BEAUTY&YOU India 2026
By The Estée Lauder Companies Inc
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Quick Answer
An entrepreneurship and innovation program offering a ₹4 crore prize pool and strategic mentorship for founders building for the Indian beauty market, from pre-launch to established brands.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹4 Cr
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- The Estée Lauder Companies Inc
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 25 August 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
BEAUTY&YOU India 2026 is a premier beauty entrepreneurship and innovation program launched by The Estée Lauder Companies, in collaboration with Nykaa and supported by Startup India, DPIIT. This initiative is designed to discover and empower the next generation of founders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and creatives who are shaping the future of beauty for Indian consumers.
The program is inclusive, welcoming applications across various stages of development—from nascent pre-launch concepts and early-stage ideas to established beauty brands, pioneering creative projects, and breakthrough technologies. It encourages participants to apply across a broad spectrum of beauty categories, including skincare, hair care, fragrance, makeup, wellness, and beauty-adjacent areas. Additionally, the program fosters innovation in technology, ingredients, formulations, business models, design, and unique creative experiences, aiming to support diverse contributions to the Indian beauty landscape.
BEAUTY&YOU India 2026 features a total prize pool of ₹4 crore distributed across five distinct award categories: GROW, IMAGINE, DESIGN, and BREAKTHROUGH, with a fifth implied category for overall excellence. Alongside financial backing, winners receive invaluable strategic mentorship from industry leaders, potential distribution opportunities via Nykaa, national ecosystem support through Startup India, and global amplification, ensuring significant visibility and growth prospects.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
The Estee Lauder Companies Inc is a beauty products group operating in the prestige beauty industry, with a mission it frames around helping individuals express their own individual beauty. It owns a portfolio of more than twenty brands sold internationally, among them Estee…
Learn moreStartup India is an e-platform and an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) designed to connect startups and entrepreneurs with investors, incubators, and other ecosystem stakeholders. Operating as a national facilitator, it offers a…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
- Amount
- Up to ₹4 Cr
What You Get
The BEAUTY&YOU India 2026 program offers a total prize pool of ₹4 crore distributed across its five award categories. Beyond the significant financial support, participants benefit from strategic mentorship provided by seasoned beauty industry leaders. The program also grants unparalleled access to the broader beauty and startup ecosystem, fostering connections and growth. Selected winners may receive potential distribution support through Nykaa, leveraging its extensive market reach, and national visibility opportunities courtesy of Startup India. Further benefits include global and national media amplification, alongside unique opportunities for collaboration with The Estée Lauder Companies, including potential paid pilot projects for Breakthrough applicants and co-creation opportunities with an Estée Lauder Companies brand for Design winners.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications will undergo an initial screening based on eligibility criteria, category fit, and the completeness of the submission, including the mandatory pitch video. Shortlisted applicants will then be rigorously evaluated based on the strength of their market opportunity, the clarity of their problem-solution fit, the innovation inherent in their brand concept or technology, and their potential for significant impact within the dynamic Indian beauty market. Finalists will be invited to pitch their concepts live to a distinguished judging panel in October 2026. This panel typically comprises prominent beauty industry leaders, investors, and senior representatives from The Estée Lauder Companies and Nykaa. Winners will be ultimately selected based on the quality of their pitch, the commercial viability of their venture, the degree of innovation, and overall alignment with the program's strategic objectives.
Application Process
- 1
Review Eligibility
Applicants review eligibility criteria and select the most suitable award category.
You - 2
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for BEAUTY&YOU India 2026?
Founders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and creatives aged 18 or above who are building for the Indian beauty market can apply. This includes individuals with pre-launch ideas to established brands.
Is BEAUTY&YOU India 2026 only for existing beauty startups?
No, the program is designed to support a wide range of applicants. It is open to pre-launch and early-stage founders seeking initial funding through categories like 'IMAGINE', as well as revenue-generating brands looking for growth capital via the 'GROW' category.
What categories are available?
The program features five distinct award categories: GROW (for revenue-generating brands seeking growth capital), IMAGINE (for pre-launch and early-stage founders), DESIGN (for creative founders in design and visual arts for beauty), and BREAKTHROUGH (for innovators in beauty technologies, ingredients, or business models).
What is the total prize money?
BEAUTY&YOU India 2026 offers a substantial total prize pool of ₹4 crore across its five award categories.
Do I need to have sales to apply?
No, having sales is not a universal requirement. The IMAGINE category specifically caters to pre-revenue applicants or those with up to USD 100,000 in sales. However, the GROW category is for brands that are already revenue-generating with sales exceeding USD 100,000.
Can Indian founders living outside India apply?
Yes, Indian founders based outside India are eligible to apply, provided their business concept or plan is specifically designed for the Indian market and consumers.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for BEAUTY&YOU India 2026 is 25 August 2026.
Is a pitch video required?
Yes, a pitch video is a mandatory component of the application for all categories. Specific details regarding its length and format are provided within the application itself.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
