PMI Science is set to open a multifunctional research center in Armenia’s Engineering City, becoming the innovation hub’s first international resident. The center will feature state-of-the-art laboratories and production facilities focused on electronics, material science, aerosol research, and prototype development.
The initiative was announced on July 8 during a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony attended by Armenia’s Minister of High-Tech Industry, Mkhitar Hayrapetyan. The MoU was signed by Philip Morris Armenia, the Enterprise Incubator Foundation, and the Engineering Association. It marks a strategic milestone in Armenia’s push to expand its innovation landscape and strengthen its research and development (R&D) ecosystem.
The new R&D center will be located in the business accelerator building of Engineering City. In addition to leasing space, PMI Science will also contribute directly to enhancing the hub’s scientific infrastructure.
In his remarks at the event, Minister Hayrapetyan highlighted the significance of the initiative as a key example of successful public-private partnership. “Each company involved in Engineering City benefits from an environment that fosters interdisciplinary research, experience sharing, and cooperation,” he noted. He also emphasized the government’s strategic goal of positioning Armenia as a leading global R&D destination, stating that the signing of the memorandum is a step toward that vision—opening new pathways for knowledge generation and innovation.
The upcoming facility will introduce next-generation equipment that will significantly expand production and experimental capabilities, laying the groundwork for cutting-edge innovation and broader scientific collaboration.
The event also included the ceremonial awarding of funding certificates under the PMI Science Faculty Research Program 2025. Minister Hayrapetyan and PMI Science Vice President of Technology and Research, Luca Rossi, presented $15,000 research grants to representatives of Armenian universities and research institutions. These grants are aimed at fostering new ideas and supporting the implementation of research projects across the country.
About PMI Science:
PMI Science is the global research and development arm of Philip Morris International, dedicated to advancing science-based innovation in harm reduction and next-generation products. With a team of over 1,400 scientists, engineers, and experts across multiple disciplines, PMI Science focuses on areas such as aerosol chemistry, electronics, materials, and clinical research. Its mission is to build a smoke-free future through rigorous, transparent scientific work, and it actively collaborates with academic institutions and research centers worldwide—including in Armenia—to support innovation and local talent.
