#Open Innovation #Japan #Tokyo #Estée #Next Program

Estée Launches Innovative New Business Creation Program

Estée Co. has announced the launch of its new business creation program titled 'Next,' set to kick off on June 22, 2026. This initiative seeks collaborative partners to co-create new business ventures that are not only innovative but also sustainable and impactful. By engaging in open innovation, Estée aims to leverage the ideas and aspirations of its employees in conjunction with external partners.

Overview of the 'Next' Program

Since 2022, Estée has been committed to nurturing next-generation leaders through the 'Next' program, which has already successfully graduated 62 employees across its first three phases, specifically targeting individuals in their 20s and 30s. This year's iteration has been revamped to 'Next – Build,' emphasizing not just the generation of ideas but also the building of tangible businesses from the ground up. Members selected through a rigorous screening process will take the lead in launching new businesses while receiving full support from the organization to turn their concepts into reality.

Themes for Collaboration

Estée is inviting ideas in several key areas that look to solve current market challenges:

1. Creating Customer Experiences through Air Quality: Developing solutions that leverage Estée's deodorizing technology to improve individual experiences in entertainment and seating businesses by tackling odor-related issues, thus fostering cleaner environments.

2. Healthcare Devices for Pet Monitoring: Collaborating with startups to create health monitoring devices that can quickly alert owners to changes in their pets' well-being, contributing to maintaining their health in partnership with veterinary professionals.

3. Enhancing Rest in Confined Spaces: Innovating sleep environment solutions for unique spaces like night buses and capsule hotels, focusing on an improved restful experience without requiring physical infrastructure changes.

4. Teamwork in Household Chores: Promoting a structured approach to housework within families, encouraging children to participate and develop skills, ultimately leading to a collaborative household environment.

5. Maximizing Well-being for Senior Pets and Owners: Establishing a preventative pet care ecosystem that connects pet owners with resources for managing the aging process of pets effectively.

6. Addressing Odor in Elderly Care Facilities: Aiming to automate deodorizing methods in nursing homes to enhance the atmosphere for both staff and residents.

7. Development of Mental Tools through Fragrance: A joint effort to create devices that help athletes manage stress and anger through familiar scents, thus maintaining focus and optimal performance.

8. Solving Smell Issues Arising from Cultural Differences: As international tourism rises, particularly in accommodations, there's a need for solutions that enhance space quality and customer experience regarding fragrance disparities.

9. Integrated Deodorizing Solutions: Aiming to seamlessly integrate odor solutions into routine environments such as construction sites and factories, respecting the dignity of workers while improving workplace comfort.

Additional themes may be announced later in the process.

Application Details

Interested partners must submit their proposals by July 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Applications can be done through the official website, where applicants fill in necessary details and may attach supplementary materials if desired. Confidentiality during the selection process will be upheld, ensuring no sensitive information is disclosed.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be incorporated entities (individual applicants are not accepted), capable of demonstrating potential implementations of their proposed solutions during the program. Full details on eligibility criteria are available on the program's website.

Program Timeline

The process will unfold as follows:

• - June 22, 2026: Applications open
• - July 24, 2026: Applications close
• - Late August 2026: Document review completion
• - Late August to Late September 2026: Interviews
• - Late September 2026: Selection potions
• - October 2026 to February 2027: Testing and mentoring programs
• - February 2027: Final pitch and judging
• - March 2027: Business verification

This new venture underscores Estée's commitment to innovation and highlights its belief in the power of collaboration to drive impactful business solutions.

For inquiries, please reach out to the Estée 'Next' Program team or visit the official website for more detailed information about the program.