L'Oréal has launched its Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program for 2025.
The scheme, which sees start-ups compete for the opportunity to work with L'Oréal in a commercial pilot, has been expanded to include Australia and New Zealand.
Competitors from across Australasia will join those from South Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa (SAPMENA) region, including India.
The start-ups are tasked with addressing one of five challenge themes, including a new 'Science for Beauty' theme introduced in 2025.
Tasks on ‘Consumer Experience’, ‘Content & Media’, ‘New Commerce’ and ‘Tech for Good’ are also included.
"The Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program 2025 is a tremendous opportunity for Indian start-ups to showcase their groundbreaking ideas on a global stage,” said Saloni Shah, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, L'Oréal India.
“Last year, Indian start-ups truly shone at the SAPMENA finals and were game changers, impressing us with their vision and potential.”
Two start-ups from India, Bengaluru-based Live2.ai and NeuralGarage, emerged as winners of the inaugural L'Oréal SAPMENA Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program in 2024.
“We are excited to witness yet another year where solutions emerge from vibrant Indian start-ups, helping us deliver a meaningful exchange with our consumers so we can create beauty that moves the world,” added Shah.
L'Oréal said winners of the competition will have the opportunity to tap into potential exposure in 35 markets across the SAPMENA region.
They will also embark on a year-long mentorship programme with senior executives from L'Oréal and the programme partners.
The submission deadline for the tasks is 30 May 2025, with online-based regional semi-finals taking place between August and September 2025.
The ‘Grand Finale’ takes place on 5 November 2025 where up to ten finalists will compete for the top spots.
“The success of the inaugural Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program with two Indian start-ups as winners, has reinforced my belief in India's extraordinary entrepreneurial talent,” said Aseem Kaushik, Managing Director, L'Oréal India.
“This year, with the introduction of the 'Science for Beauty' category, we are eager to see how Indian start-ups will leverage scientific breakthroughs to create solutions for personalised, inclusive and responsible beauty – powered by the transformative potential of technology, not just in India, but for consumers around the world."