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L’Oréal launches biggest Beauty Tech startup competition for the beauty sector across Asia and MENA to uncover marketing innovations for digital natives

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Innovators from the region’s dynamic startup ecosystem to compete for a L’Oréal-funded commercial pilot opportunity and a year-long mentorship program

MUMBAI, India, May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — To spur the next era of beauty, L’Oréal has launched the Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program in the South Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa (SAPMENA) region, including India. The biggest open innovation competition of this scale for the beauty sector, it offers promising startups the chance to develop their innovation in a commercial pilot and potential exposure to 35 markets of the SAPMENA region.

The competition emphasizes the co-creation and co-development of innovative beauty technology and marketing solutions. Startups will address one or more of the five challenge themes: Consumer Experience, Content, Media, New Commerce and Tech for Good. Through their participation, startups will have the opportunity to connect with commercial and digital leaders, including strategic partners and mentors who can offer insights to test new ideas and potential to scale.

First launched in China in 2020, the competition now extends across Asia and MENA, tapping into the dynamic startup ecosystem and immense consumer potential of these regions. From a handful of investors and companies a little over a decade ago, these regions today have grown into a dynamic hub with increasing deal flow within the global startup ecosystem.

Home to 40% of the world’s population, the SAPMENA region covers 35 markets including many of the world’s fastest growing, most populous and young markets. Its consumers are young digital natives, having an average age of 28 years (compared to the global average of 33 years) and with more than 60% purchasing online every week. Innovative e-commerce and social commerce business models and technologies are needed to reach and engage these consumers, who are leading the beauty acceleration with diverse beauty ideals and a dynamic digital culture of on-demand, always-connected and hyper social. Across Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East, the combined startup ecosystem includes over 40,000 startups, with more than 180 unicorns (startups valued US$1 billion+) and a deal flow that reached US$20 billion last year.

Vismay Sharma, President of L’Oréal SAPMENA Zone, said, “Asia and the Middle East are young, vibrant markets with a strong and dynamic startup ecosystem and opportunities for growth. Leveraging Beauty Tech, L’Oréal wants to uncover better and more novel ways of connecting with consumers and answering unmet needs through beauty innovations. We are on the lookout for unique solutions that leverage data and tech – we believe augmented tech, online platforms and digital services have great potential to elevate the consumer experience.”

Saloni Shah, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, L’Oréal India, said, “India is home to successful start-ups that has resulted in an incredibly dynamic ecosystem. The vibrant energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and advanced digital landscape make it conducive for innovation across industries, especially in Beauty Tech. L’Oréal is committed to supporting this ecosystem, fostering collaboration, and seeking opportunities with innovative startups to shape the future of beauty.”

About the Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program in SAPMENA

The Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program regional open innovation competition seeks to discover, support and nurture promising startups from across the South Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa region, from countries including United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. These startups will be given the opportunity to develop their pilots in Beauty Tech innovation in one of five challenge themes: Consumer Experience, Content, Media, New Commerce and Tech for Good. The top three SAPMENA Grand Finale winners will win a L’Oréal-funded commercial pilot opportunity and a year-long mentorship program with senior executives from L’Oréal and the program partners including Accenture, Google and Meta.

Startups who prove successful pilots in SAPMENA could have the opportunity to work with L’Oréal globally. With L’Oréal SAPMENA as a launchpad, startups could tap into an extensive network of partners and market insights.

The three regional online semi-finals for the GCC, India and Southeast Asia will culminate in an in-person SAPMENA Grand Finale. Up to ten startup finalists across SAPMENA will vie for the top prizes at the Grand Finale in Singapore on 23 October 2024. Judges will comprise senior executives from L’Oréal and the program partners.

Key dates:

Submission deadline: 13 July 2024India online semi-final: 11 September 2024Southeast Asia online semi-final: 30 September 2024SAPMENA in-person Grand Finale in Singapore: 23 October 2024

Startups passionate about creating the future of the beauty industry with L’Oréal are encouraged to apply now on the competition website by the submission deadline of 13 July 2024.

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About L’Oréal South Asia Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa (SAPMENA) Zone

Home to 3 billion people and 40% of the world’s population, the South Asia Pacific, Middle East & North Africa (SAPMENA) Zone is a major growth engine for L’Oréal and a global talent hub. The SAPMENA Zone was formed in 2021 to drive focus on consumer needs and growth in many of the world’s most populous, young and fast-growing economies. Across 13 entities and 35 markets spanning New Zealand to Morocco, the L’Oréal SAPMENA Zone is reinventing beauty experiences for our consumers through a portfolio of over 30 international brands and game-changing Beauty Tech innovations. Our business model is built on responsible and sustainable growth, with commitments which focus on three key areas – the planet, the people and our products.

