Frequently Asked Questions

For 2025, Samsung is directly reaching out to pilot universities. We expect to open the program to all universities in 2026.

Samsung will discuss the scoping of the work based on the existing innovation shared initially.

START targets foundational research projects (TRL levels below 3). LEAP-U targets proof-of-concept technologies in university settings (TRL levels 3 and above). LEAP-S targets products being developed in startup companies.

The LEAP-U program is only designed to fund technology translation projects from universities.

The LEAP-U program targets later-stage inventions and prototypes. Please work with your technology transfer office to prepare your submission.

The LEAP-U program is independent of the other Samsung grant programs. As long as you meet the program criteria, you are eligible to apply.

You may apply to either or both programs as long as each application meets the respective program's criteria. START targets ideas for solving problems in previously unexplored research areas (TRLs 1-3), and LEAP incubates existing proof-of-concepts towards commercialization (TRLs 3-6).

Startup companies are encouraged to apply to the LEAP-S program. If you are a university researcher with an interest in creating a startup, please contact us to explore the various ways we can work together.

Graduating LEAP-U projects can be considered for further research collaborations or commercialization efforts. There are several opportunities for continued advancement, such as renewal of research projects and pathways to additional Samsung startup funding programs for entrepreneurial individuals.

Technology transfer offices are welcome to submit multiple innovations for consideration. SRA will select a subset and work with the researchers behind those innovations to develop their proposals.

Based on guidance from SRA, applicants can submit a new proposal highlighting achievements from the completed project and future roadmap for review.

LEAP-U is meant for technologies proven in a lab setting (TRL-3 or higher). For technologies with a TRL level under 3, we encourage you to consider the START program.

Technologies that can be matured to demonstrate their impact potential under a university research setting are welcome to apply if fitting with the program criteria.

A key objective of the LEAP-U program is to foster technologies that can be integrated into the Samsung ecosystem. Acceptable personnel costs may include salaries for professor, faculty researchers, and postdocs, as well as stipends related to graduate or undergraduate student participation in the project, if aligned with the project objectives and program term.

Subject to agreement and participation from each respective Technology Transfer Office, joint proposals can be evaluated.

Research Agreements can be sent upon request by the appropriate university representatives via email.

Please consolidate CVs (1-2 pages) for each individual into the appendices of your proposal.

Please work with your technology transfer office to evaluate any potential background IP before applying to LEAP-U.

Please work with your technology transfer office to verify that no encumbrances exist before applying to LEAP-U.

Please work with your technology transfer office before applying to LEAP-U.

Please work with your technology transfer office to clarify any potential IP issues before applying to LEAP-U.