Programme Launch and Partnerships
The Estée Lauder Companies (NYSE: EL) announced the launch of the fifth edition of its BEAUTY&YOU India programme, the country’s leading beauty‑entrepreneurship platform. The 2026 edition is launched in partnership with Nykaa, India’s leading beauty and lifestyle retailer, and with Startup India, the flagship initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The collaboration re‑introduces the Visionary Women’s Award, underscoring a focus on women founders.
Application Window and Eligibility
Applications are being accepted through the programme’s website (https://www.beautyandyouawards.com/) until August 25, 2026. The call invites Indian beauty entrepreneurs to submit ideas across five award categories.
New and Expanded Categories
The 2026 edition adds a Design category for designers, visual artists and creative talent to re‑imagine packaging, retail and experience. The Breakthrough category is expanded through a partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies’ Fragrance Atelier in Paris, linking Indian innovators with global fragrance expertise.
Prize Pool and Award Structure
A total prize pool of up to US$500,000 will be distributed across five categories:
- GROW – Best in‑market beauty brand
- IMAGINE – Best pre‑launch beauty concept
- BREAKTHROUGH – Best innovation in fragrance
- DESIGN – Best creative concept for an Estée Lauder brand collaboration
- VISIONARY WOMEN’S AWARD – Recognising outstanding women entrepreneurs, presented jointly with Startup India and DPIIT.
Winner Benefits
Beyond cash awards, winners gain:
- Mentorship from senior leaders of The Estée Lauder Companies and Nykaa
- Distribution support through Nykaa’s extensive retail network
- Strategic opportunities and access facilitated by Startup India and DPIIT
- For Breakthrough and Design winners, the chance to develop a commercial pilot or collaboration with The Estée Lauder Companies.
Timeline for Selection
Finalists will be announced in September 2026 and invited to present their concepts in person to a jury of industry leaders in Mumbai in October 2026. The jury will include experts from The Estée Lauder Companies, Nykaa and the broader beauty ecosystem.
Strategic Context and Quotes
Nadine Graf, President, Europe, UK & Ireland and Emerging Markets, The Estée Lauder Companies, said India is a dynamic beauty market and a growing source of global innovation, and the programme celebrates the country’s cultural heritage, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial talent. Anchit Nayar, Executive Director and CEO of Nykaa Beauty, highlighted the long‑standing partnership between Nykaa and The Estée Lauder Companies and expressed pride in supporting founders shaping the next chapter of Indian beauty. Shri Ateesh Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary of DPIIT, noted the programme’s role in spotlighting a new generation of entrepreneurs and the importance of industry‑government collaboration in fostering innovation.
Corporate Background
The Estée Lauder Companies have been present in India for over two decades, operating 14 brands across skin‑care, makeup, fragrance and hair‑care. The programme builds on the recent acquisition of Forest Essentials, India’s first luxury Ayurveda beauty brand, further cementing the company’s commitment to the Indian prestige beauty segment.