Shaping the Future of Beauty: L’Oréal Brings Global Innovation Competition to the Philippines

 

L’Oréal has officially launched the 2025 Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program in the Philippines, marking a key milestone in its regional expansion across the South Asia Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa (SAPMENA) zone. This groundbreaking initiative invites startups to collaborate with L’Oréal through a commercial pilot with one of its 37 global brands. Participants also gain the opportunity to access up to 35 markets across the SAPMENA region and benefit from a year-long mentorship program led by senior executives from L’Oréal and its strategic partners.

 

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 

o    Middle East 

o    India 

o    Southeast Asia (including the Philippines) 

o    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/

 

About L’Oréal South Asia Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa (SAPMENA) Zone 

Home to 3 billion people and 40% of the world’s population, the South Asia Pacific, Middle East & North Africa (SAPMENA) Zone is a major growth engine for L’Oréal and a global talent hub. The SAPMENA Zone was formed in 2021 to drive focus on consumer needs and growth in many of the world's most populous, young and fast-growing economies. Across 13 entities and 35 markets spanning New Zealand to Morocco, the L’Oréal SAPMENA Zone is reinventing beauty experiences for our consumers through a portfolio of over 30 international brands and game-changing Beauty Tech innovations. Our business model is built on responsible and sustainable growth, with commitments which focus on three key areas – the planet, the people and our products. 

 

About L’Oréal 

For 115 years, L’Oréal, the world’s leading beauty player, has devoted itself to one thing only: fulfilling the beauty aspirations of consumers around the world. Our purpose, to create the beauty that moves the world, defines our approach to beauty as essential, inclusive, ethical, generous and committed to social and environmental sustainability. With our broad portfolio of 37 international brands and ambitious sustainability commitments in our L’Oréal for the Future program, we offer each and every person around the world the best in terms of quality, efficacy, safety, sincerity and responsibility, while celebrating beauty in its infinite plurality. 

 

With more than 90,000 committed employees, a balanced geographical footprint and sales across all distribution networks (ecommerce, mass market, department stores, pharmacies, perfumeries, hair salons, branded and travel retail), in 2024 the Group generated sales amounting to 43.48 billion euros. With 21 research centers across 13 countries around the world and a dedicated Research and Innovation team of over 4,000 scientists and 8,000 Digital talents, L’Oréal is focused on inventing the future of beauty and becoming a Beauty Tech powerhouse. 

 

More information on https://www.loreal.com/en/mediaroom.