Technology

L’Oréal announces top India disruptors from the biggest Beauty Tech startup competition for the beauty sector across Asia and MENA

Published

2 months ago

September 19, 2024

Indian startup innovators from the country’s dynamic startup ecosystem will now compete for a L’Oréal-funded commercial pilot opportunity and a year-long mentorship program

MUMBAI, India, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — To spur the next era of beauty, in May 2024, L’Oréal launched the Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program in the South Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa (SAPMENA) region, including India. Following the India regional semifinal round on 11 September, four innovative Indian startups have now qualified for the Grand Finale to be held in October in Singapore. The Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program is the biggest open innovation competition of this geographical scale; and offers promising startups the opportunity to work with L’Oréal in a commercial pilot within the SAPMENA region.

The top disruptors from India are:

Rezo.ai – Rezo.ai transforms contact centers with AI-powered automation and analytics, boosting efficiency and agent performance. With real-time data insights, it enables enterprises to personalize customer interactions in real time and already handles 2.5 million calls daily.NeuralGarage – NeuralGarage uses Generative AI to solve the age-old problem of awkward dubbing in entertainment. Their technology seamlessly syncs actors’ lip movements with dubbed audio, creating a natural viewing experience that preserves the cinematic feel of the original content.Live2.ai – Live2.ai is a SaaS platform offering interactive video solutions, focusing on shoppable video technology for Connected TV (CTV) and brands’ websites and apps. It enables businesses to create engaging videos where viewers can make purchases directly within the video content.FluxGen Sustainable Technologies – FluxGen helps businesses take control of their water footprint with AI and IoT. Their end-to-end water management system uses Gen AI-powered analytics and predictive alerts to identify inefficiencies, automate monitoring, and detect leakages and wastage in their water network – reducing water consumption by up to 30% and aiding towards becoming water-positive.

The judging panel included senior executives of L’Oréal India, Accenture, Google India, and Invest India (India’s national investment agency under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry). Each participating team presented innovative beauty technology and marketing solutions addressing one or more of the five challenge themes: Consumer Experience, Content, Media, New Commerce and Tech for Good. Through their participation, startups had the opportunity to connect with commercial and digital leaders, including strategic partners and mentors who offered insights to test new ideas and potential to scale.

Shri Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary, Startups, ONDC Department for Promotion of Industries and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, said, “I am incredibly excited to see Indian startups embracing the opportunity to redefine the future of beauty through the L’Oréal Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program. Their innovative spirit and dedication to pushing technological boundaries are truly inspiring. This spirit of innovation is something the Government of India and DPIIT are deeply committed to nurturing through initiatives like Startup India. We are committed to providing these visionary entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to succeed on a global stage. I commend L’Oréal for creating this platform that empowers and celebrates the ingenuity of startups. To all the participating teams, your passion and drive are truly remarkable. I am confident that you will make India proud in Singapore and, through your achievements, contribute significantly to our nation’s long-term growth. I extend my best wishes to all the finalists and look forward to witnessing their continued success.”

Saloni Shah, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, L’Oréal India, said, “India’s dynamic and rapidly evolving digital landscape has been a fertile ground for groundbreaking innovations in beauty tech. The India semi-final round of the Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program was an inspiring experience, with each of the participating startups displaying exceptional creativity. We are thrilled to support these visionary startups and look forward to seeing their impact on the global stage.”

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 at US$1 billion+) and a deal flow that reached US$20 billion last year.

About the Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program in SAPMENA

The Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program is a regional open innovation competition that seeks to discover, support and nurture promising startups from across the South Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa region. These startups will be given the opportunity to further innovate their solutions in Beauty Tech for one of five challenge themes: Consumer Experience, Content, Media, New Commerce and Tech for Good.

The three regional semi-finals for the GCC, India and Southeast Asia 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.

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.

For more information, visit http://bigbang.lorealsapmena.com/.

