As the largest Beauty Tech open innovation competition of its kind in the region, the program is expanding in 2025 to include Australia and New Zealand. Participating startups will address one of five challenge themes: Consumer Experience, Content & Media, New Commerce, Tech for Good, and the newly introduced Science for Beauty.
“With its dynamic startup ecosystem and tech-savvy consumers, SAPMENA has the potential to drive beauty innovation. The Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program enables us to support and collaborate with startups to accelerate innovation and enhance the beauty experience in the region,” said Vismay Sharma, President of L’Oréal SAPMENA Zone.
A Growing Beauty and Tech Landscape in the Philippines
The Philippine beauty industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by a digitally engaged population and increasing demand for personalized beauty experiences. According to
Statista, the Beauty & Personal Care market in the Philippines is projected to generate approximately US$6.55 billion or around PHP 327.5 billion in revenue by 2025, with e-commerce expected to account for 40% of total sales.
The country's tech ecosystem is equally dynamic, with over 1,000 active startups and an expanding digital economy expected to hit USD 35 billion by 2025, according to Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company. With Filipino consumers spending an average of four hours daily on social media and embracing online shopping, there is a growing appetite for tech-driven beauty innovations.
L’Oréal Philippines Champions Local Beauty Tech Innovations
L’Oréal Philippines is driving local innovation by expanding the Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program. As digital advancements reshape consumer behavior, the initiative empowers startups to develop tech-driven beauty solutions, strengthening the country’s role in the industry.
“The Philippines has a young, digital-first consumer base that is shaping the future of beauty. Through the Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program, we aim to empower Filipino startups to develop groundbreaking solutions that merge beauty and technology. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to supporting local innovation and positioning the Philippines as a key player in beauty tech,” said Yassine Bakkari, Managing Director of L’Oréal Philippines.
With SAPMENA representing 40% of the world’s population and over 60% of its young consumers shopping online weekly, the region presents massive opportunities for startups. Specifically, the Philippines has one of the highest social media engagement rates globally, making it a strategic market for beauty innovation.
Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program: Empowering Filipino Startups
L’Oréal’s Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program invites Filipino startups to develop groundbreaking Beauty Tech solutions across five challenge themes. The competition aims to foster local innovation and position the Philippines as a leader in beauty technology.
The regional semi-finals will take place online in August and September 2025, leading up to the SAPMENA Grand Finale in Singapore on November 5, 2025. A distinguished panel of judges, including senior executives from L’Oréal and its program partners, will evaluate the entries.
The top three winners will receive a L’Oréal-funded commercial pilot opportunity and a year-long mentorship program with industry leaders. Previous program partners have included Accenture, Google, and Meta.
Successful startups may also gain opportunities to collaborate with L’Oréal on a global scale, tapping into its extensive network of partners and market insights.
Key Dates:
Submission Deadline: May 30, 2025
Regional Semi-Finals (Online): August – September 2025
- Middle East
- India
- Southeast Asia (including the Philippines)
- Australia and New Zealand
- SAPMENA Grand Finale (Singapore, In-Person): November 5, 2025
Filipino startups passionate about shaping the future of beauty are encouraged to apply before the submission deadline.
To learn more and apply, visit https://bigbang.lorealsapmena.com/
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