L’Oréal and UNIT.City Open Applications for Startup Hub 3.0 to Support Ukrainian Tech Startups
L’Oréal Ukraine and UNIT.City have launched the third season of L’Oréal Startup Hub, a specialized acceleration program tailored for Ukrainian technology startups ready to scale their solutions and tackle the challenges of a major international business. Participants will gain the opportunity to collaborate with L’Oréal experts, develop their products, connect with investment and venture capital funds, and become an integral part of the UNIT.City tech ecosystem.
Applications for L’Oréal Startup Hub 3.0 are open until October 7.
From Tech Solution to Global Business Collaboration
L’Oréal Startup Hub is designed as a bridge connecting Ukrainian tech teams with the expertise and real-world business needs of a multinational enterprise.
This season, the organizers are looking for early-stage startups building technologies and innovative business models capable of transforming daily corporate operations. Priority focus areas include: Digital Services, Beauty & Health Tech, E-commerce & Social, Data & AI, Field Force Tech, Logistics & Supply Chain, and WorkTech.
A core focus of L’Oréal Startup Hub 3.0 is on technologies that empower businesses to handle data and operational workflows more efficiently. This encompasses AI solutions for forecasting and decision-making, team automation tools, route optimization and customer engagement tech, data consolidation platforms, as well as supply chain and fulfillment solutions.
The primary selection criteria are not only the product’s technological edge, but also its ability to solve specific business problems and its scalability potential.
“The beauty industry requires future-proof solutions. L’Oréal invests in startups that combine technological breakthroughs with consumer responsibility and global ambitions,” states Alona Bannitsyna, CEO of L’Oréal Ukraine.
What Participants Will Receive
Finalists of L’Oréal Startup Hub 3.0 will go through an intensive acceleration program, working directly with L’Oréal experts and mentors, alongside top-tier startup industry specialists. The curriculum features personalized mentoring sessions, networking events with international investment and venture funds, expert-led lectures and Q&A sessions, PR support, and access to UNIT.City’s coworking space and community events.
A unique opportunity within the program is potential commercial collaboration with L’Oréal Ukraine. For startups, this serves as a proving ground to test the relevance of their technologies against enterprise demands, receive expert feedback, and build a solid foundation for future scaling.
“UNIT.City supports startups with ambitious visions and global scaling potential. We are looking for innovative projects that deliver practical value and strengthen Ukraine’s tech ecosystem,” says Pavlo Mykhailiuk, Ecosystem Development Director at UNIT.City.
From Open Call to InnoWave Day
The first stage of the program is the open call, running until October 7. On September 29, a dedicated Q&A session with the L’Oréal Ukraine team will give startups a closer look at the company’s specific business challenges and an opportunity to ask questions. Afterward, L’Oréal experts will shortlist 15 semifinalists for individual online interviews, following which the final cohort of acceleration participants will be selected.
The grand finale of the project will be InnoWave Day, a startup showcase event where finalists pitch their solutions to business leaders, investors, VCs, and the broader tech community. The event will also feature the official awards ceremony and the announcement of the L’Oréal Startup Hub 3.0 winner.
Startups as Part of a Robust Tech Ecosystem
L’Oréal Startup Hub extends far beyond a traditional acceleration program. Its mission is to build an environment where tech teams establish direct contact with enterprise players, while major companies gain direct access to transformative solutions.
“Ukrainian tech is a community, not just a business, and startups are its beating heart. We are thrilled to support initiatives that empower teams to grow, learn, and showcase themselves to the world, because a strong ecosystem is our shared future,” notes Ismail Osbanov, CEO of Vector Media.
The ambassador for the third season of L’Oréal Startup Hub is Valeriia Kushnerchuk, Executive Director of Diia.City Union.
“I firmly believe that Ukraine’s future is shaped through entrepreneurship, technology, and the courage to think globally. Programs like this, which connect Ukrainian teams with international markets, create the exact opportunities critically needed for a growth boost. They foster a culture of responsibility, innovation, and leadership among startups. Therefore, it is a great honor for me to serve as the Ambassador for L’Oréal Startup Hub 3.0,” says Valeriia Kushnerchuk.
Who Can Apply
Ukrainian startups with tech solutions ready for growth, scaling, and collaboration with global brands are invited to apply. Participation in the program is free of charge.
During the selection process, experts will evaluate the practical value and applicability of the product or technology, its creative angle, technical complexity, and the team’s pitching capability.
Applications for L’Oréal Startup Hub 3.0 are open until October 7 via the link: https://www.l-startuphub.com/.
Organizers: L’Oréal Ukraine and UNIT.City
Exclusive Media Partner: Vector Media
Ecosystem Partner: EUNITED Digital Hub