UAE and KSA Winners of L’Oréal TechQuest Set Sights on Singapore Finale

Four homegrown startups from the UAE and Saudi Arabia are gearing up to potentially compete at the grand finale of the L’Oréal Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program in Singapore in October 2024. Exponential Solutions (10xDS), Ahad, Yango Robotics, and Aim Technologies have emerged as the frontrunners after winning the L’Oréal TechQuest competition, a challenge organized in collaboration with AstroLabs to foster beauty technology innovation in the region.

The journey to the grand finale began with L’Oréal TechQuest, which saw 535 startup companies vying for the opportunity. After a rigorous selection process, 14 startups were shortlisted, with four ultimately chosen to represent the UAE and Saudi Arabia in the next phase of the competition. Exponential Solutions (10xDS) impressed the judges with its AI advancements in regulatory affairs, while Ahad Security Transforming stood out for its work in data fragmentation. Yango Robotics caught the attention of the panel with its warehouse optimization solutions, and Aim Technologies was recognized for its innovative AI applications in social listening.

If selected to participate in the L’Oréal Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program Grand Finale, these startups will have the chance to develop their beauty tech innovation pilots in one of five key themes: consumer experience, content, media, new commerce, and tech for good. Successful pilots in the region could also open doors for collaboration with L’Oréal on a global scale, providing a significant opportunity for growth and exposure.

Olfa Messaoudi, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer at L’Oréal Middle East, emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging technology for transformative beauty solutions. She highlighted the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial talent and pushing the boundaries of innovation in the beauty sector. With L’Oréal TechQuest, the goal is to discover and support startups that can make a positive impact through their innovative beauty technologies.

Roland Daher, CEO at AstroLabs, underscored the importance of bridging the gap between startups and established corporations to drive industry transformation. The L’Oréal TechQuest serves as a platform for regional startups to access the resources and support needed to thrive in the competitive beauty tech landscape. By facilitating collaboration and innovation, the program aims to accelerate the integration of market innovations into real-world applications for industry leaders like L’Oréal Middle East.

As the countdown to the grand finale begins, these four homegrown startups are poised to showcase their groundbreaking beauty tech innovations on a global stage. With the support of L’Oréal and AstroLabs, they have the opportunity to shape the future of beauty technology and make a lasting impact in the industry. Stay tuned for updates on their journey to Singapore and the exciting developments that lie ahead in the world of beauty tech innovation.