Per a PR Newswire release, L’Oreal has launched the 2026 Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program for startups across South Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa (SAPMENA). The programme, entering its third year, offers winners a fully funded commercial pilot with one of L’Oreal’s 40 international brands, potential scale across 35 SAPMENA markets, and year-long mentorship from L’Oreal senior leaders and programme partners (PR Newswire). PR Newswire and Manila Times report that seven startups from earlier cohorts have progressed to commercial pilots. The 2026 edition focuses on five strategic themes, including AI-Powered Commerce, Creators & Affiliates, Connected Brand Experience, Science for Beauty, and Innovation for Good (PR Newswire). Examples of 2025 winners named in the release include Without (India), Sravathi AI (India), Heatseeker (Australia), Halo AI (UAE), and Wubble AI (Singapore) (PR Newswire).