Samsung-Backed Startups Win Big at CES 2026 with 17 Innovation Awards

Through its C-Lab Inside and Outside programs, Samsung backs a record number of startups in AI, robotics, and health tech—showcasing deep innovation at CES 2026.

Samsung’s Startup Ecosystem Shines Bright at CES 2026

Samsung’s C-Lab incubator programs have once again made a high-impact showing at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026. This year, 17 Innovation Awards were earned by startups backed through Samsung’s C-Lab Inside and Outside initiatives—highlighting the growing depth and reach of the tech giant’s startup ecosystem.

• C-Lab Inside nurtures ideas from within Samsung Electronics
• C-Lab Outside funds external startups, including those founded by non-employees
• Since 2023, the program has expanded into Daegu, Gwangju, and Gyeongbuk, reinforcing South Korea’s regional tech ecosystem

“Samsung isn’t just building products—it’s building platforms for innovation,” one startup founder noted.

15 Startups to Watch at CES—Across AI, Health, Cybersecurity, and Robotics

At Eureka Park, CES’s startup zone at the Venetian Expo, Samsung will showcase 15 startups, including seven from regional C-Lab expansions—the largest Samsung-backed cohort ever at CES.

A few standouts include:

• Repla – Developer of Puri-Checker, a plastic composition analyzer and CES Innovation Award winner
• AunionAI – Multilingual dubbing AI with expressive voice and sound effects
• EZ Reco – Generative AI engine that offers expert-based electronic recommendations
• Datumo – A cyber risk modeling platform that helps quantify potential financial losses from attacks
• Univa – On-device multimodal LLM tailored for edge environments
• Deepscent – AI-powered digital scent experience
• Elevenliter – Veterinary AI diagnostics for progressive pet diseases

These ventures span not just consumer tech, but also enterprise, wellness, and climate-focused solutions—a sign of Samsung’s expanding venture thesis.

From Internal Talent to Industry Recognition

Among the awarded startups, MangoSlab and StudioLab—both spun out of Samsung’s internal C-Lab Inside program—also earned CES 2026 Innovation Awards after going independent.

• It’s proof that Samsung’s intrapreneurship model isn’t just theoretical—it’s creating sustainable, award-winning companies.
• Since launching C-Lab in 2016, Samsung has backed hundreds of startups, many of which go on to secure funding, partnerships, or acquisition.

This year’s winners span AI-driven creative tools, cybersecurity platforms, eKYC innovations, and even stress-reducing audio technologies—showing that Samsung sees innovation not just in hardware, but in experiential, platform-driven AI.

A Long-Term Bet on South Korea’s Innovation Ecosystem

Through its regional C-Lab Outside expansions, Samsung is reinforcing its role as a national tech catalyst, offering:

• Workspace and infrastructure
• Stage-based consulting and mentoring
• Commercial pilot opportunities with Samsung and affiliates

“Samsung isn’t just funding ideas—it’s cultivating future industries,” said a Daegu-based C-Lab founder.

With AI, robotics, and mental health solutions gaining ground, the CES 2026 spotlight reveals that Samsung’s C-Lab startups are moving from incubation to global recognition.

TL;DR:

Samsung-backed startups have won 17 CES 2026 Innovation Awards, with 15 showcased at Eureka Park. These startups, from its C-Lab Inside and Outside programs, cover AI, health tech, cybersecurity, and more. With regional expansions and spin-offs like MangoSlab gaining traction, Samsung is evolving from product giant to ecosystem builder.