Japanese cosmetics group Shiseido has announced the results of the second edition of its EMEA Open Innovation program, fibona.
The young Italian company Bacfarm won over the ten-strong jury, which included members of the Shiseido Executive Committee as well as experts from the beauty and innovation sectors. The innovative solution presented by the winning startup will be tested in prototype form for the Gallinée brand's skincare range.
For this second edition, six startups from around the world were selected from 60 applications. The aim of the competition: to develop new sustainable suncare products, through innovations in UV filters and protection boosters.
In 2024, the global market for sun protection products will increase by almost $7.9 billion compared to 2023. This growth is linked to the fact that consumers are increasingly aware of the need to protect their skin.
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the need to use products that respect the environment. With the fibona program, Shiseido aims to meet the challenges and expectations of the market.
A spin-off from the University of Cagliari in Italy, Bacfarm is an innovative biotech start-up founded by Giulia Guadalupi, Samuele Antonio Gaviano and Davide Emilio Lobina. The company draws on its specific know-how and patents to commercialize new molecules extracted from bacteria.
These versatile ingredients, with their antioxidant, filtering, coloring and other properties, can be used in the design of cosmetics, nutraceuticals and animal feed, among others.
Bacfarm is responding to growing demand from European and global markets for raw materials from alternative, sustainable sources. "We are very honored to have been selected by the Shiseido group as part of its Open Innovation program, fibona. Having the opportunity to present our solution in front of a panel of industry experts has really taken us to the next level, says Giulia Guadalupi, CEO and co-founder of Bacfarm. Having the opportunity to prototype our solution for the Gallinée brand will not only bring visibility to our project, but will also help us share all our research with a wider audience. The Gallinée brand has inspired us from day one, so working with Dr Marie Drago will be a unique opportunity."
"This program is a great opportunity to create the beauty products of tomorrow. There's a lot going on in beauty and science, and the race for the best sustainable suncare products is spearheading it. Partnering with other founders and the next generation of innovators is what Gallinée is all about."comments Marie Drago, founder and Creative Director of Gallinée.
Open Innovation fibona is a program initiated by Shiseido's Global Innovation Center (GIC) in 2019. It is coordinated by the European Innovation Center (EIC), based in France's Cosmetic Valley in Ormes (45). The EMEA edition follows on from the program's success in Asia, with a focus on accelerating innovation strategy and sustainability.
