About Big Bang

CREATE THE BEAUTY THAT MOVES THE WORLD

Big Bang is L'Oréal's open innovation platform, inviting startups from all sectors with groundbreaking solutions to partner with us. We'll work together to apply disruptive technology to revolutionize our Beauty Tech ambition, co-creating the future of beauty.

Join us!

About Big Bang

CREATE THE BEAUTY THAT MOVES THE WORLD

Big Bang is L'Oréal's open innovation platform, inviting startups from all sectors with groundbreaking solutions to partner with us. We'll work together to apply disruptive technology to revolutionize our Beauty Tech ambition, co-creating the future of beauty.

Challenge Topic

What we offer

Join Big Bang Hong Kong 2025 and unlock a world of opportunities to grow your startup while shaping the future of Beauty Tech!

Incubation Support by HKSTP Incubation Support by HKSTP Incubation Support from HKSTP

Join Big Bang Hong Kong 2025 and unlock a world of opportunities to grow your startup while shaping the future of Beauty Tech!

Collaborate with L’Oréal

Work directly with L’Oréal to co-create innovative Beauty Tech solutions, with access to the world’s number one beauty company’s expertise and network

Mentorship

Invaluable mentorship from L'Oréal leaders and partners

Exposure and Growth

Gain potential media and trade show exposure, as well as opportunities for future partnerships

Entry Criteria

Entry Criteria

WHO SHOULD APPLY

Big Bang Hong Kong invites innovative startups of all sizes and stages, from any industry, to join us in shaping the future of Beauty Tech.

We’re looking for solutions that tackle our Beauty Tech challenge topics and for teams eager to collaborate with L’Oréal to bring their ideas to life.

  • To participate, startups must meet one of these requirements, as set by our partner, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP);

  • Be currently enrolled in an HKSTP Incubation Programmes (e.g., Ideation, Incubation, or Acceleration); or
    Agree to incorporate a Hong Kong limited company and join the HKSTP Ideation Programme if shortlisted.

Selection Criteria

Criteria 1
SOLUTION
INNOVATIVENESS

Unique and original solutions that push the boundaries of Beauty Tech and differentiate themselves from existing approaches.

Criteria 2
TECHNOLOGY
FRONTIER

Leveraging cutting-edge technology or demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of technological trends in the beauty industry.

Criteria 3
BUSINESS
IMPACT

Effectively solve important problems for L'Oréal and generate significant value for business.

Criteria 4
SCALABILITY

Easily adapted and implemented across multiple L'Oréal markets and brands.

Timeline

Timeline
Timeline Icon 1
RECRUITMENT
STARTS

May

Kickstart your journey by submitting your application.

Timeline Icon 2
RECRUITMENT
DEADLINE

June

Applications close in June.
Our reviewing committee will evaluate all applications and select startups to move forward.

Timeline Icon 3
SHORTLISTING
APPLICATIONS
& MENTORSHIP

June - Sep

The selected startup will work closely with your assigned L’Oréal HK brands, to co-create a solution that fits one of our challenge topics.

Timeline Icon 4
JUDGING
SESSION

Sep

The qualified startups will advance to the judging session, where the top startup will be announced.

RECRUITMENT
STARTS

May

Kickstart your journey by submitting your application.

RECRUITMENT
DEADLINE

June

Applications close in June.
Our reviewing committee will evaluate all applications and select startups to move forward.

SHORTLISTING
APPLICATIONS
& MENTORSHIP

June - Sep

The selected startup will work closely with your assigned L’Oréal HK brands, to co-create a solution that fits one of our challenge topics.

JUDGING
SESSION

Sep

The qualified startups will advance to the judging session, where the top startup will be announced.

FAQs

FAQs

Although L'Oréal Hong Kong seeks early to mid-stage start-ups that fit the challenge themes, the Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program encourages applications from companies at all stages of fundraising.

Startups of any size and stage are welcome to apply if they fit the needs and criteria that L'Oréal Hong Kong is looking for. You can see the criteria here.

Additionally, startups must meet one of these requirements, as set by our partner, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP):

Be currently enrolled in an HKSTP Incubation Programme (e.g., Ideation, Incubation, or LeapME); or

Agree to incorporate a Hong Kong company and join the HKSTP Ideation Programme if shortlisted.

Participation of BIG BANG is free of charge. There is no application fee or equity taken.

The number of participating companies varies. It will be subject to the innovation proposed by the applicants.

The shortlisted companies will be informed of the result by early October, and Big Bang result announcement date will be made in November.

The judges will be a range of L’Oréal brand, business and domain experts across the problem statement themes and relevant technologies.

The personnel and experts involved in the organization and evaluation of the competition are committed to treating all matters confidentially. For more information, please check the T&Cs.

While you don't need to be currently based in Hong Kong, shortlisted startups must be willing to establish a presence in Hong Kong if selected for the program.

You will retain ownership of the IP developed by your company during the program. However, there may be some non-compete terms to be agreed on in the post-program negotiation phase.

The applications will be screened and selected by our reviewing committee according to the Judging Criteria.

You are advised to provide details about your startup and the submission proposal will outline the challenge statement/s you are responding to, your proposal for L’Oréal as well as relevant examples and use cases.

Make sure that your application and pitch deck answer all the selection criteria. You are required to submit a company deck and product demo. The final pitch deck that you use for this application and the one you can use at the judging session may be different.

The selected startups will have the opportunity to receive one-to-one coaching by L’Oréal Hong Kong, such as beauty market trends, pitch presentation training, and support from the HKSTP Ideation Programme.