The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), in partnership with L’Oréal, is now accepting applications for the Sustainable Innovation Accelerator: a targeted programme supporting the development and scaling of sustainability-focused solutions in the beauty industry.

Who should apply?
The programme is open to startups, scaleups, SMEs and established companies worldwide with deployment-ready innovations (TRL 7 or above) that address at least one of the following seven focus areas:

• Low-carbon, climate-smart technologies

• Water resilience solutions

• Nature-based solutions

• Alternative ingredients and materials

• Eliminating fossil plastic use and plastic waste

• Circularity and resource management

• Sustainable and inclusive business models

What support is offered?
Successful applicants will receive up to 12 months of tailored support, including:

• A 12-week group acceleration programme delivered by CISL

• Up to 12 hours of 1:1 mentoring with global sustainability experts

• Peer-learning sessions

• The potential to pilot solutions with L’Oréal, with the possibility of commercial agreements or investment

Key dates

• Applications open: 23 June 2025

• Deadline to apply: 30 September 2025

• Cohort selection: November 2025

• Acceleration phase: November 2025 – February 2026

• Pilot execution (if applicable): From February 2026 (6–9 months)

How to apply
Applications are open until 30 September 2025. Learn more and submit your application via the CISL website or follow the direct link to the programme here.