UM students' beauty-tech idea stands out in Paris
PETALING JAYA : When three final-year students from Universiti Malaya came up with an AI-powered beard patch, they never imagined the invention would take them all the way to the fashion capital of Paris.
Team 'Beardsmiths' – comprising Vishva Raaj Vijayan, Avienash Shankar, and Daniswaran Seenivasan – were crowned National Champions of L'Oréal Brandstorm Malaysia 2025, and later emerged as one of the Top 6 finalists at the international finals in France.
Competing against teams from 42 countries, their invention, the 'FlashBeard Patch', is the world's first AI-powered, self-heating patch designed to promote healthy beard growth in just two weeks.
While the idea was undoubtedly innovative, it was the heart, and hustle behind it that captured attention.
'We wanted to reimagine beard care using technology,' said Avienash, who is pursuing mechanical engineering. 'It was something personal. All three of us have dealt with patchy beard growth or know people who have. It's a common issue, especially in Asian markets, that no one really talks about.'
The invention isn't just a novelty – it combines microneedles, targeted serum delivery, and AI-personalisation, all embedded in a discreet, wearable patch.
Speaking to FMT Lifestyle, Daniswaran who studies statistics, recalled: 'We first came across L'Oréal Brandstorm through a poster shared by student ambassadors on campus. It immediately caught our attention.'
The trio beat 3,500 others in Malaysia to earn their ticket to Paris. (UM pic)
The competition, known for challenging students to build real-world beauty tech solutions with industry guidance, required entrants to pitch a bold, AI-driven idea in men's grooming.
From over 3,500 participants in Malaysia, only eight teams advanced to the national finals in May. For the FlashBeard trio, making it that far was already a victory.
They emerged as national champions, earning their ticket to the global finals on June 12. 'We were overjoyed, and honestly, a bit shocked,' expressed Avienash. For some of them, it would be their first time in Europe.
Each team member has brought a unique background and childhood curiosity to the table.
Avienash had been building robots since the age of five, eventually founding his school's robotics team and winning international medals.
Vishva was always fascinated by engines and often dismantled toys just to see how they worked. Daniswaran, meanwhile, found joy in solving mathematical puzzles.
Daniswaran explained: 'It took us about three to four weeks to refine the idea fully. At first, it was just a vague concept. We brainstormed daily, researched beard growth science, looked into existing technologies and kept refining the concept.'
Vishva, also a mechanical engineering student, recalled their time in Paris: 'It was an incredibly emotional and proud moment. Standing on that global stage in Paris, holding the Malaysian flag among the top teams, it was truly surreal.
'All the sleepless nights, the rejections, the sacrifices – they suddenly felt worth it.'
The team sold their FlashBeard Patch through storytelling, leaving a lasting impression on the judges. (UM pic)
It wasn't just the invention that got them into the Top 6, it was also how they sold it.
'Throughout our preparation, we focused on engaging the judges in every possible way. Our pitch involved storytelling and even a short act to emotionally connect with the audience,' Vishva shared.
'We didn't want to be just another team with a cool idea. We wanted to be remembered.'
And they were. While their competitors presented impressive concepts – from sustainable refill stations to AI-powered scalp care – the Malaysian team held their own.
'Going into the finals, we just wanted to do our best and learn,' said Daniswaran. 'Making the Top 6 was beyond anything we expected. It was truly humbling.'
Back home, the support was overwhelming. 'Many of our friends and family followed our journey closely. Some even cried when they saw the global announcement,' said Avienash. 'It meant a lot to make Malaysia proud.'
And of course, media coverage followed. 'We never imagined an idea we developed during our final year would be featured nationally,' Vishva admitted. 'Seeing our story shared was a reminder of how far we'd come and how powerful student innovation can be.'
Their success also opened their eyes to new career possibilities. 'There's huge potential in beauty tech, whether through product development or R&D.'
In fact, the competition has inspired Vishva to explore pursuing a career in innovation and entrepreneurship within engineering.
And the FlashBeard Patch? 'We're definitely not letting the idea stop here,' said Avienash. 'We're refining the design, exploring collaborations, and looking into grants or incubators to bring it to life.'
Follow the trio on Instagram: @vishvaaa, @daniswarandanis, @avinash.shankar.
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