Program
Philip Morris Manufacturing & Technology Bologna, through the Philip Morris Institute for Manufacturing Competences (IMC) in partnership with Almacube, is looking for innovative technologies and solutions to be integrated into its industrial processes.
The Call for Innovation offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with Philip Morris, apply your solution in new contexts, increase your technology’s maturity level, and gain the opportunity to become an accredited supplier of a global Group.
The goal of the Call is to identify, promote, and implement next-generation solutions that enhance the sustainability of factories and workplaces.
After an initial phase of scouting and evaluating the most promising solutions, three Innovation Partners will be selected to join a co-design phase*, working closely with the teams of Philip Morris Manufacturing & Technology Bologna and the Philip Morris IMC.
At the end of this phase, Philip Morris may decide—based on the achieved results—to fund a Proof of Concept.
All companies (corporates, SMEs, startups, scaleups, etc.) offering technological solutions applicable to the processes described in the Challenges section are eligible to apply.
*Each of the three selected Innovation Partners will receive a €7,000 grant from Almacube to support participation in the co-design phase. This amount is intended to cover travel and accommodation expenses related to in-person activities.
Timeline
APPLICATION
From November 5, 2025 to
January 4, 2026
Innovative companies can apply by completing the online application form.
SELECTION
From January 5 to January 30, 2026
The most promising applications will be invited to a Pitching Session (from January 27 to 29, 2026) held online before a jury of experts from Philip Morris and Almacube, who will select the 3 companies admitted to the next phase.
CO-DESIGN
From February 2 to March 10, 2026
The 3 selected companies will take part in the Co-Design Program.
For details on the expected commitment and planned activities, please refer to the Co-Design Program document.
KICK-OFF
(online) February 6, 2026
DEEP DIVE
Two-day in-person participation from February 16 to 18, 2026 | Location: Italy, Bologna – Philip Morris MTB
CUSTOMIZED PoC PROPOSAL:
February – March 2026
One 2-hour remote meeting per week for 4 weeks
Weekly follow-up meetings held remotely
INNOVATION DAY:
March 2026
Presentation of projects and PoC proposals to the company’s managers
Hybrid activity (in-person or remote) | Location: Italy, Bologna – Philip Morris MTB
PROOF OF CONCEPT
(subject to Philip Morris’s evaluation)
From March 2026
Based on a positive evaluation, Philip Morris may decide to start collaborations with the companies that participated in the co-design phase to develop a Proof of Concept.
Submit Your Application
Collaborate with Philip Morris and be part of the innovation driving Industry 4.0.