Tech for All > Open Innovation

Samsung Science and Technology

In 2013, Samsung Electronics launched an initiative called Samsung Science and Technology in South Korea to support creative and innovative R&D in the fields of basic science, novel materials, and information and communication technology (ICT). Samsung Science and Technology aims to contribute to catalyzing creative and challenging R&D and building a foundation for technological innovation for the advancement of society by cultivating an environment where high risk, high impact projects and technologies are championed without fear of failure.

Major Projects
  • Basic Science 298 projects

    Supporting creative and pioneering research poised to lead the world in mathematics, physics, chemistry, the life sciences, and their interdisciplinary fields

  • Material 296 projects

    Supporting creative and innovative materials research that transcends existing paradigms, across all material types and industries

  • ICT 301 projects

    Supporting creative and pioneering research based on innovative ICT technologies and ideas, with a focus on interdisciplinary convergence

895 Research Projects KRW 1.19 trillion in total funding
91 Research institutions
17,000 Participants (approx.)
* As of April 2026

Samsung Science and Technology provides end-to-end support throughout the entire R&D lifecycle. We offer mentorship on patenting research outcomes, facilitate engagement with industry experts, supports networking with prominent scholars in Korea and abroad across various fields, and operates startup mentoring and incubation programs.

Operating Process
  •  
    1. Project Proposal

    Blind review by an expert evaluation panel for presentation candidate selection

  •  
    2. Presentation and Q&A

    Presentation and discussion with reviewers for final project selection

  •  
    3. Project Support

    R&D networking programs, patent mentoring, and expert consulting for commercialization

Samsung Science and Technology is evaluated to have contributed to improving Korea's research culture and advancing future technologies. The program has also gained strong recognition within the scientific community, receiving around 1,000 research proposals on average through its Open Topic and Designated Theme competitions.

Operating Principles

  • First

    Ensuring expertise, fairness, and objectivity in project selection.

    Review panel consisting of approx. 1,980 experts from Korea and 500 from overseas

  • Second

    Encouraging challenging and innovative research through researcher-led and flexible project management that does not penalize failure.

  • Third

    Providing comprehensive support beyond research funding to help research achieve meaningful outcomes.

  • Fourth

    Promoting knowledge exchange and discussion through the Global Research Symposium (GRS) and Global Technology Conference (GTC) with leading experts and scholars in each technology field.

Last updatedJune 26, 2026