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 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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Technology

Todd Tucker joins Parking Revenue Recovery Services as Chief Operating Officer to Guide Growth as PRRS expands as a Vehicle Identification and Monitoring Technology Platform

Published

19 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

DENVER, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS), Inc., a leader in AI-driven compliance and vehicle activity monitoring, is pleased to announce the appointment of Todd Tucker, JD, DBA, CAPP, CPP, as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective November 15, 2024. With over 30 years of experience in the parking industry, Tucker is a recognized leader, having held various senior executive roles. Todd assumes the role of Chris Conley, who has decided to retire and enjoy some well-earned time after 30 years in the parking industry.

Before joining PRRS, Tucker served as President at Parking Logix and has been a leader in multiple tech companies focused on mobility solutions, with two leading to strategic and/or investment transaction outcomes Todd’s experience as a parking operations leader/expert and his roles spearheading the development and growth of innovative technology offerings focused on parking provide him with a unique ability to build solutions that meet the needs of today’s parking operations.

PRRS is uniquely positioned in gateless parking technology solutions through its machine vision-based technology, which identifies all vehicle activity, enhances compliance, and enables clients to expand their service capabilities. Our technology allows clients to gather valuable insights into operation and consumer activity while helping our clients improve their customer experience. With Tucker’s extensive expertise in parking technology and leadership, PRRS aims to broaden its services across North America, solidifying its status as the premier provider of gateless technology solutions to operators and facilities.

“Todd’s proven track record of driving innovation and his dedication to enhancing technology-based services make him the ideal candidate to lead PRRS into its next growth phase,” said Gabor Burchner, Managing Director, GB & Partners IM. “As the demand for adaptable technology solutions providers continues to rise, Todd’s leadership and collaborative approach will be invaluable.”

PRRS, in partnership with Asura, has successfully implemented the ARC solution and its compliance services at over 400 parking sites across 29 states. With ongoing investment from GB & Partners IM, PRRS is set to expand beyond its current identity as a “parking notice firm” to become the leading gateless technology solution for the future.

“I am thrilled to join PRRS and enhance the value we provide to our parking operating partners,” said Todd Tucker. “Throughout my career, I’ve consistently sought to challenge the status quo by delivering innovative solutions in an ever-evolving industry. PRRS is at the forefront of leveraging technology to enhance its services, and with GB & Partners IM participation, we will continue to deliver exceptional value to the parking sector and beyond. I look forward to joining the PRRS team and collaborating with our clients to push boundaries and innovate in compliance and facility monitoring services.”

About Parking Revenue Recovery Services

Parking Revenue Recovery Services, Inc. (PRRS) is North America’s leading Parking Compliance and Facility Monitoring technology provider. PRRS is on track to provide over 1,000 parking locations and proudly supports national, regional, and local parking operators throughout the United States. Our client owners and parking operators use our monitoring and compliance services in all properties, including commercial lots and garages, municipal facilities, college and university facilities, airports, hospitals, commercial properties, and residential buildings. PRRS creates exceptional value for its parking operator clients through increased overall customer compliance and enhanced visibility into operating activity and usage while delivering excellent customer service. We maximize the value provided to our clients through excellence, innovation, and efficiency in its compliance and monitoring services, delivered by an outstanding team of parking professionals dedicated to the highest levels of customers.

About Asura Technologies

Asura Technologies specializes in next-generation video analytics and license plate recognition software, utilizing AI to create smart parking, traffic management, frictionless tolling, and safety security applications. Active globally since 2018, Asura Technologies USA collaborates with PRRS to provide highly effective, automated parking enforcement solutions through innovative technology.

About GB & Partners IM

GB & Partners IM is an independent private equity and venture capital firm focused on innovative city technologies, fashion, fintech, medical technologies, and mechanical engineering. As the largest Hungarian-based firm in its sector, GB & Partners IM offers extensive leadership experience in private equity and venture capital investments, M&A transactions, and IPOs, providing operational support to investment entities by international standards. In 2019, GB & Partners IM became the first Hungarian venture capital firm to gain membership in Invest Europe.

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SOURCE Parking Revenue Recovery Services, Inc.

