Groundbreaking Innovations: Twelve C-Lab Startups Secure CES 2025 Innovation Awards
Samsung Electronics’ dedication to fostering innovation has once again been recognized on a global scale. At the upcoming CES 2025, a prestigious tech event set to take place from January 7th to 10th in Las Vegas, Samsung will present an array of pioneering projects supported by its C-Lab initiative. This program, which has been nurturing creativity since its inception in 2012, has impressively incubated over 900 projects and startups. This year, 15 new projects will be showcased at the Venetian Expo’s Eureka Park, an area dedicated exclusively to startups and emerging entrepreneurs.
At the heart of this year’s showcase are 12 startups from the C-Lab Outside program, two internal ventures from C-Lab Inside, and one spin-off that originated within Samsung. These projects span various sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), digital health, and robotics. Samsung anticipates that these startups will receive valuable feedback from the global audience, evaluate their business viability, and establish connections with potential investors.
"The CES is a vital platform for Korean startups looking to expand their presence in the global market and boost brand awareness," stated Pilgyu Jeon, Executive Vice President and Head of the Creativity & Innovation Center at Samsung Electronics. "Through C-Lab, we remain committed to supporting startups as they evolve into globally recognized innovators."
Exploring the C-Lab Outside Program: A Showcase of Twelve Startups
This year, the C-Lab Outside program will feature 12 promising startups, including 11 directly incubated by Samsung Electronics and one jointly supported by Samsung and the Daegu Center for Creative Economy & Innovation. These startups are making waves in AI, digital health, IoT, and robotics.
Artificial Intelligence
- DEEP.FINE: This startup offers an extended reality (XR) solution using Vision-AI and Visual Localization (VL) for creating highly accurate digital spaces.
- Mainspace: They provide an online shopping service powered by automated 3D interior design technology, revolutionizing how consumers visualize their purchases.
- ENERZAi: A next-generation AI engine that optimizes inference, enhancing efficiency and performance across various applications.
- Cochl: This AI-based sound technology mimics human-like understanding of sounds, opening new possibilities in sound recognition.
- Korea Greendata: This platform transforms energy data analytics with an AI-driven chatbot integration, making energy management more intuitive and efficient.
- 10kM.ai: An enterprise-level AI solution for video production that can generate, edit, and distribute content at scale, streamlining the video creation process.
Digital Health
- Riduck: An AI-based solution that offers personalized aerobic exercise coaching through data collected from wearable devices, promoting healthier lifestyles.
- LabSD: They have developed a digital ophthalmoscope using upcycled smartphones, alongside a teleophthalmology system, enhancing eye care accessibility.
- Meditrix: This innovation includes a VR-based neuro-biofeedback motion chair and mobile digital therapeutics, offering new ways to manage neurological conditions.
Internet of Things (IoT)
- Ghostpass: A hands-free remote authentication solution that securely stores user biometrics on smartphones, enhancing security and convenience.
- Pinpoint: A smart building operating system that integrates operations and user experiences into a cohesive solution, advancing building management.
Robotics
- Quester: A high-performance hand-tracking glove equipped with sensor fusion technology, paving the way for more immersive robotic interactions.
C-Lab’s efforts to foster regional startups have led to a record achievement, with four local startups from Daegu and Gwangju, Korea, being highlighted this year. Notably, GhostPass, a standout from C-Lab Outside Gwangju, earned the Best of Innovation Award in Fintech at CES 2025.
"With the support and guidance from C-Lab Outside, we’ve achieved remarkable growth in a short period," remarked Sunkwan Lee, CEO and founder of GhostPass. "We’re thrilled to attend CES 2025 with C-Lab and showcase our award-winning solution."
Established in October 2018, the C-Lab Outside program provides selected startups with comprehensive support, including business funding, office space, personalized development programs, and collaboration opportunities with Samsung Electronics.
C-Lab Inside: Nurturing Innovation from Within
Since 2016, Samsung has been showcasing its C-Lab Inside projects at CES to gauge their reception in the global market and test their business viability. These projects are developed by Samsung employees and have been praised for their innovation and market potential.
This year’s C-Lab Inside projects include:
- GreenFollow: An autonomous driving solution for electric golf trolleys, leveraging Galaxy technology to enhance the golfing experience.
- Modulero: A modular platform designed for robotics development, simplifying the process of building and deploying robotic solutions.
In 2015, Samsung launched the C-Lab spin-off program, allowing promising C-Lab Inside projects to transition into independent startups. At CES 2025, the spin-off company Edint will present its mobile-based AI online exam proctoring service, demonstrating the commercial viability of C-Lab innovations.
Recognizing Excellence: C-Lab’s Triumph at CES 2025
In November 2024, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) announced the recipients of the CES 2025 Innovation Awards, highlighting products and services that push the boundaries of technology. Among the honorees, C-Lab startups received one Best of Innovation Award and 11 Innovation Award Honorees, showcasing the program’s impact on the tech landscape.
The award-winning C-Lab projects include GhostPass, DEEP.Fine, Mainspace, ENERZAi, Quester, and others. These innovative solutions will be prominently displayed at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas during CES 2025.
Since its establishment in 2012, the C-Lab program has supported a total of 912 startups and projects—506 through C-Lab Outside and 406 through C-Lab Inside. Through the "C-Lab Family" network, these startups can continue collaborating with Samsung even after graduating from C-Lab Outside or becoming independent spin-offs.
The C-Lab Inside program, which began in December 2012, empowers Samsung employees to explore their innovative ideas and fosters a corporate culture centered around creativity. Since 2015, Samsung has been facilitating the launch of successful C-Lab projects as independent startups, further expanding their market reach.
For more details on Samsung’s C-Lab program and its impact on the tech industry, you can visit Samsung’s official website.
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