Samsung Electronics Co. announced that it would back up new startups that have spun off its C-Lab (Creative Lab) in-house program. In 2012, Samsung launched the C-Lab program to foster participants and their original ideas while integrating a creativity-centric corporate culture. Starting from 2015, C-Lab has promoted projects that show solid market potential. Since this program’s launch, Samsung has facilitated numerous startups’ growth in all business areas.
At present, Samsung plans to support multiple new startups that have spun off from the C-Lab venture program. In particular, the C-Lab spinoff project would provide startups necessary assistance, including ample funding and all-inclusive consulting. The C-Lab program would also offer a five-year window. During this period, the startups’ employees could go back to their previous jobs if their ventures fail to take off.
Promising New Startups
C-lab startup Ice Linker developed an intelligent cooler that helps users track and manage body temperatures when they have fevers. After users place the cooler on their heads, the device would measure their temperatures from the temples. Next, Ice Linker’s device gradually lowers the inner cooling plate’s temperature, helping users cool down. The cooler also contains a feature enabling users to manage their conditions in real-time by delivering notifications to their smartphones.
Another C-Lab spinoff, Pinot Lab, created a wine-recommending app that offers suggestions based on user preferences. Users only need to take the wine label’s picture, and then the app would provide its food pairing, flavor, price, rating, and other information. Users could also enter their meal choices, and the app would use AI-based algorithms to recommend the most suitable wine.
Furthermore, Scan and Dive developed a gadget that analyzes and classifies fabric types. Scan and Dive’s device effectively scans the fabrics’ textures, thickness, and weaving styles. It also identifies textiles, including cotton, polyester, and rayon. Laundry shops and recycling facilities could also use the gadget to inspect fabrics and automate clothing types.
Lastly, the C-Lab startup STRA created ‘CODA,’ a guitar chord-generator app. CODA is especially beneficial to users who want to practice their guitar-playing skills since it also shows correct finger placements. Once users enter a song title, the app’s AI-based engine converts the audio data into guitar chords. STRA also plans to expand CODA’s capabilities to help music teachers conduct non-face-to-face lessons.
Expanding Beyond the Program
“Going forward, we will continue to support promising C-Lab projects and employees with entrepreneurial ambitions,” said Inkuk Hahn, VP of Samsung Electronics’ Creativity and Innovation Center. Hahn also said that this move would enable C-Lab participants to branch out their ventures profitably and comprehensively.
Besides expanding their businesses beyond the program, the C-Lab spinoffs would nurture South Korea’s startup ecosystem. As a result of the C-Lab program, more than 180 employees have successfully launched over 50 startups. For instance, three C-Lab spinoff startups became innovation honorees at the CES 2021.
