Samsung Electronics is gaining international attention for its growing role in environmental innovation, as its coral reef conservation efforts receive multiple global awards. The company’s “Coral in Focus” initiative, powered by its Ocean Mode camera feature, highlights how consumer technology can contribute to scientific research and ecosystem protection.
Awards Highlight Innovation in Ocean Conservation
Samsung Electronics announced that its initiative has won several honours, including a Gold award in the “Best Sustainability or Conservation Initiative” category at the Engage for Good Halo Awards.
The initiative’s accompanying documentary, Coral in Focus, also received the Coastal and Island Culture Award at the International Ocean Film Festival. In addition, Samsung was named to Fast Company’s 2026 list of Most Innovative Companies, recognizing its contributions to mobile technology in environmental research.
Collaboration Drives Scientific and Community Impact
The project is a collaboration between Samsung and U.S.-based nonprofit Seatrees, along with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Together, they aim to address the rapid decline of coral reefs worldwide.
Coral reefs occupy less than one per cent of the ocean floor but support roughly a quarter of all marine life. They also play a crucial role in coastal economies, including fisheries and tourism—industries that are similarly important in parts of Canada, such as British Columbia’s Pacific coastline.
However, reefs are under increasing threat from climate change, pollution and overfishing. Scientists warn that without intervention, many could disappear by 2050.
Ocean Mode Expands Access to Underwater Research Tools
At the centre of the initiative is Ocean Mode, an advanced camera feature available on select Galaxy devices, including models like the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The technology allows users to capture high-quality underwater images with improved colour accuracy and reduced motion blur.
These images are then used to create detailed 3D photogrammetric models of coral reefs. Researchers rely on these models to monitor reef health, track changes over time and guide restoration efforts.
Through the program, local communities and conservation partners in regions such as Costa Rica, Fiji, Indonesia, the Galápagos Islands and the United States are equipped with Galaxy smartphones and underwater housings. This approach enables broader participation in scientific data collection, particularly in areas where access to expensive diving and imaging equipment is limited.
To date, the initiative has supported the planting of more than 20,000 coral fragments and the creation of over 80 3D reef models.
Technology Reduces Barriers for Environmental Monitoring
Ocean Mode is now available through Samsung’s Expert RAW app, making advanced underwater photography more accessible to everyday users.
By reducing reliance on bulky and costly DSLR camera systems, the technology lowers barriers for researchers, conservation groups and citizen scientists. This democratization of tools is seen as a key factor in scaling up reef monitoring efforts globally.
For Canadian audiences, this model reflects a broader trend in environmental stewardship, where technology—from satellite imaging to mobile devices—is increasingly used to monitor ecosystems such as Arctic ice, forests and coastal waters.
Part of a Broader Sustainability Strategy
The recognition builds on Samsung’s wider sustainability platform, “Our Journey: Galaxy for the Planet.” The initiative includes efforts to incorporate recycled materials into devices and develop technologies that support environmental protection.
As climate concerns continue to shape policy and innovation priorities in Canada and globally, initiatives like Coral in Focus demonstrate how private-sector technology can complement scientific research and community-led conservation.
Conclusion
Samsung’s award-winning Ocean Mode and Coral in Focus initiative illustrate the growing intersection between consumer technology and environmental science. By enabling accessible, high-quality underwater imaging, the company is helping expand global coral reef restoration efforts—offering a model for how innovation can support the protection of vulnerable ecosystems worldwide.
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