Amorepacific is inviting companies to participate in the '2026 New Beauty Innovation Challenge,' which will run from September 7 to September 20. This initiative integrates the previously separate brand and technology sectors into two tracks: the 'Brand Track' and the 'Tech Track.' Starting in the latter half of this year, the challenge will occur biannually, with an expanded focus to include medical aesthetics in addition to beauty and wellness.
The 'Brand Track' targets early stage startups within five years of establishment generating under 5 billion won in revenue, covering sectors such as beauty brands (skincare, makeup, hair care), wellness brands (inner beauty, healthcare), and beauty device brands. Selected companies will receive growth opportunities through access to domestic and international distribution channels, commercialization support, and joint product development leveraging Amorepacific's extensive business capabilities.
The 'Tech Track' aims at technology-based startups that meet TIPS recommendation criteria. It seeks companies involved in materials and technologies for beauty and medical aesthetics (bio-based functional materials, next-generation formulations and delivery technologies, skin boosters/fillers), beauty/medical devices (personal care devices and measurement solutions, medical equipment), and digital beauty (AI/data-driven marketing and distribution, SCM platforms and services). Amorepacific plans to review technology validation and the implementation of proof of concept in collaboration with its R&I and AX teams to foster business synergies.
Final selected companies will be offered equity investment opportunities of up to 500 million won. Technology-based firms will be assessed for TIPS recommendation by the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups, and subsequent collaborations will be pursued based on the characteristics and growth stages of each company.
An Amorepacific representative stated, "This challenge holds significance in that it has been restructured into an integrated system to discover both brands and technologies and has expanded to include medical aesthetics. We will continue to enhance collaborative opportunities with promising startups by leveraging our capabilities in research and development, product development and production, and distribution."
Applications for the '2026 New Beauty Innovation Challenge' can be submitted via the Amorepacific Ventures official website from September 7 to September 20. The final selection of companies is scheduled for early November following a document review and two rounds of in-person evaluations.
