As part of the <2026 Global Enterprise Collaboration Program Around X>, hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (hereinafter referred to as the MSS) and the Korea Institute of Startups and Entrepreneurship Development, L'Oréal Korea is recruiting startups in the research, innovation, and digital fields that wish to participate in the '2026 L'Oréal Big Bang.'
"L'Oréal Big Bang" is the L'Oréal Group's North Asia open innovation program, which began in China in 2020, expanding to Korea and Japan in 2023, and Taiwan in 2024. Its goal is to identify promising startups with innovative technologies applicable to the beauty industry and explore global collaboration opportunities with them.
In Korea, it has been held annually in collaboration with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups based on a business agreement signed between the L'Oréal Group and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups in 2023. Now in its fourth year, 'L'Oréal Big Bang' is operated through the <Global Enterprise Collaboration Program (Around X)> of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Institute of Startups and Entrepreneurship Development, and L'Oréal Korea plans to discover promising startups in the fields of research innovation and digitalization together with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Institute of Startups and Entrepreneurship Development.
This year's recruitment areas are divided into Research & Innovation and Digital.
In the research and innovation field, we are recruiting participating companies under two themes, focusing on innovative technologies that blur the lines between medical science and dermocosmetics. The first theme, Advanced Medical-Grade Raw Materials and Bioactive Ingredients, covers technologies such as ▲Biotechnology-based active ingredients ▲Regenerative ingredients ▲Healing and soothing ingredients ▲Sustainable raw material production ▲New target discovery platforms. The second theme, Smart Delivery Systems and Precision Sciences, includes ▲Encapsulation and Stability Technologies ▲Targeted and Controlled Release Systems ▲Enhanced Skin Penetration Technologies ▲Biomimetic Carriers.
In the digital sector, we are also recruiting two themes. The first theme, Generative AI-based Brand Search Optimization and Influence Analysis, includes ▲Brand search optimization that enhances brand exposure and influence in generative AI environments such as ChatGPIT and Gemini ▲Influencer discovery technology with AI-quotable content. The second theme, Tailored Hyper-Personalization, covers ▲Sophisticated consumer analysis and targeting that predicts lifestyle, values, and purchasing psychology ▲Customized solutions that combine skin analysis with lifestyle and environmental factors to suggest a total care routine ▲Online/offline connected store experiences that connect consumer preferences with product information and provide consulting services.
Selected companies will receive mentoring, technology validation, and marketing and networking opportunities with L'Oréal Korea, the North Asia zone, and the global R&I and digital teams. They will also receive separate commercialization funding (up to KRW 200 million) from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.
Rodrigo Pizarro, CEO of L'Oréal Korea, said, "Korea is already playing an important role in the global beauty market with the innovation of K-beauty and digital technology." He added, "We hope that collaboration with Korean startups that have technology, expertise, agile execution, and potential will lead to opportunities for innovation that will pioneer the future beauty industry."
Startups wishing to participate in the program should select one field from either research and innovation or digital, and apply online by March 16th at 4:00 PM after checking the '2026 Global Corporate Collaboration Program Startup Recruitment Notice' on the K-Startup website.
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