The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (ELC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance innovation and entrepreneurship in India’s expanding beauty and personal care sector. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem by equipping emerging beauty brands with critical resources and support.
As part of this collaboration, Startup India’s national platform will be integrated with ELC’s flagship entrepreneurial initiative, BEAUTY&YOU India. The program will provide startups with funding, mentorship, industry expertise, and access to a global network of beauty professionals. In a significant development, ELC has also announced the expansion of BEAUTY&YOU India to include a dedicated category for women-founded startups, reinforcing its commitment to fostering female entrepreneurship and leadership in the beauty industry.
Commenting on the collaboration, Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, stated, “India’s beauty industry is experiencing remarkable growth, and partnerships like this are crucial in driving innovation and nurturing entrepreneurship. We look forward to working with The Estée Lauder Companies to create new opportunities for emerging beauty brands across the country.”
Rohan Vaziralli, General Manager, The Estée Lauder Companies India, emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting founders shaping India’s beauty landscape. He remarked, BEAUTY&YOU India has a strong track record of empowering entrepreneurs and driving beauty innovations. With the introduction of a special category for women-founded startups, we are furthering our mission to promote women’s advancement and leadership within our industry and communities in India.
The MoU was formally signed by Dr. Sumeet Jarangal, Director, DPIIT, and Rohan Vaziralli, General Manager, The Estée Lauder Companies India, in the presence of senior officials from both organizations. This collaboration marks a significant step in fostering a dynamic and inclusive entrepreneurial landscape in India’s beauty sector.