L\u2019Or\u00e9al is bringing back its Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program for 2026 after Australian startup Heatseeker was named one of last year\u2019s regional winners.<\/p>\n
Heatseeker took one of the top spots<\/a> in L\u2019Or\u00e9al\u2019s 2025 Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program after being selected from thousands of startups across the South Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa. The company was the only Australian startup among the winners.<\/p>\n Heatseeker is now piloting its customer intelligence platform with L\u2019Or\u00e9al Australia and New Zealand after progressing through the program.<\/p>\n Co-founded in 2023<\/a> by Kate O\u2019Keeffe, Fiona Triaca and former Atlassian executive Rutger Coolen, Heatseeker uses AI and live market testing to help companies measure how customers actually respond to products, branding and campaigns before launch.<\/p>\n The startup also raised $2.3 million in a pre-seed round last year<\/a>, as it focused on pushing further into the US market.<\/p>\n Two other Australian startups also reached the finalist stage in last year\u2019s competition: NewEra Bio, which develops bio-based hair dyes, and Springboards.ai<\/a>, which develops AI tools for advertising teams.<\/p>\n \tGet the best of Startup Daily straight to your inbox<\/p>\n \n Want to know the latest in startup news? Subscribe to our daily news and analysis coverage on what\u2019s happening to ANZ startups, investors and the broader ecosystem. And best of all, it’s FREE! <\/p>\n By continuing, you agree to our\u00a0Terms & Conditions<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n What L\u2019Or\u00e9al is looking for in its 2026 startup program<\/p>\n The 2026 edition of is now open to startups working across categories such as AI-powered commerce, creator tools, connected brand experiences and sustainability-focused technology.<\/p>\n Winners receive the opportunity to develop commercial pilots with L\u2019Or\u00e9al brands, alongside mentorship from company executives and partners.<\/p>\n The company says seven startups from previous editions of the program have now progressed to commercial pilot projects with L\u2019Or\u00e9al brands.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are looking for AI powered commerce solutions, technology to enhance the connected brand experience, the next frontier platforms for creators, science solutions for beauty and innovation for good,\u201d L\u2019Or\u00e9al Australia and New Zealand Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, Georgia Hack, said.<\/p>\n