L’Oréal introduces applications for the 2026 edition of its Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program, inviting startups across India and the wider South Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa (SAPMENA) region to build solutions in AI-powered commerce, creator ecosystems and sustainability.

Entering its third year, the programme is aimed at identifying startups working across beauty tech, artificial intelligence, circularity and digital commerce, with selected winners receiving a fully funded commercial pilot opportunity with one of L’Oréal’s 40 global brands.

The company said winning startups could also gain access to scaling opportunities across 35 SAPMENA markets, alongside year-long mentorship from senior L’Oréal executives and programme partners.

This year’s edition will focus on five strategic themes, Connected Brand Experience, Creators & Affiliates, AI-Powered Commerce, Science for Beauty and Innovation for Good, reflecting broader shifts in consumer engagement and AI-led retail experiences.

Vismay Sharma said the SAPMENA region is emerging as a major global hub for beauty tech innovation, driven by digitally native consumers and rapid growth in digital commerce.

Jacques Lebel said India’s fast-evolving beauty market and growing startup ecosystem are creating technology-led businesses that are setting new industry benchmarks.

The programme has already backed seven startups from India, Australia, Singapore and the UAE across previous cohorts. Among the 2025 winners were Indian startups Without and Sravathi AI.

Without, a materials science startup, is working with L’Oréal on recyclable alternatives for multilayer plastics, while Sravathi AI is helping the company accelerate ingredient discovery using its AI-powered chemistry platform.

Other startups selected in the latest cohort include Australia-based Heatseeker, UAE-based Halo AI and Singapore-based Wubble AI, which are developing solutions spanning real-time consumer intelligence, influencer discovery and ethical AI-powered content tools.

Applications for the 2026 programme will remain open until July 3, with regional finals scheduled across India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Australia-New Zealand before the SAPMENA finale in Singapore in November 2026.