Summary
The University of Trento (UniTrento), Italy, invites applications for its 42nd Cycle PhD Programme in Industrial Innovation. This interdisciplinary doctoral programme is designed to prepare researchers and innovators in Industry 4.0, combining advanced scientific research with industrial collaboration. The programme is jointly promoted by multiple academic departments and research partners, with doctoral candidates spending at least six months in an industrial company. For the 2026 intake, 33 doctoral positions are available, including 19 fully funded topic-specific scholarships.
Designation
PhD Researcher (Industrial Innovation) – 42nd Cycle
Scholarship Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Trento (UniTrento) |
| Programme | PhD in Industrial Innovation |
| Degree Level | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Country | Italy |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded (Topic-Specific Scholarships) |
| Available Positions | 33 Total (19 with Scholarships, 14 reserved company positions without scholarship) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Deadline | 28 August 2026 (4:00 PM CEST) |
Research Areas
Applicants may conduct research in a wide range of interdisciplinary fields, including:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning and Intelligent Optimization
- Data Science and Management
- Computer Vision
- Cyber Security
- Human–Computer Interaction
- Software Engineering and Formal Methods
- Embedded Electronics and Computing Systems
- Electronics and Microelectronics
- CMOS Image Sensors
- Systems-on-Chip (SoC)
- Energy Harvesting
- Wireless Networking
- Wireless Sensor Networks
- Autonomous Vehicles and Robotics
- Bioinformatics
- Biomaterials and Biomedical Technologies
- Nanostructured Materials
- Polymeric and Composite Materials
- Materials for Energy
- Smart Energy Systems
- Mechatronics
- Intelligent Manufacturing
- Measurement Systems
- Remote Sensing and Radar
- Distributed Sensing
- Finance and Risk Management
- Innovation Management
- Product Innovation
- Structural Engineering
- Materials Science and Technology
- Accessibility and Assistive Systems
- Language, Speech and Interaction
- Social Informatics
- Wearable Computing
- And other Industry 4.0-related research topics.
Location
University of Trento (UniTrento)
Trento, Italy
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants must satisfy one of the following requirements:
- Hold a Master’s degree, Specialist Degree, or equivalent qualification recognized for PhD admission.
- Applicants with an equivalent international Master’s degree are eligible if the qualification permits access to doctoral studies in the country where it was awarded.
- Students expecting to complete their qualifying degree by 31 October 2026 may also apply.
- International applicants are encouraged to apply.
- Final eligibility is determined by the admissions committee.
Job Description
Successful PhD candidates will:
- Conduct cutting-edge research in Industry 4.0 technologies.
- Collaborate with leading industrial partners and research organizations.
- Spend at least six months working within a partner company.
- Participate in advanced technical, entrepreneurial, and innovation management training.
- Develop scientific, managerial, and soft skills required for research and industrial leadership.
- Contribute to interdisciplinary projects addressing real industrial challenges.
- Work under the supervision of internationally recognized researchers.
How to Apply
- Review the official PhD admission call.
- Prepare all required academic and supporting documents.
- Register on the University of Trento online application portal.
- Complete and submit the online application before the deadline.
- Ensure you receive the confirmation email after successful submission.
The entire selection procedure is conducted online.
Last Date to Apply
28 August 2026 (4:00 PM CEST)






