity in my startup?
No. Samsung takes zero equity or ownership in the startup or in any IP developed through the SMA programme. The funding is a pure grant for PoC development.
What should the PoC proposal include?
A detailed 6-month plan covering your innovation concept, technical feasibility, and the potential impact on Samsung's mobile ecosystem. Submit it to startup.connect@samsung.com.
What domains does SMA 2026 cover?
AI, XR, security, health, camera, audio, wearables, and any technology relevant to Samsung's mobile ecosystem. Both hardware and software innovations are welcome.
What happens after the programme?
The programme culminates in a PoC Demo Day with potential pathways to commercialisation, long-term strategic partnerships, and follow-on investment within Samsung's global innovation ecosystem.
Is DPIIT recognition required to apply?
DPIIT recognition is not mentioned as a requirement. Any Indian startup building relevant mobile technology can apply.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
