Cosmetic innovation seeks new business projects
Innovation and sustainability are once again at the center of the AITEX 2026 Business Awards. In its VIII edition, the call will allocate 35,000 euros specifically to recognize projects in the cosmetic sector that have developed an innovative and/or sustainable product or production process.
Companies in the sector are still in time to submit their projects. The registration period will remain open until November 8, in a national call that this year will distribute a total of 100,000 euros among nine awarded companies in three categories: cosmetics, textiles, and entrepreneurship.
Since their creation in 2018, the awards aim to promote the revitalization of the business fabric and boost its competitiveness, recognizing the work of companies in areas such as innovation, sustainability, and research.
In the 2025 edition, the AITEX Award for Innovation and/or Sustainability in Cosmetics went to three projects that reflect where the sector is heading: functional perfumery, microalgae, and advanced ingredients. Esencias Moles obtained the first prize, of 20,000 euros, for HEVen Light Shield, a technology that converts perfume into a barrier that protects the skin against blue light from screens and the sun without altering the aroma. The second prize, of 10,000 euros, went to Special Chemicals for SCH AlgaeTech™, which obtains effective and sustainable cosmetic ingredients from microalgae, with a production that captures CO₂, saves water, and generates no waste. Falon Labs completed the podium, with 5,000 euros, thanks to Si4Tech®, an encapsulated ingredient that combines silicon and niacinamide to improve skin firmness, hydration, and tone, even on sensitive skin.
35,000 euros to reward innovation and sustainability in cosmetics
The category AITEX Award for Innovation and/or Sustainability in Cosmetics is aimed at companies in the cosmetic sector that have developed an innovative and/or sustainable product or production process.
Three projects will be recognized:
- A first prize of 20,000 euros
- A second prize of 10,000 euros
- A third prize of 5,000 euros
In this way, the call seeks to recognize and disseminate business projects directly linked to two of the major axes that are marking the evolution of the cosmetic industry: innovation and sustainability.
For companies in the beauty sector, the awards also represent an opportunity to present their developments in a call specifically aimed at highlighting business projects with innovative capacity.
Deadline and submission: The call is open until November 8, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the official AITEX portal: www.aitex.es/premios-empresariales-aitex
10,000 euros to recognize business innovation
The Innovation and/or Sustainability in Cosmetics category is part of a call that this year will distribute 100,000 euros among nine winning companies. Along with the 35,000 euros specifically allocated to the cosmetic sector, the AITEX Business Awards have two other modalities: Innovation and/or Sustainability in Textiles and Best Entrepreneurial Initiative, thus completing a call aimed at recognizing business projects that bet on innovation, sustainability and the development of new business ideas.
Last days to submit applications
The VIII edition of the AITEX Business Awards is entering its final stretch. Participating companies must have their main registered office in Spanish territory and submit their application following the requirements established in the rules of each modality.
The deadline for submitting applications will end on November 8, 2026. Cosmetic companies with new innovative and/or sustainable products or processes are still in time to submit their projects and opt for one of the three recognitions in their category.
- Because innovation is no longer an option, but a necessity.
- Because sustainability is the new quality standard.
- Because your project deserves to be recognized and shared.
- Because AITEX is the perfect ally to grow with impact.
Do you want to submit your application?
- Registration deadline: November 8, 2026.
- Consult the rules and register: https://www.aitex.es/premios-empresariales-aitex/