The first Open Call is now closed. The residency is based on an experimental and peer-to-peer learning model, which allows designers to test and materialise their ideas: from prototyping a product solution or some of its parts and components, to experimenting with IoT solutions through physical computing<\/i>, to experimenting with technologies or processes for digital manufacturing.<\/p>\n To date, over 70 students have joined the program and successfully developed their thesis projects.<\/p>\n Participating in the Talents in Residence program means taking part in an experience that allows to:<\/p>\n For those who are instead looking for a thesis supervisor for the development of a project not related to the themes proposed by Polifactory, we recommend consulting the thesis board of their respective School.<\/p>\n On an annual basis, Polifactory defines a set of Thematic Areas that can be implemented through research projects, experimental initiatives, and cultural and\/or educational activities.<\/p>\n There are currently four active Thematic Areas at Polifactory. Applicants to the Talents in Residence program<\/em> must ensure that their project is relevant to one of the Thematic Areas described below:[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”12769″ image_size=”medium_large” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n To respond to these design challenges, the expected thesis proposals within this line of research range from the design or re-design of objects according to the principles of circularity, to the design of tools to improve resilience or citizen participation, or the development of product-services that foster the human-nature relationship and a <\/span>more-than-human<\/span><\/i> urban regeneration.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][toggles style=”minimal”][toggle color=”Accent-Color” heading_tag=”h5″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”Thesis examples – Area 1″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n In order to meet these design challenges, the thesis proposals expected under this line of research range from product innovation, where materials are designed using digital technologies or become <\/span>smart<\/span><\/i>, to process innovation where materials, particularly bio-based materials, experiment with bio-manufacturing processes or are produced from waste and scrap.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][toggles style=”minimal”][toggle color=”Accent-Color” heading_tag=”h5″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”Thesis examples – Area 2″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n To respond to these design challenges, the thesis proposals expected under this line of research could consist of personalised product-services for the management of home care or disability; smart product-services for the prevention and monitoring of chronic diseases; solutions that foster collaboration between <\/span>patients<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>caregivers<\/span><\/i> and the <\/span>healthcare system<\/span><\/i> in both home and hospital settings; or tools aimed at fostering wellbeing, inclusion and the centrality of the individual from a social, relational and emotional point of view.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][toggles style=”minimal”][toggle color=”Accent-Color” heading_tag=”h5″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”Possibili tesi di ricerca – Area 3″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n In response to these challenges, thesis proposals within this research area may include projects exploring new methods and tools for designing circular, city-scale solutions for food production, distribution, processing, consumption, and waste valorization. Other potential directions include product-service systems aimed at protecting biodiversity, combating climate change and food waste, or developing innovative models for food donation.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nNext call for applications: 15 June – 12 July 2026″ font_container=”tag:div|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:PT%20Sans%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” css=”” el_id=”badge-talents”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” alignment=”left” sticky=”true” link_color=”#000000″ gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][page_submenu alignment=”left” sticky=”true” bg_color=”#f96939″ link_color=”#ffffff”][page_link link_url=”#programma” title=”The program” id=”1771416151103-2″ tab_id=”1771416151103-5″][vc_column_text][\/vc_column_text][\/page_link][page_link title=”Thematic Areas” id=”1771416151113-6″ tab_id=”1771416151114-10″ link_url=”#thematic_areas”][\/page_link][page_link title=”Open Call” id=”1771416151116-4″ tab_id=”1771416151116-2″ link_url=”#opencall”][\/page_link][page_link title=”Residence conditions” id=”1771416151121-7″ tab_id=”1771416151121-0″ link_url=”#criteri-condizioni”][\/page_link][page_link title=”Meet the Talents” id=”1771416151123-10″ tab_id=”1771416151123-5″ link_url=”#meettalents”][\/page_link][\/page_submenu][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” id=”programma” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1744724212209{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}” text_direction=”default” el_id=”programma” el_class=”titoletto-payoff”]The Talents in Residence Program<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Talents in Residence<\/b> (<\/span>TiR<\/b>) is the programme promoted by Polifactory since 2015, aimed at supporting the development and prototyping of ideas developed by young designers at Politecnico di Milano. It is an opportunity offered free of charge to students of Master’s Degrees in Design, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics, Information Technology and Bioengineering, to support the development of their thesis projects. <\/span><\/p>\n\n
Area 1. Urban transitions and more-than-human cities<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1769609075662{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}” text_direction=”default”]This thematic area explores the <\/span>transformation of urban metabolisms<\/b> and <\/span>urban regeneration processes<\/b> according to the <\/span>principles of circularity<\/b>, <\/span>sustainability<\/b> and <\/span>inclusion<\/b>, and the role of nature in improving the health and well-being of all living beings. It places special emphasis on behavioural change by individuals and organisations as activators of <\/span>social and environmental impact<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
Area 2. Design and empowered fabrication<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]This thematic area explores the relationship between design, digital fabrication<\/strong> and the evolution of the world of materials<\/strong> in relation to <\/span>digital transformation<\/span><\/i> and the transition to a circular economy<\/strong>. This is an area in which design research is strongly focused on experimentation with digital fabrication materials, technologies and processes.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
Area 3. Impactful healthcare and care systems<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]This thematic area explores the relationship between design<\/strong> and <\/span>healthcare<\/i><\/strong> in a perspective of open and participatory innovation<\/strong>, which sees the involvement of patients, caregivers and social-health structures in co-design processes aimed at responding to needs and challenges related to the prevention, treatment or management of chronic pathologies or disabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
Area 4. Design for just food transitions<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]This thematic area investigates the intersection between design<\/strong> and <\/span>food systems<\/i><\/strong>, aiming to support the transition of cities towards more sustainable, healthy, <\/strong>and equitable food models<\/strong>. By leveraging participatory practices, open and distributed technologies, circular design principles, and a systemic approach, it seeks to develop solutions that contribute to redefining how food is produced, processed, distributed, consumed, and valued, addressing the challenges of contemporary food systems while considering the needs and behaviors of both humans and non-humans.<\/span><\/p>\n