Samsung partnership opens doors to global stage for K-startups

Samsung Electronics holds 'C Lab Startup Demo Day'

30 startups showcase technology developed over the past year

12 companies are regionally based, reflecting shared-growth values

15 companies conducting technology verification with Samsung

Ransik, a South Korean healthcare startup, participated in the Samsung Electronics exhibition at Viva Technology 2026 in Paris in June, laying the groundwork for its overseas expansion. [Samsung Electronics]

Ransik, a South Korean healthcare startup, uses AI to analyze continuous glucose monitor data, predict individual blood sugar fluctuations and recommend personalized meal plans. Users can photograph their food and receive a forecast of how it will affect their blood sugar levels.

In June, Ransik participated in the Samsung Electronics exhibition at Viva Technology — Europe's largest startup and technology expo — held in Paris, using the platform to showcase its technology and services and establish a foothold for overseas expansion.

Over the past year, Samsung Electronics selected and nurtured Ransik and 29 other startups based in Seoul, Daegu, North Gyeongsang Province and Gwangju as the eighth cohort of its C Lab Outside program.

C Lab Outside is a shared-growth initiative through which Samsung Electronics identifies and develops innovative startups using its accumulated expertise. The program provides up to 100 million won ($73,600) in project funding and dedicated office space, along with tailored consulting at each stage of growth, opportunities for business collaboration with Samsung Electronics, and support for participation in overseas exhibitions such as CES and Viva Technology.

Samsung Electronics held the 2026 C Lab Startup Demo Day on Tuesday at its Seoul R&D Campus in Seocho-gu, Seoul, where the eighth cohort's technologies and achievements were presented.

The event drew about 400 attendees, including Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Im Mun-yeong, Ministry of SMEs and Startups Startup and Venture Innovation Director General Mok Seung-hwan, Lee Yong-woo of the Economy Plus Research Institute, and Samsung Electronics Corporate Relations President Park Seung-hee, along with C Lab advisory committee members, venture investors, industry officials and Samsung Electronics employees.

Of the 30 companies in the eighth C Lab Outside cohort, 12 are regionally based startups. Pia Space, a Daegu-based startup, shared its experience receiving consulting on development and quality management through the C Lab Outside Consulting program, which is linked to Samsung Electronics' Shared Growth Academy.

"Through C Lab, we were able to directly access the on-the-ground experience and know-how that Samsung Electronics experts across various fields have built up over many years," said Park Seong-hyeok, vice president of Pia Space. "The professional consulting we received — covering everything from development and quality management to business strategy — was a great help in sharpening our direction and strengthening our competitiveness."

Nanoforge AI, which holds AI-based technology for automating the design and synthesis of new materials, presented a case study at the demo day of its ongoing proof-of-concept collaboration with Samsung Electronics on new materials development.

"Working with Samsung Electronics gave us a valuable opportunity to connect our own technology to the real demands of the industrial field," said Kim Dong-hyeon, chief executive of Nanoforge AI. "We hope this collaboration will lead to new technology development and business opportunities going forward."

Fifteen of the 30 startups in the eighth C Lab Outside cohort are currently conducting technology verification with Samsung Electronics, and the company is also exploring additional business collaboration opportunities with them.

An exhibition space at the event allowed Samsung Electronics employees, investors, industry officials and journalists to browse and experience the products and services of all 30 startups firsthand. The startups used the occasion to pursue business partnerships and investment opportunities.

"The role of startups challenging new possibilities across diverse fields is becoming increasingly important," said Assembly member Im. "Samsung Electronics' efforts through C Lab to support their ambitions and provide opportunities for growth is a meaningful contribution to strengthening the future competitiveness of our industry."

"C Lab has expanded growth opportunities to promising startups across the regions, and we hope it will continue to invigorate the domestic startup ecosystem," said Director General Mok.

"We will continue to work hand in hand with the government, the National Assembly, local governments and regional innovation institutions to serve as a launchpad for startups to grow even further — and as a partner in building the future together," said President Park.

joze@heraldcorp.com