With that, this time around - in a proud moment for Malaysia and Universiti Malaya (UM), three brilliant students have placed the nation firmly on the global innovation map by emerging among the Top 6 teams in the world at the prestigious L’Oréal Brandstorm 2025 competition in Paris.
The trio namely - Vishva Raaj Vijayan and Avienash Shankar, both from UM’s Faculty of Engineering, along with Daniswaran Seenivasan from the Faculty of Science, showcased their groundbreaking invention: the FlashBeard Patch, the world’s first AI-powered, self-heating patch designed to promote healthy beard growth in just two weeks.
Their project, which blends cutting-edge AI technology, microneedles, and heat-activated serum delivery, caught the attention of both national and international judges, addressing a real-world yet often overlooked issue faced by men patchy facial hair.
To know more about the trio’s achievement – Astro Ulagam has reached out to the team and asked for further details. Avienash reveals the driving force behind their success:
“Our inspiration came from the everyday struggle many men face with patchy facial hair. We wanted to reimagine beard care using technology, creating a smart, AI-personalized patch that stimulates beard growth while offering a mess-free, refillable system that reduces waste. This aligns perfectly with L’Oréal’s vision for sustainable beauty tech,” explained team member Avienash.
The journey, however, was far from easy. With academic deadlines looming, the trio juggled final year projects, tests, and assignments while refining their concept. “The biggest challenge was figuring out how to integrate technologies like microneedles, heat therapy, and AI personalization into one practical, effective product,” added Avienash.
“But with clear teamwork, late-night discussions, and shared passion, we pushed through.”
The team’s hard work paid off when they were crowned national champions, earning the right to represent Malaysia in Paris, competing against over 42 countries at Europe’s largest startup and technology exhibition, VivaTech 2025.
“It was incredibly emotional and surreal,” recalled Vishva Raaj. “Standing on that global stage, holding the Malaysian flag high, all the sleepless nights, rejections, and sacrifices suddenly felt worth it. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about proving that Malaysian students can innovate at a world-class level.”
The judges were impressed by the team’s ability to combine proven grooming methods with modern AI-driven solutions. “We addressed a relatable issue with a user-centric design that simplifies grooming while aligning with global beauty tech trends,” added Vishva Raaj.
Preparation for the global stage wasn’t just technical. The team knew they had to make their pitch memorable. “We crafted a pitch that involved storytelling and even a short act to emotionally connect with the judges,” shared Vishva. “We wanted them to feel the frustration of patchy beards and see how our solution offers hope.”
A successful team is built on a foundation of support. This team shares their appreciation for those who have been their pillars of strength:
The team attributes their success to the unwavering support from L’Oréal Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, and their families. “Without them, we wouldn’t have made it this far,” said Daniswaran.
UM’s financial assistance, L’Oréal’s mentorship, and our families' constant support, both emotionally and financially were the backbone of this trio journey.
Looking ahead, the trio plans to participate in more competitions to further refine and validate the FlashBeard Patch before approaching investors and industry leaders to bring their invention to market. “This is just the beginning,” affirmed the team.
With their passion, innovation, and determination, these young Malaysians have not only carved a name for themselves but also inspired countless others to dream bigger and prove that global impact starts with a simple idea and a lot of hard work.
Thank you guys for putting M’sia on the world map!