About L’Oréal

For 115 years, L’Oréal, the world’s leading beauty player, has devoted itself to one thing only: fulfilling the beauty aspirations of consumers around the world. Our purpose, to create the beauty that moves the world, defines our approach to beauty as essential, inclusive, ethical, generous and committed to social and environmental sustainability. With our broad portfolio of 37 international brands and ambitious sustainability commitments in our L’Oréal for the Future program, we offer each and every person around the world the best in terms of quality, efficacy, safety, sincerity and responsibility, while celebrating beauty in its infinite plurality.

With more than 90,000 committed employees, a balanced geographical footprint and sales across all distribution networks (e-commerce, mass market, department stores, pharmacies, perfumeries, hair salons, branded and travel retail), in 2023 the Group generated sales amounting to 41.18 billion euros. With 20 research centers across 11 countries around the world and a dedicated Research and Innovation team of over 4,000 scientists and 6,400 Digital talents, L’Oréal is focused on inventing the future of beauty and becoming a Beauty Tech powerhouse.

More information on https://www.loreal.com/en/mediaroom

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Bybit Champions Web3 Innovation and Strengthens Ties with Asia’s Crypto Community at Taipei Blockchain Week

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DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange, debuted at the Taipei Blockchain Week Dec. 12 to 14, 2024, spotlighting the vibrant Web3 innovations on its platform alongside a dynamic roster of its strategic Layer 1 ecosystem partners.

Featuring side events in collaboration with the Solana Foundation, the Sui Foundation, and a dazzling lineup of multichain projects, Bybit Web3 dedicated the Taipei tour to building up communities and deepening connections with Web3 ecosystem partners. The Bybit delegation also took the stage to uncover the latest insights on Web3, building with a purpose, and the future of blockchain utilities and DeFi.

Purpose, Innovation, and Partnerships

Representing Bybit at the conference were MK Chin, Core Contributor for Blockchain for Good Alliance and Head of Marketing of Bybit Web3, and Angela Huang, Bybit VIP Relationship Manager, at various panels.

Expanding on blockchain technology’s potential in building better realities for all, Chin joined as a panellist in the session Marketing Web3: Strategies to Engage and Onboard the Next Billion Users. Chin shared learnings and actionable insights from the Bybit-supported Blockchain for Good initiative (BGA), elaborating on both real-world utilities of blockchain technologies and the trickling down of benefits to grassroot communities.

Meanwhile, Angela Huang moderated three sessions closely tied to Bybit’s mission, steering conversations on crucial industry topics:

The panel Bridging TradFi and DeFi: The Exchange’s Role in User Onboarding on Dec. 12 examined how exchanges could elevate access to the digital economy for users at scale.On Dec. 13, Networked Intelligence: The Rise of Decentralized AI explored the intersection of blockchain and AI, showcasing their potential to transform and democratize finance.The Building for Impact: How Female Founders Drive Purpose-Driven Innovation panel on Dec. 14 highlighted the evolving role of women leaders in driving solution-oriented innovation.

Another highlight at the event was amplified globally via Bybit Livestream. Collaborating with the Sui Foundation, Ondo, DeepBook, Scallop, NAVI, and other leading projects, Bybit Web3 led a critical debate on the future of Sui’s growth strategy: Sui Ecosystem Showdown: Mass Adoption vs. Native Growth. Hosted by Emily Bao, Head of Web3 and Spot at Bybit, the livestream attracted over 6,500 viewers live at the Taipei Blockchain Week and globally on Dec. 13.

Deepening Bonds: Key Web3 Ecosystems and Communities

Bybit Web3 brought the local community closer to its world-class ecosystem partners with engaging community events, co-hosting Taiwan DeFi Flow with Sui and Scallop on Dec. 12, and Solana Ecosystem Taipei Greetings with the Solana Foundation and Solar with the support of Orderly Network, Zetachain, Jupiter, and Sonic, on Dec. 14. Through collaborations and innovation, Bybit Web3 opens up new on-chain possibilities for partners and stakeholders to expand the Web3 universe.

These relaxed evening gatherings provided a convivial backdrop for like-minded builders and entrepreneurs to network, exchange ideas, and celebrate their shared enthusiasm for DeFi and dApps in Asia’s growing Web3 innovation hub.

“It’s been an incredible experience connecting with the builders, believers, users, creators, and supporters driving innovation on Solana and Sui. These moments remind us of the heart and spirit of Web3—a vibrant ecosystem shaped by collaboration and shared vision. I’m deeply proud to witness this growth, grateful for every connection made, and excited for the road ahead,” said MK Chin, Core Contributor for Blockchain for Good Alliance and Head of Marketing of Bybit Web3.

“Taipei Blockchain Week showcased the immense growth and potential of Web3 innovation in Asia. Representing Bybit, I had the honor to collaborate with industry leaders to explore Web3’s limitless possibilities, from DeFi and AI to real-world applications. Together, we are shaping a more inclusive global crypto community,” said Angela Huang, Bybit VIP Relationship Manager.

