CABR Technology Gateway, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland has unveiled details of this year’s Cosmetics Innovation Forum, scheduled for Thursday, April 23rd at the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone.
The event will cover a wide range of topics and participants will gain insights into key areas including formulation, research and development, intellectual property, branding, regulatory compliance, and distribution. As well as expert panels, presentations and interviews on topics such as natural ingredient sourcing, formulation and manufacturing, intellectual property protection, research and development pathways, brand building, regulatory compliance, making credible cosmetic claims, and retail readiness.
This full-day, in-person event is designed to support the development and growth of cosmetics businesses in Ireland. Bringing together industry experts, investors, retail buyers, and established brands, it offers a range of perspectives from across the sector.
Whether you’re just starting out or already an established cosmetics brand, this event offers practical insights to help drive and support your business growth.
Centre for Applied Bioscience Research (CABR)
The Centre for Applied Bioscience Research (CABR) is a commercially focused, state of the art, Research Centre and Technology Gateway. The centre is a collaboration between Munster Technological University (MTU) and the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS).
CABR brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers with commercial specialists to provide a centre of excellence in applied research, capable of exploiting opportunities in science and technology to benefit the regional and national economy
Event Details:
Hodson Bay Hotel, Roscommon Road, Athlone
Date: Thursday, April 23rd
Time: 9am – 3.30pm
Register for the event here
Event Agenda
Welcome – 09:00 AM – 09:15 AM
Panel Discussion: Ingredient Selection & Natural Extract Development 09:15 AM – 09:45 AM
Panel discussion exploring natural ingredient sourcing, extraction methods and sustainability considerations for cosmetic formulations.
Formulation & Manufacturing 09:45 AM – 10:05 AM
Insights into cosmetic formulation development and manufacturing processes, from concept to production.
Interview: Cosmetic Distribution 10:05 AM – 10:30 AM
Understanding distribution channels, building relationships with distributors, and scaling your market reach.
Investing in Cosmetics: A Venture Capital (VC) Perspective 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
What venture capital investors look for in cosmetic businesses, funding stages, and preparing for investment.
Coffee / Networking 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Intellectual Property Protection for Cosmetics Businesses 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
An overview of the role of IP in starting and growing innovative companies and the economic benefits of domestic IP-led business activity. It will cover the key forms of IP and how they can be applied, with particular emphasis on the cosmetics industry, to support companies to innovate, compete and succeed in export markets. Information will also be provided on the available IP supports that aim to help startups and SMEs make better use of IP within their enterprises.
Panel Discussion: Research & Development Pathways 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Panel featuring companies at different stages of R&D support, including contract research, as well as Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Voucher recipients and Innovation Partnership participants, discussing their experiences and outcomes.
Building a Values-Based Brand 12:30 PM – 01:00 PM
Lunch / Networking 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM
Irish Cosmetics Detergents Association & Impending Regulations 02:00 PM – 02:20 PM
Overview of upcoming regulatory changes affecting the Irish cosmetics sector.
Cosmetic Claims & Scientific Communication 02:20 PM – 02:50 PM
Translating science into high-impact and credible consumer messages.
Buyer Insight Panel: Being Retail Ready 02:50 PM – 03:30 PM
Expert retail buyers discussing what they look for in cosmetic brands, from packaging and positioning to pricing and retail readiness.
Close 03:30 PM
The CABR Technology Gateway is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27.
