L’Oréal has officially launched the 2025 Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Programme across the South Asia Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa (SAPMENA) region, including India. Startups will compete for the opportunity to collaborate with L’Oréal on a commercial pilot with one of the Group’s 37 international brands, gain exposure in 35 markets across the region, and receive mentorship from L’Oréal senior executives and programme partners for one year.
This year, the competition expands to include Australia and New Zealand. Startups will tackle one of five challenge themes, including the new “Science for Beauty” category introduced for 2025, alongside Consumer Experience, Content & Media, New Commerce, and Tech for Good.
In 2024, Bengaluru-based Live2.ai and NeuralGarage, two Indian startups, were named winners of the inaugural L’Oréal SAPMENA Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Programme.
Aseem Kaushik, Managing Director, L’Oréal India, said, “The success of the inaugural Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Programme with two Indian start-ups as winners, has reinforced my belief in India's extraordinary entrepreneurial talent. This year, with the introduction of the 'Science for Beauty' category, we are eager to see how Indian startups will leverage scientific breakthroughs to create solutions for personalized, inclusive and responsible beauty – powered by the transformative potential of technology, not just in India, but for consumers around the world.”
Saloni Shah, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, L’Oréal India, said, “The Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Programme 2025 is a tremendous opportunity for Indian startups to showcase their groundbreaking ideas on a global stage. Last year, Indian start-ups truly shone at the SAPMENA finals and were game changers, impressing us with their vision and potential. We're excited to witness yet another year where solutions emerge from vibrant Indian startups, helping us deliver a meaningful exchange with our consumers so we can create beauty that moves the world.”
With a vibrant, fast-growing consumer base, SAPMENA, home to 40% of the world’s population, presents massive opportunities for startups. Over 60% of the region’s young, digitally native consumers shop online weekly, driving the beauty sector’s growth. SAPMENA’s startup ecosystem is also booming, with over 625,200 startups and more than 245 unicorns, making it one of the most dynamic markets for beauty innovation.
L’Oréal is committed to fostering a culture of innovation. Fast Company named L’Oréal in its Top 50 2024 Best Workplaces for Innovators list and winner of the Beauty and Fashion category, recognising its commitment to encouraging and developing innovation at all levels.
