Samsung Electronics is preparing to bring its latest group of incubated startups to CES 2026, taking place in Las Vegas from January 6 to 9. This year, the company will present 15 ventures from its C-Lab incubation program at Eureka Park inside the Venetian Expo. The focus is clearly on artificial intelligence, robotics, and healthcare, though the broader story is really about scale and confidence. Compared to earlier years, the presence feels larger and more deliberate, especially with the increased participation from regional startup ecosystems.
There is also a symbolic element to this year’s exhibition. For the first time, startups from Daegu, Gwangju, and Gyeongbuk will appear in their largest numbers yet at CES. Samsung appears to be signaling that innovation does not need to stay concentrated in Seoul, and that regional founders can compete just as effectively on a global stage. That shift, while gradual, feels meaningful.
Key Takeaways
- Total Participation: A total of 15 startups from Samsung’s C-Lab program will showcase their technologies at CES 2026.
- Award Success: These ventures collectively secured 17 CES 2026 Innovation Awards, including two Best of Innovation honors.
- Regional Growth: Seven of the exhibiting startups come from regional hubs outside Seoul, which is double the participation seen in previous years.
- Diverse Fields: Technologies on display range from AI video production tools and pet health diagnostics to advanced on-device security solutions.
Growth of the C-Lab Ecosystem
Since the launch of the C-Lab program in 2012, Samsung has supported a total of 959 projects and independent startups. The initiative operates through two distinct tracks. C-Lab Inside is designed for Samsung employees who want to explore and develop their own business ideas. C-Lab Outside, on the other hand, supports external entrepreneurs by offering funding, office space, and structured acceleration support.
Byoung Chul Lee, Vice President at Samsung Electronics, has described CES as an essential proving ground for these startups. It gives them a chance to test ideas, gather feedback, and see how their solutions resonate beyond domestic markets. That exposure, while intense, often helps clarify what works and what still needs refining.
Highlighting Regional Innovation
One of the more notable aspects of Samsung’s 2026 CES presence is the emphasis on regional startups from across South Korea. Samsung expanded its C-Lab Outside support to Daegu and Gwangju in 2023, with the goal of helping founders grow locally rather than forcing relocation to Seoul. That decision now seems to be paying off.
Among the regional participants is Repla, a Gyeongbuk-based startup that earned recognition for its “Puri-Checker.” The device uses sensor technology to measure the purity of recycled plastics, addressing a very real challenge in global waste management. It is a practical solution, and perhaps that is part of why it stood out.
Other regional companies include Elevenliter, which applies AI to detect chronic diseases in pets, and Deepscent, a Gwangju-based firm developing digital scent technologies for residential and office environments. These startups receive stage-based consulting, access to Samsung’s expertise, and opportunities to collaborate directly with Samsung affiliates. The support structure is not just financial, but operational and strategic as well.
AI and Financial Tech Integration
The 2026 exhibition also introduces the first group from the Samsung Financial C-Lab Outside program. These four startups are focused primarily on security and data-driven services. Pillsang has developed on-device AI that detects phishing scams in real time, which feels especially relevant as digital fraud continues to evolve. WINNING.I, meanwhile, offers an identity verification system that scans fingerprints and facial features simultaneously, aiming to strengthen authentication processes.
From the internal C-Lab Inside side, Samsung will showcase ChronoMix, an AI-powered video editing tool, along with EZ Reco. The latter is a platform that uses expert-level AI to help consumers choose electronic products, attempting to simplify decisions that often feel overwhelming. Whether users fully trust AI recommendations is still an open question, but the direction is clear.
Major Award Winners
The Consumer Technology Association also recognized two former C-Lab ventures with Best of Innovation awards this year. MangoSlab received the honor for its AI-powered braille printer, which allows visually impaired users to print labels quickly and efficiently. StudioLab was also recognized for its AI-driven tools for creating commercial content.
Both companies began as internal Samsung projects before spinning out as independent businesses. Their success highlights what the C-Lab program is ultimately aiming for, not just prototypes, but sustainable companies that can stand on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between C-Lab Inside and C-Lab Outside?
A1: C-Lab Inside is an internal incubator that allows Samsung employees to develop independent business ideas. C-Lab Outside is an acceleration program for external startups and entrepreneurs who are not employed by Samsung.
Q2: Where can I see these startups at CES 2026?
A2: All participating startups will be located in the Eureka Park area at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, which is dedicated to early-stage companies and emerging technologies.
Q3: How many awards did Samsung C-Lab startups win this year?
A3: Samsung C-Lab startups won a total of 17 CES 2026 Innovation Awards, consisting of 15 Innovation Awards and two Best of Innovation titles.
Q4: What kind of support does Samsung provide to these startups?
A4: Samsung offers free workspace, financial backing, expert mentoring, and opportunities to exhibit at international trade shows such as CES. Startups are also supported through collaboration with various Samsung business divisions.
