LEAP-U
Forecasted
LEAP-U supports North American university researchers in developing later-stage inventions and prototypes with Samsung, advancing applied research toward commercialization and real-world impact.
Funder: Samsung Research America
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Full proposal submission)
Funding Amounts: Personnel support may include faculty and postdoctoral salaries and student stipends
Summary: LEAP-U helps North American university researchers mature later-stage technologies toward commercialization through collaboration with Samsung.
Key Information: Applicants must work with their Technology Transfer Office, and selected universities must sign a Research Agreement.
Description
LEAP-U is Samsung Research America’s program for incubating emerging technologies from the North American academic community. It partners with university Technology Transfer Offices, Research Offices, and inventors to mature existing proof-of-concepts and advance applied research toward commercialization. The program focuses on later-stage inventions and prototypes, principally at Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 3–6, rather than conceptual research.
Its research priorities are women’s health, AI security, medical technologies, applied AI, and energy resilience and management. Samsung seeks innovations that address real-world challenges, demonstrate commercial impact potential, and can be integrated into its ecosystem. Participating universities gain a platform to highlight inventions, collaborate with Samsung’s research community, and develop long-term academic-industry partnerships.
