ABOUT THE CHALLENGE
Start with a real problem.
Explore what comes next.
In 2025, PROYA announced its Double Ten strategy: to become one of the world’s top ten beauty companies within ten years.
Guided by this strategy, PROYA launched the inaugural Blue Buff Technology Innovation Challenge in 2026. The challenge welcomes a broad range of innovators, including startups, individual entrepreneurs, and university and research teams, with technology innovations that address real needs and explore future possibilities. Projects are welcome from industries and application areas beyond beauty.
We welcome innovations that can be applied today as well as research into future possibilities. From AI applications across disciplines to innovation in ingredients, processes, products and brand experiences, we look forward to engaging with innovators from diverse backgrounds to explore the practical value and future potential of technology.
AN OPEN INVITATION
Bring your innovation.
Take the next step.
The PROYA Blue Buff Technology Innovation Challenge welcomes startups, individual entrepreneurs, universities and research teams. If you are looking for your next step, we would love to hear from you.
- 01
Connect technology with real needs
From new technologies and materials to products and services, find a real problem worth solving.
- 02
Put your ideas to the test
Bring your research, prototype or working solution. Discuss your evidence and methods to clarify what to validate next.
- 03
Connect with industry partners
Meet business and technical teams with an interest in innovation, and explore new possibilities for your work.
FOCUS AREAS
Four focus areas. Room for your own challenge.
Technology innovation projects of different types and stages are welcome, beyond beauty applications.
Your innovation can define its own direction.
Propose your own problem and solution. Your project does not need to fit one of the four focus areas.
THE JOURNEY / 2026
The next step for your idea.
From submitting your application to discussions with experts, see what to prepare at each stage.
- 01Sep 20
Launch · Applications open
Explore the focus areas, suggested topics and participation process. Choose a focus area or propose your own innovation challenge.
What to prepare
Define the problem, core innovation and current progress. Prepare a team introduction and evidence suitable for review.
Create a project and complete your submission.
- 02Nov 15
Application deadline
Check and submit your project before the deadline. A submission receipt confirms delivery; eligibility and materials are reviewed afterward.
What to prepare
Check contact details, the summary, attachments and demo links. Distinguish completed work from assumptions and retain the project ID and receipt.
Monitor project status and respond to any requests for additional material.
- 03Mid-November
Initial review · Materials and evidence
Reviewers consider the problem, innovation, stage-appropriate evidence and team capability to assess potential for further exploration.
What to prepare
Present the solution, research or user evidence, and limitations clearly. Keep contact information up to date.
Selected projects will progress to the second-round review. The organizing team will communicate the arrangements.
- 04Late November
Second-round review · Presentations and discussion
Expert reviews, project demonstrations and Q&A sessions explore technical or research value, potential use cases and requirements for further validation.
What to prepare
Prepare a prototype, case study or research evidence. Research teams can explain their methodology, evidence, limitations and required conditions.
Finalist candidates are identified. Presentation formats and material requirements will be communicated separately.
- 05Before the final
Finalist preparation · Proposed
Planned support includes discussions on use cases, exchanges with experts and pitch preparation to help shortlisted teams communicate their innovation and validation plans.
What to prepare
Refine presentation materials, key evidence and next steps. Separate public content from review-only material.
Support formats and arrangements remain to be confirmed in finalist communications.
- 06Late December
Final · Project presentation and exchange
Present the innovation, progress and future plans, with jury discussion. The date, venue and event format will be announced.
What to prepare
Prepare a clear pitch and evidence demonstration, explaining team capability, implementation plans and areas for further collaboration.
The organizers will communicate results and follow-up arrangements.
BEYOND THE CHALLENGE
Keep exploring collaboration after the challenge.
Depending on project maturity and mutual needs, further discussions may explore validation, research, procurement or other collaboration. Resources, timing and terms are assessed and agreed for each project.
Applications close at the end of November 15, 2026 (Beijing time). The subsequent schedule remains unchanged; details are subject to organizer notifications.
WHY BLUE BUFF
More ways for good ideas to move forward.
Start a conversation. Discover where technology and industry can move forward together.
01 /
Understand industry needs
Discuss real business challenges and discover where your technology or product could make a difference.
02 /
Gain expert perspectives
Discuss your project with business and technical experts to clarify its strengths, research value and validation plan.
03 /
Explore collaboration opportunities
Bring promising innovation into focus. Explore opportunities for further validation and industry collaboration with PROYA.
GOOD TO KNOW
Before you apply.
Can projects from any industry be submitted?
Yes. Prior experience in the beauty industry is not required. We welcome technology innovations across industries that address a clearly defined problem, offer a distinctive solution and include a credible validation plan.
Can solo founders apply?
Yes. Individuals, founder-led teams, and university and research teams are welcome. Identify the lead applicant, team members’ roles and any required authorizations in your application.
Can I apply without a finished product?
Yes. Projects at different stages are welcome, including early ideas, prototypes and solutions under development. We focus on how clearly you define the problem, the technical feasibility of your approach and your validation plan.
What opportunities does the challenge offer?
Project reviews, discussions with business teams and follow-up conversations will help some applicants refine use cases and validation plans and explore industry connections. Any collaboration will depend on the project’s stage and further discussion between the parties.
Can I update or supplement my submission after applying?
Yes. After submission, you can check the project status and required follow-up materials in My Projects, then provide updates as requested.
What materials need to be uploaded?
You must upload a project proposal covering your summary, technical approach, evidence, team capabilities and validation plan. Up to 8 PDF / PNG / JPG attachments, each no larger than 50 MB. Provide links for demo videos. Avoid uploading full formulations, source code or sensitive data you are not authorized to share.