Estée Lauder Joins Hands with Startup India

Estée Lauder Joins Hands with Startup India

Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (ELC) has announced a partnership with Startup India, marking the first collaboration of its kind between a global beauty giant and the Government of India’s initiative to foster innovation. This partnership, established through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), aims to empower Indian entrepreneurs in the beauty and personal care sectors.

As part of this collaboration, ELC will integrate Startup India’s national platform with its flagship entrepreneurial program, BEAUTY&YOU India. This initiative is designed to discover and support the next generation of India-focused beauty brands by offering funding, mentorship, and industry insights. A significant highlight of the program is its dedicated category for women-led startups, reflecting Estée Lauder’s commitment to gender inclusivity and women’s leadership in the beauty industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Stéphane de La Faverie, President and CEO of Estée Lauder Companies, emphasized the importance of nurturing innovation in India’s rapidly evolving beauty market. DPIIT officials also lauded the partnership, highlighting its potential to transform the industry and create new opportunities for emerging brands.

So far, the scheme has attracted 1,500 applicants from over 150 cities and offers entrepreneurs grants, mentorship and industry access. The majority have been women-led, leading ELC to expand the initiative to specifically targeting female entrepreneurship. Four companies were winners of the Beauty & You India 2024 – Science-backed skin care company SkinInspired, results-driven bodycare company Not Just Vanilla, clinically tested hair growth solution Amright, and ecommerce marketplace Journey of Objects.

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