L'Oréal and UNIT.City open call for applications to Startup Hub 3.0 for Ukrainian technology startups

From technological solution to cooperation with global business

L'Oréal Startup Hub was created as a platform that combines Ukrainian technology teams with the expertise and real business needs of an international company.

This season, the organizers are looking for early-stage startups that are creating technologies and new business models that can change the daily processes of large companies. Priority areas include: Digital Services, Beauty & Health Tech, E-commerce & Social, Data & AI, Field Force Tech, Logistics & Supply Chain, and WorkTech.

L'Oréal Startup Hub 3.0 will focus on technologies that help businesses work more efficiently with data and operational processes. These can include AI solutions for forecasting and decision-making, tools for team automation, technologies for optimizing routes and customer interactions, platforms for data consolidation, as well as solutions for logistics, supply and product shipment.

The main criterion is not only the technological feasibility of the product, but also its ability to solve a specific business problem and the potential for scaling.

"The beauty industry needs solutions that work for the future. L'Oréal invests in startups that combine technological breakthroughs with responsibility to consumers and international ambitions," says Alyona Bannitsyna, CEO of L'Oréal Ukraine.

What participants will receive

L'Oréal Startup Hub 3.0 finalists will undergo an acceleration program, where they will work directly with L'Oréal experts and mentors and startup industry professionals. The program includes personal mentoring sessions, meetings with international investment and venture funds, lectures and Q&A with experts, PR support, access to UNIT.City coworking and startup activities.

A separate opportunity of the program will be potential cooperation with L'Oréal Ukraine. For startups, this is a chance to test the relevance of their technologies for the needs of big business, receive expert feedback, and lay the foundation for further scaling.

“UNIT.City supports startups with an ambitious vision and the potential for global scaling. We are looking for innovative projects that have practical value and strengthen Ukraine’s technology ecosystem,” says Pavlo Mykhailiuk, Director of Ecosystem Development at UNIT.City.

From open call to InnoWave Day

The first stage of the program is an open recruitment, which will last until October 7. On September 29, a Q&A session with the L'Oréal Ukraine team will take place, during which startups will be able to learn more about the company's requests and ask their questions. Subsequently, L'Oréal experts will select 15 semi-finalists, with whom they will conduct individual online meetings. Based on their results, a list of finalists will be formed, who will undergo the acceleration program.

The finale of the project will be InnoWave Day, where finalists will present their solutions in a startup show format to business representatives, investors, funds and the technology community. The event will also include the awarding of the finalists and the announcement of the winner of the L'Oréal Startup Hub 3.0.

Startups as part of a strong technology ecosystem

The L'Oréal Startup Hub goes beyond the boundaries of a classic acceleration program. Its mission is to create an environment in which technology teams gain direct contact with big business, and companies gain access to new solutions that can transform their processes.

"Ukrainian tech is a community, not just a business. Startups are its heart. We are happy to support initiatives that give teams the opportunity to grow, learn, and show themselves to the world, because a strong ecosystem is our common future," notes Ismail Osbanov, CEO of Vector Media.

The ambassador of the third season of L'Oréal Startup Hub is Valeria Kushnerchuk, Executive Director of Diia.City Union.

"I sincerely believe that the future of Ukraine is shaped by entrepreneurship, technology, and the courage to think globally. And programs like these, which connect Ukrainian teams with international markets, create the opportunities that are critically needed today for a boost. They develop a culture of responsibility, innovation, and leadership among startups. That is why it is a great honor for me to become the Ambassador of L'Oréal Startup Hub 3.0," says Valeria Kushnerchuk.

Who can join?

Ukrainian startups with technological solutions ready to develop, scale, and collaborate with global brands are invited to participate. Participation in the program is free.

During the selection process, experts will evaluate the practical value and applicability of the product or technology, the creativity of the solution, its technical complexity, and the quality of the team's presentation.

Registration for L'Oréal Startup Hub 3.0 is open until October 7 at the link .

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