On 14 July 2026, the MADE Competence Center in Milan hosted the first Cluster Meeting of the Lombardy Cosmetics Cluster (Cluster Cosmetico Lombardo). Businesses, universities, Higher Technical Institutes (ITS Academies), and industry associations gathered with a shared objective: to build an enduring collaborative ecosystem capable of translating complementary expertise into research, innovation, and development projects.

A Unique Skills Portfolio

Presentations from participants reflected the full breadth of the value chain. Universities contributed research capabilities in formulation, life sciences, artificial intelligence, process optimisation, sustainability, and social and consumer trend analysis. Businesses highlighted the value of end-to-end collaboration across the supply chain, spanning contract manufacturers, technology suppliers, packaging specialists, and advanced services. Industry associations—including the Cosmetic Technology Cluster Association (Polo Tecnologico della Cosmesi), Assolombarda, and SICC—contributed extensive networks, training programmes, and institutional advocacy. Meanwhile, the education and training system, from ITS Academies to university degree courses, continues to cultivate the specialised talent required by the sector.

Key Priorities Identified

Discussions highlighted five key priorities:

• Strengthening the dialogue between research and industry

• Developing collaborative proposals for regional and European funding calls

• Enhancing and leveraging the skills within the Community

• Consolidating the Cluster’s European role via GO4Cosmetics, the network of 12 cosmetics-oriented European regions co-led by the Cluster alongside Cosmetic Valley

• Defining a shared roadmap

Sustainability, traceability, materials innovation, quality assurance, and digital process transformation were identified as overarching themes across all priorities, aligning with the Cluster’s three strategic pillars: Digital, Green, and Consumer Awareness.

What the Cluster Means to Its Members

Participants defined the Cluster through four key dimensions:

• A connection hub linking businesses, academia, and institutions

• A collaborative project design platform for research and innovation

• An observatory tracking emerging scientific and technological trends

• A unified voice representing Lombardy’s cosmetics industry across Europe

To join the Cluster or request further information: hello@cosmeticscluster.it