Three new programs to drive future innovation
SRA has created a robust set of research and incubation programs to accelerate the discovery and application of cutting-edge technologies across the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) spectrum, spanning fundamental research, applied research & development, and startup incubation.
We are excited to announce the launch of three new programs focused on more long-term R&D objectives – to find emerging technologies adjacent to SRA and to identify frontier research topics for future, high-impact growth areas for Samsung.
Technical Readiness Level (TRL)
START (R&D)
TRL 1 – 3
University sponsored research program for early-stage technologies
LEAP-U (University Tech)
TRL 3 – 6
University sponsored research program for later-stage technologies
LEAP-S (Startup Tech)
TRL 3 – 6
Partnership program for early-stage startups
START
The Strategic Alliance for Research and Technology (START) program is an initiative designed to apply academic research to real-world technology challenges. It is an annual call for proposals that invites the North America’s leading universities to propose innovative research ideas specifically tailored to enable future device experiences for Samsung.
- AIM: Find a solution to a problem in a research domain
- TRL: Typically, less than 3
- COLLABORATION: With Professors and Researchers
- EXPECTED OUTCOME: New innovations, PoCs
LEAP-U
Leveraging Entrepreneurship to Accelerate Partnerships (Universities) is an annual applied research funding program to advance and incubate proof-of-concept-stage academic innovations towards commercialization. It provides funding to mature high-potential technologies that lay the foundation for future Samsung products and services.
- AIM: Build on existing academic innovations in alignment with Samsung
- TRL: Target 3-6
- COLLABORATION: With University Technology Transfer Offices and researchers
- EXPECTED OUTCOME: Demonstrate impact for existing inventions
LEAP-S
Leveraging Entrepreneurship to Accelerate Partnerships (Startups) is a joint program by SRA and Samsung NEXT that provides a unique opportunity for early-stage startups to transform innovative ideas into reality. Selected companies will receive grant funding and support to build proof-of-concepts. Areas of interests in 2025 include, but not limited to, Robotics, MedTech, Applied AI, etc.
- AIM: Build on existing external startup innovations in alignment with Samsung
- TRL: target products at a TRL level of 4 and higher
- COLLABORATION: With Emerging Technology Startups on PoCs
- EXPECTED OUTCOME: PoCs that demonstrate impact in alignment with Samsung