In the past year, Bybit has seen exponential growth in its user base, surging to over 60 million by the end of 2024. It has also invested in vertical growth through community engagements across the world. Connected by the passion for the future of crypto, blockchain, and Web3, the Bybit family is on track to building an inclusive and sustainable path to growth for the industry.

 

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #BybitWeb3

About Bybit Web3

Bybit Web3 is redefining openness in the decentralized world, creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. We are committed to welcoming builders, creators, and partners in the blockchain space, extending an invitation to both crypto enthusiasts and the curious, with a community of over 130 million wallet addresses across over 30 major ecosystem partners, and counting.

Bybit Web3 provides a comprehensive suite of Web3 products designed to make accessing, swapping, collecting and growing Web3 assets as open and simple as possible. Our wallets, marketplaces and platforms are all backed by the security and expertise that define Bybit as the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, trusted by over 50 million users globally.

Join the revolution now and open the door to your Web3 future with Bybit.

For more details about Bybit Web3, please visit Bybit Web3.

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

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SOURCE Bybit

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Yu Liu, Vice President of Baijiayun, to Attend 2024 Jixin AIGC Summit for Exploring New Industry Landscape

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BEIJING, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Baijiayun Group Ltd (“Baijiayun” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: RTC), a one-stop AI video solution provider, today announced that it will attend the 2024 AIGC Summit soon.

Recently, the 2024 AIGC Summit, hosted by “Jixin”, a venture capital and industry research media that focuses on industrial AI, is about to kick off. As an outstanding enterprise representative that has successfully implemented AI technology in various industries, Baijiayun has been invited to attend. Yu Liu, the vice president of Baijiayun, will share unique insights at the summit to promote industry communication and progress.

This summit focuses on the in-depth application of AIGC technology in vertical scenarios, aiming to analyze the strategies, practices and successful experiences of AI going global, grasp the pulse of the development of the times, build a more open and win-win AIGC industrial ecosystem on a global scale, and open a new chapter for the future.

As an important participant in the AIGC field, Baijiayun has achieved remarkable results in technological innovation and application implementation. Vice President Yu Liu has been deeply involved in many core businesses and strategic decisions during the development of the company and has rich experience and profound insights in the application practice of AIGC technology. His attendance at this summit is expected to bring the latest achievements and innovative ideas of Baijiayun in vertical scenario applications and international market expansion, providing valuable references and inspirations for industry colleagues, further stimulating the innovation vitality and development momentum of the industry, and promoting the AIGC industry to a new peak. Many industry insiders are looking forward to this summit with full anticipation. It is believed that with the joint efforts of all parties, a clear and promising blueprint for the future development of the AIGC industry will be drawn.

For investor and media enquiries, please contact:

Company Contact:
Ms. Fangfei Liu 
Chief Financial Officer, Baijiayun Group Ltd
Phone: +86 25 8222 1596
Email: ir@baijiayun.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yu-liu-vice-president-of-baijiayun-to-attend-2024-jixin-aigc-summit-for-exploring-new-industry-landscape-302338871.html

SOURCE Baijiayun Group Ltd

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My China Story: Technology Brings the World Together for a Chinese New Year

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BEIJING, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As the Spring Festival approaches, many are preparing for their holiday travels abroad. While the excitement of spontaneous trips is undeniable, one of the biggest hurdles travelers face is language barriers. However, iFlytek‘s innovative translation device promises to make communication effortless, helping you navigate any language challenges with ease.

 

Known for its sleek and compact design, iFlytek’s smart translation gadget offers an elegant black, business-style exterior, a moderate size, and a lightweight build. It’s the ideal travel companion, fitting easily into your pocket without weighing you down. Whether you’re heading to a city getaway or a remote adventure, this device ensures that language is never an obstacle.

The device boasts impressive capabilities, supporting translations in 84 languages online and 16 languages offline. Whether you’re traveling to Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, or the Middle East, this device handles it all. Even in remote locations—such as secluded mountain temples or isolated islands—the offline translation feature ensures you won’t be left speechless. The device also offers specialized vocabulary for specific fields, making translations more precise and professional.

With its intuitive interface, the gadget is easy to use—just a tap, and you’re ready to communicate. This makes it a perfect tool for travelers who want to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience while abroad.

But what lies behind this innovative device? How did it come to life? To learn more about its development and functionality, we are following a Russian journalist as he visits iFlytek’s headquarters for an exclusive look at this remarkable “gadget” and uncover the story behind its creation.

Stay tuned as we explore the technology that’s revolutionizing the way we connect across cultures.

https://youtu.be/QkdFG0LvH70

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/my-china-story-technology-brings-the-world-together-for-a-chinese-new-year-302338865.html

SOURCE “My China Story” International Short Video Competition Organizing Committee

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