Technology

Connect and Converse Across Borders with Moii: Now Available Worldwide

Published

19 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Moii, an innovative avatar-based interest-matching conversation service developed by tech startup illuni, has officially launched globally. Available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, Moii offers users a unique way to meet new friends, share stories and enjoy engaging conversations. The service allows people around the globe to experience safe, interest-based connections with like-minded people, fostering a sense of community across borders. Moii exemplifies illuni’s commitment to creating immersive digital experiences through advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

To create heartfelt connections, download Moii from the Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.illuni.moii&hl=en-US) and Apple App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/moii-heartfelt-connections/id6456406927).

Create Moiiments, Connect Globally

In a world where genuine interaction can feel rare, Moii provides a space for simple, meaningful conversations without the pressure of video or photo sharing. By connecting users based on shared interests, Moii creates a relaxed environment for spontaneous chats, whether someone is looking for a listening ear, a language exchange, or a fresh global perspective. With engaging features such as avatar costumes and singing content in virtual karaoke – introduced in a recent November update – the app continues to attract a growing user base of young adults seeking meaningful connections beyond small talk.

“Since our global launch on the 1st of November, users from over 30 countries have come together on Moii to share interests, create unique content and enjoy friendly conversations,” said Byung-Hwa Park, CEO of Illuni. “We are thrilled by the enthusiasm for Moii as people around the world find it to be a fun and welcoming platform.”

Aimed at users in their 20s and 30s, Moii allows users to interact in a fully customizable 3D environment. Instead of revealing their actual appearance, users create avatars that reflect their personalities and interests, providing a sense of anonymity, security, and comfort. Once matched, users can personalize their avatars, use conversation cards, and enjoy mini games, making every interaction fun and engaging.

With a mission to create comfortable spaces for conversation, Moii promotes cross-cultural and language exchange on a global scale. Whether users want to make foreign friends, practice a new language, or simply chat with a friendly listener, Moii offers a low-pressure, refreshing way to connect.

Looking ahead, Illuni plans to expand Moii’s language support, making it accessible to even more users across the globe.

For more information about Moii, visit https://www.moii.net/en

About illuni

Illuni is a forward-thinking startup focused on developing immersive digital experiences through advanced AI technology. The company is committed to building innovative mixed-reality services that redefine user engagement in digital spaces. Alongside Moii, illuni’s portfolio includes Storyself (https://storyself.com), an interactive storybook app that transforms users’ pictures into story characters, allowing them to become the protagonists of various tales—making it both engaging and educational for children.

To learn more about illuni and its suite of mixed-reality projects, visit: https://www.illuni.com/en

For media inquiry, please contact: illuni Communications, e-mail: contact@illuni.com

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SOURCE illuni

Technology

LONGi’s Solar Panels Enhance Sustainability in Bengaluru’s Residential Complex

Published

20 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

BANGALORE, India, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — LONGi, in partnership with SolarSquare, has completed a 342 kW solar project using advanced Hi-MO 5 solar panels for a residential apartment complex in Bengaluru.

Launched seven months ago, this solar project is set to save the residential complex up to $47,736 annually and has already generated an impressive 340,000 units of electricity. Thanks to the high efficiency of the solar modules, significant economies of scale, and the inherent advantages of rooftop solar, the project is projected to reach its break-even point within just 4.75 years.

Before the installation of the rooftop solar panels, residents faced annual electricity costs of approximately $143,305. The switch to solar energy is expected to result in annual savings between $47,768–$53,768, effectively reducing their electricity expenses by around 33%.

Nikhil Nahar, Co-founder and Director of SolarSquare, stated, “Through our strategic partnership with LONGi over the years, our customers have gained access to state-of-the-art technology for their projects. LONGi’s solar panels consistently deliver performance and help our customers save on electricity bills. With a shared vision to accelerate the mass adoption of renewable energy and enhance sustainability, our partnership has continually provided innovative solutions, earning the trust of our customers.”

LONGi remains committed to delivering advanced solar technology and helping more residential complexes achieve energy independence through its highly efficient and reliable products.

About LONGi

Founded in 2000, LONGi is committed to being the world’s leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation.

Under its mission of ‘making the best of solar energy to build a green world’, LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established five business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers cells and modules, commercial & industrial distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions and hydrogen equipment. The company has honed its capabilities to provide green energy and has more recently, also embraced green hydrogen products and solutions to support global zero carbon development. www.longi.com

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