L’Oréal has opened applications for the 2026 edition of its Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program, targeting startups across South Asia Pacific, the Middle East and North Africa (SAPMENA), as it looks to expand partnerships in AI-led commerce and digital ecosystems.
The programme, now in its third year, invites startups to compete for commercial pilot opportunities with one of L’Oréal’s global brands. Selected winners will also get access to mentorship from senior executives and the possibility of scaling their solutions across 35 markets in the region.
L’Oréal said the latest edition reflects three shifts shaping the industry — the rise of AI-driven commerce, the growing role of creator and affiliate networks, and increasing focus on circular economy solutions.
Startups can apply under five categories: connected brand experience, creators and affiliates, AI-powered commerce, science for beauty, and innovation for good.
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“SAPMENA is fast becoming a global epicentre for tech innovation. Millions of young, digitally native consumers are fuelling a rapid rise in digital commerce and redefining brand interaction,” said Vismay Sharma, President, L’Oréal SAPMENA Zone. “As AI, the creator economy, and circularity reshape our industry, we are committed to discovering and nurturing the pioneers who will co-lead this transformation.”
Jacques Lebel, Managing Director, L’Oréal India, said the company sees India as a key market for new-age beauty technology. “India is one of the fastest-evolving beauty markets, driven by digitally savvy consumers and rapid innovation. The country’s startup ecosystem is creating technology-led businesses that are creating new industry benchmarks,” he said.
Saloni Shah Javeri, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer at L’Oréal India, pointed to rising adoption of AI-led personalisation and creator-driven commerce as key trends. “We are seeing technology transform the way consumers discover and experience beauty,” she said.
The programme runs from May to November, with applications closing on July 3. Regional finals will be held across multiple markets before a final event in Singapore.
L’Oréal said seven startups from countries including India, Australia, Singapore and the UAE have participated in earlier editions, with several moving to pilot projects with its brands.
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Among last year’s winners, India-based Without worked on recycling multilayer plastics into usable materials, while Sravathi AI focused on identifying ingredients using AI. Other startups included Australia’s Heatseeker, which develops real-time market intelligence tools, and UAE-based Halo AI, which works on influencer discovery.
The company said these pilots are aimed at testing practical use-cases for emerging technologies in the beauty business, particularly in areas such as sustainability, AI applications and digital marketing.
The SAPMENA region, which L’Oréal described as a fast-growing consumer and startup hub, is seeing rapid growth in digital commerce and technology adoption, making it a key focus area for innovation partnerships.
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