Hair & Beauty Innovation Challenge
Up to ₹5L grant for Indian startups innovating in hair & beauty biotech, organic products, and salon-tech under the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge.
- Funding amount
- ₹5L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- MASA Forum (Platform)
- Application deadline
- Closed (31 Jan 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Hair & Beauty Innovation Challenge is a thematic challenge under the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, organized by the MASA Forum. It focuses on redefining personalized beauty innovation in India by supporting startups and innovators working on hair care, beauty biotechnology, dermatology, organic and sustainable beauty products, and salon-tech platforms. The program aims to address gaps in scalp care, hair regrowth, product safety, personalization, and digital beauty experiences. Selected participants receive a financial grant of up to ₹5L along with mentorship and incubation support to refine, validate, and scale their solutions.
Highlights
- Up to ₹5L grant for Indian hair and beauty innovators
- Open to startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators at any stage (idea to early commercialization)
- Focus areas: beauty biotech, dermatology, organic products, salon-tech, and more
- DPIIT recognition preferred but not mandatory
- Includes mentorship and incubation support
- Part of the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge by MASA Forum
Who can apply
The challenge is open to Indian startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators working in hair care, beauty biotech, dermatology, organic and sustainable beauty products, or salon-tech solutions. Applicants must be incorporated or registered in India; DPIIT/Startup India recognition is preferred but not mandatory at the time of application. Startups at any stage—idea, prototype, MVP, pilot, or early commercialization—are eligible. Solutions should demonstrate innovation, safety, scalability, and relevance to hair, beauty, or personal care challenges. Individual innovators may apply but must be willing to register an entity if selected for incentives.
Hair & Beauty Innovation Challenge is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for Hair & Beauty Innovation Challenge closed on 31 Jan 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Financial grant support of up to ₹5L
- Structured mentorship and incubation support to help refine, validate, and scale innovative beauty solutions
- Access to the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge ecosystem
- Opportunity to address key gaps in scalp care, hair regrowth, product safety, personalization, and digital beauty experiences
About the provider
Hair & Beauty Innovation Challenge is offered by MASA Forum, a startup platform. It is delivered directly by MASA Forum as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are reviewed based on innovation, safety, scalability, and relevance to hair, beauty, or personal care challenges. Shortlisted applicants may undergo further evaluation or interviews as part of the selection process. Specific stages and durations are not provided.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Hair & Beauty Innovation Challenge, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
Hair & Beauty Innovation Challenge is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
Selected startups receive a grant of up to ₹5L.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is January 31, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Indian startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators working in hair care, beauty biotech, dermatology, organic and sustainable beauty products, or salon-tech solutions are eligible. Applicants must be incorporated or registered in India.
Is DPIIT registration required?
DPIIT/Startup India recognition is preferred but not mandatory at the time of application.
Can individuals apply without a registered company?
Yes, individual innovators may apply, but they must be willing to register an entity if selected for incentives.
Does the grant require giving up equity?
No, this is a grant program, so no equity is taken from the startup.
What documents are typically needed to apply?
The program does not specify exact documents, but applicants can expect to submit details about their innovation, business registration, and team background through the application portal.
How do I apply?
You can apply via the Startup India portal at the provided URL: https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/ams-application/challenge.html?applicationId=695645cee4b03cb054225711
What kind of solutions are you looking for?
The challenge seeks innovative solutions addressing gaps in scalp care, hair regrowth, product safety, personalization, and digital beauty experiences, with a focus on safety, scalability, and consumer-centricity.
What support do selected startups receive besides the grant?
Selected startups receive structured mentorship and incubation support to refine, validate, and scale their solutions.
Who offers Hair & Beauty Innovation Challenge?
Hair & Beauty Innovation Challenge is offered by MASA Forum, a startup platform. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from MASA Forum
MASA Forum runs another program listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to Hair & Beauty Innovation Challenge
Not sure Hair & Beauty Innovation Challenge is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
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