For Companies
Partnering with Politecnico di Milano: strategic Ph.D. opportunities for companies and international research centres
In an ever-changing global landscape, companies and institutions need to act fast, innovate smart, and invest in talent to stay ahead.
Industrial doctoral programmes at Politecnico di Milano are designed to generate real value and impact.
Explore below the two tailored paths both for private companies and research centres
Challenges
Each Industrial Ph.D. project is based on specific needs of the organisation and is developed by applying university research skills and methods to challenging problems where innovative answers are needed.
Research Areas
The Industrial Ph.D. in Information Technology provides advanced education and research in four major research areas: Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics, Systems and Control, and Telecommunications. Today, these research fields are of enormous scientific and technical interest for industry, government organizations and society. During the program, candidates acquire a problem-solving methodology which is an added value for innovation-driven companies who want to keep pace with the most advanced research and have employees who can bring new ideas, stimulate innovation and creativity, and be progress promoters.
Computer Science and Engineering aims at the development of Information Technology and its application to innovative products and services in many fields. Examples of research areas: artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, information systems, database management, bio-informatics, security and reliability, information design for the web, methods and applications for interactive multimedia, advanced software architectures, and computer performance.
Electronics: the research activities focus on new developments, such as applied nanoelectronics, sensors and diagnostic technologies, genetics and biomedicine, diagnostics of cultural heritage, and astrophysics applications.
Systems and Control: control systems science, robotics and industrial automation, nonlinear and networked systems, ecosystems and environmental modelling, and operations research. Examples of specific research topics are: predictive, distributed, and robust estimation and control; automation of automotive, transportation, collaborative and mobile robotics; ecology, natural resources management, and climate change.
Telecommunications: given the interdisciplinary nature of the world of telecommunications, many skills coexist in this section, among them: transmission systems and telecommunication networks, radio and optical wireless transmission, digital signal processing, electromagnetic methods, remote sensing methods and systems, audio and video analysis and production.
Industrial Ph.D. – Thematic Scholarships
For companies and research centres looking to invest in new talent and develop research on strategic topics.
- Fund a 3-year Ph.D. scholarship on a topic relevant to your business/field.
- Choose a junior profile (e.g. a recent graduate) who will conduct targeted research and generate results that can be quickly translated into value for your organization.
- Research activities can take place at your company, at the university, or both, depending on the agreement.
How it works:
- The company/institution signs an agreement with the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering (DEIB).
- The scholarship is activated through the first available public Ph.D. call.
- Companies in Italy benefit from tax credits for funded scholarships, as per current regulations.
Executive Ph.D.
For companies/institutions that want to develop the potential of their current employees.
- Support your employee in pursuing a 4-year Ph.D. while they keep their job and salary.
- No public call is required: after evaluation by the Faculty Board, the candidate is admitted through a direct agreement with the company.
- The research topic is jointly agreed upon and co-supervised by a Politecnico professor and a company tutor.
Why invest in an Executive Ph.D.?
- Empower your employee with advanced research skills, transversal competencies, and access to an international academic environment.
- Develop long-term innovation in-house, with a research project tailored to your company’s strategic goals.
- Build intellectual capital and strengthen your innovation pipeline.
Bonus: companies can also hire high-potential young researchers under apprenticeship contracts that combine advanced education and hands-on research training.
Benefits for companies/institutions:
- Accelerated access to cutting-edge research
- Tax incentives and public co-funding opportunities
- Tailored projects aligned with business objectives
- Talent retention and upskilling
- Direct collaboration with one of Europe’s top technical universities