Innovation, creativity, and determination have earned three Strathmore University students a place on the global stage after emerging as winners of the L’Oréal Brand storm Kenya 2026 National Finals. The team, aptly named Team Veloran, will now represent Kenya in Paris, France, where they will compete against some of the brightest young innovators from around the world.

The winning team comprises Eniola Faithfulness Fabunmi, Fatuma Liban Omar, and Joy Jeruto Toromo, all third-year students pursuing degrees in Informatics and Computer Science and Business Information Technology. United by a passion for innovation and problem-solving, the trio transformed an ambitious idea into an award-winning solution that impressed judges with its blend of technology, sustainability, and luxury.

Team Veloran: (From left) Fatuma, Joy and Eniola

At the heart of their success is Le Coffret De Brume, a compact suitcase-style fragrance device designed to redefine how consumers experience luxury fragrances. More than just a perfume accessory, the innovation seeks to address some of the industry’s most pressing challenges, including packaging waste, inefficient fragrance application, and limited personalization.

“We realized that consumer habits have evolved,” the team explains. “People want fragrances that match different moods, occasions, and personal styles. That revealed an opportunity to rethink fragrance as an experience rather than simply a product.”

This year’s L’Oréal Brandstorm challenge, themed “Craft the Future of Luxury Fragrance,” encouraged participants to explore the intersection of technology, science and creativity. For Team Veloran, the challenge was an invitation to imagine a future where luxury fragrance is smarter, more sustainable, and deeply personalized.

Their solution integrates technology through advanced refill mechanics and smart controls, while scientific principles guide fragrance application and scent preservation. Artificial intelligence further enhances the experience by providing intelligent fragrance recommendations tailored to users’ preferences and contexts. The result is a sophisticated fragrance ecosystem that goes beyond traditional perfume bottles and fragrance discovery tools.

The journey to victory was not without challenges. One of the team’s greatest challenges was striking a delicate balance between ambition and feasibility. They spent considerable time refining their concept to ensure it remained innovative while also being realistic and commercially viable.

“We had to repeatedly challenge ourselves to ensure the idea could actually be built and scaled,” they noted. “That meant focusing on technologies and systems that already exist while still pushing creative boundaries.”

A turning point came when the team recognized that their concept was larger than fragrance alone. It represented an entire luxury ecosystem centered on personalization, sustainability, and long-term consumer engagement. This realization strengthened their confidence and helped shape a compelling value proposition.

When Team Veloran was announced as the national winner, the moment was nothing short of unforgettable.

“We felt proud, grateful, and deeply motivated,” they shared. “The victory validated all the effort we had invested and gave us a strong sense of responsibility to represent both Kenya and Strathmore University on the international stage.”

According to the team, one of the most valuable lessons from the competition was learning to think like product strategists connecting creativity with practical execution while communicating ideas clearly and confidently. They believe their solution stood out because it addressed a genuine market shift while remaining commercially relevant and environmentally conscious.

If brought to market, Le Coffret De Brume could significantly reduce packaging waste, improve fragrance application, and create a more personalized experience. The team also sees strong potential for commercialization, beginning with a portable home use device before expanding into smart wardrobe integrations and broader refill ecosystems.

Their success reflects not only individual talent but also the innovation driven culture fostered at Strathmore University. The team credits the institution for sharpening their analytical thinking, teamwork, discipline, and presentation skills. They also expressed gratitude to lecturers Peninah Kanyua, Daniel Machanje, and Dr. Jecton Anyango, whose guidance on pitching and responding to panel questions helped prepare them for the competition.

Beyond the classroom, Strathmore’s collaborative environment and commitment to practical problem-solving played a significant role in shaping their innovation journey.

As they prepare to take their idea to Paris, Team Veloran hopes their achievement inspires fellow students to pursue bold ideas and embrace opportunities for growth.

“The message is simple: go for it,” they say. “You never know how far you can go if you don’t start. Begin with a problem, stay committed to the process, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.”

Their journey from Strathmore’s lecture halls to the global innovation stage serves as a powerful reminder that transformative ideas can emerge from anywhere when curiosity, courage, and collaboration come together. As Team Veloran heads to Paris, they carry not only an innovative solution but also the hopes of a university and a nation eager to see Kenyan ingenuity shine on the world stage.

Article written by Zena Ali