Samsung’s C-Lab Startups Secure 17 Innovation Awards at CES 2026
Since its launch in 2012, Samsung’s C-Lab initiative has nurtured nearly a thousand innovative startups and projects.
Korea – WEBWIRE – Monday, December 29, 2025
Samsung Highlights Cutting-Edge Innovations at CES 2026
Samsung Electronics is set to present a diverse array of pioneering projects developed under its C-Lab program at CES 2026, the premier global event for consumer electronics and IT, taking place from January 6 to 9. These ventures span advanced fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital healthcare, showcasing Samsung’s commitment to fostering breakthrough technologies.
Dedicated C-Lab Pavilion to Propel Startups onto the Global Stage
At this year’s CES, Samsung will feature a specialized C-Lab exhibition space within Eureka Park at the Venetian Expo, the official startup hub of the event. This platform is designed to accelerate the international expansion of participating startups by providing them with exposure to global investors, partners, and customers.
“CES serves as a vital platform for C-Lab startups to validate their innovations and gain momentum for worldwide growth,” stated Byoung Chul Lee, Vice President and Head of Samsung Electronics’ Creativity & Innovation Center. “The increased involvement of regional startups this year underscores the dynamic growth of the C-Lab ecosystem.”
Showcasing 15 Trailblazing Startups Across Multiple Programs
The 2026 lineup includes 15 startups: eight nurtured through Samsung’s C-Lab Outside program, four from Samsung Financial Networks’ Samsung Financial C-Lab Outside, two from the internal C-Lab Inside initiative, and one jointly incubated with the Daegu Creative Economy Innovation Center. These startups represent a broad spectrum of innovative solutions, from AI-driven diagnostics to sustainable technologies.
Empowering Regional Innovation: A Record Number of Startups from Daegu, Gwangju, and Gyeongbuk
Since 2023, Samsung has expanded its C-Lab Outside program to include the Korean regions of Daegu, Gwangju, and Gyeongbuk, aiming to cultivate vibrant local startup ecosystems. This initiative offers workspace, tailored consulting, and collaboration opportunities with Samsung and its affiliates, enabling startups to thrive without relocating to Seoul. To date, 40 regional startups have been supported, contributing significantly to local economic revitalization and positioning themselves as potential future global leaders.
CES 2026 will mark the largest-ever representation of regional C-Lab startups, with seven companies from these areas participating.
Regional Startups Making Global Waves
Among the regional participants, Repla, a Gyeongbuk-based startup specializing in plastic recycling, earned a CES 2026 Innovation Award for its Puri-Checker device, which accurately analyzes plastic composition ratios to enhance recycling efficiency.
“Partnering with a global leader like Samsung has been invaluable,” said Dong-eun Seo, CEO of Repla. “Plastic waste is a worldwide challenge, and CES offers a crucial platform to explore international market opportunities.”
Regional C-Lab Startups at CES 2026:
- Stress Solution (Gyeongbuk): AI-powered personalized mental wellness sound therapy
- Deepscent (Gwangju): AI-driven digital scent technology customized for various environments
- Elevenliter (Daegu): AI-based diagnostic tools for progressive pet diseases
- AunionAI (Gwangju): Web platform offering automated multilingual dubbing and subtitles with expressive audio effects
- Repla (Gyeongbuk): Enzyme-purified recycled plastics free from contaminants
- Univa (Daegu): On-device multimodal large language model solutions
- 10kM.ai (Daegu Creative Economy Innovation Center): Enterprise AI platform for video creation, editing, and monetization
C-Lab Inside: Showcasing Samsung’s Internal AI Ventures
Since 2016, Samsung has leveraged CES to present innovations from its internal startup program, C-Lab Inside, using the event to assess global market interest and business viability. This year, two AI-centric projects stand out for their innovation and scalability:
- ChronoMix: An AI tool for object-focused video editing and composition
- EZ Reco: A generative AI platform delivering expert-driven electronics product recommendations
Broadening Horizons: Inclusion of Financial Sector Startups
Reflecting Samsung’s expanding open innovation strategy across its subsidiaries, four startups from Samsung Financial C-Lab Outside will debut at CES 2026. This move enables startups from diverse sectors to leverage Samsung’s incubation expertise and pursue global partnerships.
Samsung Financial C-Lab Outside Startups at CES 2026:
- Selectstar (Samsung Life Insurance): AI platform offering copyright-cleared datasets and comprehensive AI evaluation tools
- Datumo (Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance): Cyber risk modeling to mitigate financial losses from cyberattacks
- WINNING.I (Samsung Card): Advanced identity verification using simultaneous fingerprint and facial biometrics
- Pillsang (Samsung Securities): Real-time phishing and fraud detection powered by on-device AI
Outstanding Recognition: 17 Innovation Awards for C-Lab Startups at CES 2026
C-Lab startups collectively earned 17 prestigious Innovation Awards at CES 2026, including two coveted Best of Innovation Awards, as recognized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). Notably, MangoSlab and StudioLab-both originating from C-Lab Inside before spinning off independently-demonstrate the exceptional technological prowess and growth potential fostered within Samsung’s internal venture ecosystem.
