On November 12, 2025, at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, the L’Oréal Group showcased its commitment to beauty technology through the BIG BANG Beauty Tech Open Innovation Program. This marks L’Oréal’s third consecutive year participating in the Innovation Incubation Zone, with a focus on fostering collaboration with global startups. The theme for this year’s event was “Elevate the Innovation for the Future,” highlighting L’Oréal’s role in connecting diverse talents and driving industry-wide advancements.
During the expo, L’Oréal announced the winners of the 2025 BIG BANG North Asia program, selecting 19 startups from over 700 entries. This year saw the largest participation in the program’s history, reflecting growing interest in innovative solutions within the beauty sector. Among the winning startups were companies from Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, France, South Korea, and Japan, emphasizing the program’s international reach.
Innovative Collaborations and Sustainability Initiatives
The event highlighted numerous initiatives aimed at advancing beauty technology. L’Oréal introduced a new “Sustainability” track, where five startups were shortlisted for the global “Sustainable Innovation Accelerator” program. This initiative offers tailored support to help these companies scale their innovative solutions, enhancing the sector’s sustainability efforts.
“At L’Oréal, our foundation is rooted in science, and innovation isn’t just a buzzword,” said Barbara Lavernos, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Research, Innovation, and Technology. She emphasized the importance of open innovation as a means to connect with dynamic startups and foster collaborations that lead to groundbreaking solutions.
The Innovation Summit, held alongside the awards ceremony, featured discussions with representatives from the winning startups on the future of beauty technology. This forum allowed innovators to share insights and explore potential collaborations that could reshape the beauty landscape.
Showcasing Cutting-Edge Technologies
Throughout the Innovation Incubation Zone, L’Oréal showcased 24 pioneering startups from regions including Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and France. These companies demonstrated how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming consumer experiences and business applications within the beauty industry.
Innovative products included a smart beauty vending machine from Taiwan’s Speed 3D Inc., which uses AI to enhance retail experiences. Black Barrels from Hong Kong SAR introduced consumer products that leverage generative AI, boasting over 20 million global users. South Korea’s REPLA Inc. showcased a process for recycling discarded plastics into premium materials, while Japan’s Matlantis Corporation demonstrated advanced simulation technology that accelerates product development.
Chinese startups also made a significant impact. ShengShu VIDU presented a platform for rapid video content creation aimed at beauty brands, while Rightway introduced a carbon-negative packaging solution that embodies a commitment to sustainability.
The BIG BANG program, established five years ago, has evolved into a key platform for open innovation in the beauty sector. It serves as a bridge for startups to connect with established beauty companies, fostering synergies that can lead to successful collaborations. Following a rigorous selection process, the winning startups were recognized for their innovative contributions to the industry.
The awarding ceremony, held on November 6 during CIIE, brought together over 100 startup representatives, ecosystem partners, and government officials to celebrate achievements in open innovation. Notable attendees included government officials from various countries and leaders from the beauty industry.
As L’Oréal continues to deepen its partnerships with technology leaders such as IBM, Google, and NVIDIA, the company remains committed to integrating AI into its innovation strategies. The success of the BIG BANG program reinforces L’Oréal’s mission to shape the future of beauty through collaboration and technological advancement.
Looking ahead, L’Oréal’s BIG BANG initiative will persist in fostering collaboration among innovators worldwide, promoting sustainable transformations across the beauty value chain. The CIIE serves as a vital platform for showcasing innovation and amplifying the impact of the BIG BANG program, connecting the future of beauty with global audiences.
For over 116 years, L’Oréal has dedicated itself to fulfilling the beauty aspirations of consumers globally, with a broad portfolio of 37 brands. The company is committed to social and environmental sustainability, making significant strides in innovation to remain at the forefront of the beauty industry.
