2026 START Program Timeline

Open for Submissions:

Mar 3rd, 2026 | 9:00am PT

Submission Deadline:

Mar 24th, 2026 | 5:00pm PT

Final Recipients Announced:

Jun, 2026

Submission Instructions

Please review the submission guidelines and template when submitting your research proposals.

Guidelines & Template

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Research Themes

The Samsung START program for 2026 invites research proposals aligned with the following thematic areas.
The specific details and requirements are outlined in the RFP brief documents provided below.

Please note we are also open to considering projects outside these specific themes if they demonstrate
significant potential to contribute to Samsung’s future innovation and growth.

 

1.0 Robotics/Physical AI

1.1 Unifying 3D understanding, memory, and prediction

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1.2 Foundation models for close human-robot interaction

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2.0 Agentic, Artificial Intelligence

2.1 Multimodal Reasoning Agents for Complex, Long-Horizon Tasks

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2.2 Next-Generation Self-Evolving Artificial Agents

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2.3 Agentic AI Security

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2.4 Training AI-ISP Systems for Dynamic, Ambiguous, and Real-World Capture Conditions

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3.0 Multimedia

3.1 Intelligent Multi-Modal Systems for Next‑Generation Display

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3.2 Advanced Immersive Display Technology

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4.0 Advanced Sensors for Health

4.1 Multi-modal human state sensing technology on smart glasses: emotion, cognitive load, and beyond

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4.2 Non-invasive wearable sensors for measuring blood flow

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5.0 Open Theme

Application Submission

To submit your application for the START program, please follow the submission guidelines below.

When you are ready, click below to agree to the terms of the START program and then send in your application with your institute (.edu) email.

*Please make sure to submit only one file including all the appendices (Budget, Direct Expenses, CVs of PI/Graduate Student, Equipment/Facilities Description, etc.)

 

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