Estée Lauder Companies Unveils Winners of Beauty&You India 2026: Celebrating Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Indian beauty landscape continues to assert its influence on the global stage, a reality reinforced by the latest installment of the prestigious “Beauty&You India” program. A joint initiative between The Estée Lauder Companies, retail giant Nykaa, and the government-backed Startup India, the 2026 edition has officially announced its winners, spotlighting the homegrown talent currently redefining the industry.
Since its inception in 2022, this collaborative platform has served as a vital bridge for early-stage innovators and established founders. By providing a comprehensive ecosystem of financial support, industry mentorship, distribution expertise, and strategic global connections, the program has become a cornerstone for fostering the next generation of Indian beauty brands.
Stéphane de La Faverie, President and CEO of The Estée Lauder Companies, emphasized the significance of this milestone as the initiative marks its fifth year. “India is one of the most exciting and inspiring forces in global beauty,” de La Faverie noted. “We have a deep admiration for the country’s creativity, talent, culture, and entrepreneurial energy. We are proud to celebrate the ideas that will define beauty in India and beyond.”
Expanding Horizons: New Categories and Global Innovation
The 2026 edition marked a strategic shift in the program’s scope, introducing a dedicated “Design” category. Recognizing that modern beauty is as much about the tactile and visual experience as it is about the formula, this category honors creators who bridge the gap between creative expression and consumer engagement through packaging and retail aesthetics.
Furthermore, the “Breakthrough” category saw significant international involvement, with the selection process spearheaded by The Estée Lauder Companies’ Fragrance Atelier in Paris. This focus highlights the increasing sophistication of the Indian fragrance market and the brand’s commitment to integrating global innovation hubs into the local startup scene.
Celebrating the 2026 Winners
The winners, announced at a marquee event in Mumbai, represent a diverse cross-section of the Indian beauty economy:
- Grow (Best In-Market Beauty Brand): Laani, founded by Nirja Bhatt, stood out for its high-performance, water-based deodorant sticks. Designed specifically to combat the unique challenges of Indian heat and humidity, the brand addresses common concerns like underarm pigmentation and residue.
- Imagine (Best Early-Stage Concept): Boldpurity, led by Khatija Shabana and Syed Mohammad Fouzan, was recognized for its scientific approach. The venture focuses on proprietary delivery technologies that enhance the efficacy of active skincare ingredients.
- Breakthrough (Best Innovation in Fragrance): Goyam Green Tech, helmed by Ajaykumar Mehta, Shriya Rambhia, and Dheer Rambhia, is pioneering a green chemistry platform that utilizes biobased materials to create high-performance fragrance formulations.
- Design: Pankti Sheth of De Icebreaker Creative Studio took the honors for her work in packaging and brand identity. Her studio creates culturally resonant, commercially sharp designs that allow local brands to compete effectively on a global scale.
- Visionary Women’s Award: Supported by Startup India (DPIIT), this award went to Rinzing Choden Bhutia of Agapi Sikkim. Her Himalayan skincare brand serves as a beacon of social impact, specifically focusing on empowering and providing financial independence to women in India’s Northeast region.
As these winners embark on their next phase of growth, the Beauty&You program reaffirms its role as a catalyst for transformation, ensuring that India’s unique cultural and entrepreneurial pulse continues to resonate throughout the global beauty industry.
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