Tech vertical scouting for ceramic precision texturing

A Global Partnership to Revolutionize Tile Cutting

A global leader in ceramic tile manufacturing technology is partnering with Clover to identify and implement cutting-edge solutions for a critical challenge in their production process.


We are exploring solutions for creating textured surfaces on plastic tapes (PU) deposited on a closed metal loop, eliminating discontinuities and improving wear resistance to achieve more realistic and durable textures.

The ideal solutions will operate at high speeds (>10 m/min), deliver superior quality and seamlessly integrate into the corporate’s existing production line. For textured tapes, performance improvements should be driven by material selection rather than the structuring process itself.


Details about the Challenge: Decorate raw ceramics with high precision

To create realistic textures across the entire surface of a closed-loop plastic tape, eliminating aesthetic discontinuities between start and end points. This involves structuring the tape with a focus on wear resistance and durability, prioritizing material selection over the structuring process itself. The corporate is committed to overcoming this challenge through a collaborative innovation program.


Roadmap of this Open Innovation initiative:

  • March-April: Targeted Scouting and Feedback. We’re scouting a wide pool of solutions and gather initial feedback from both you and the corporate.

  • May: In-depth interviews and selection. We’ll conduct qualitative interviews with shortlisted startups, gaining valuable insights into their technology and potential. A final selection of 5-8 top projects will be identified for a Proof of Concept (PoC).

  • June: PoC planning. We will collaborate with the corporate to plan and initiate a PoC for the most promising solutions.

What we're looking for:

We are seeking startups with technologies that meet the following criteria:

  • High-Speed Cutting: Capable of operating at 10 m/min or greater, aligning with the corporate’s production line speed.

  • Seamless integration: Compatible with the corporate’s existing continuous cutting line, requiring minimal modifications.

  • Discontinuity-free texture: Delivering a continuous, realistic texture across the entire tape surface.

  • Wear Resistance and durability: Prioritizing material selection to enhance wear resistance and overall durability.

Eligibility & Criteria:

We welcome submissions from startups across various sectors, with a preference for those demonstrating:

  • TRL 3-5: Technologies at the pilot experimental stage or validated in a relevant environment.

  • Hands-on Approach: Teams with practical experience and a commitment to delivering tangible results.

  • Solid Scientific Foundation: Solutions grounded in sound scientific principles, ready for validation and implementation.

Join the Journey!

This is an exceptional opportunity to partner with a global leader and contribute to the evolution of tile manufacturing. We invite you to explore this challenge and discover how your innovation can shape the future of our industry. We are eager to connect with forward-thinking startups ready to collaborate and drive meaningful change!

A Global Partnership to Revolutionize Tile Cutting

A global leader in ceramic tile manufacturing technology is partnering with Clover to identify and implement cutting-edge solutions for a critical challenge in their production process.


We are exploring solutions for creating textured surfaces on plastic tapes (PU) deposited on a closed metal loop, eliminating discontinuities and improving wear resistance to achieve more realistic and durable textures.

The ideal solutions will operate at high speeds (>10 m/min), deliver superior quality and seamlessly integrate into the corporate’s existing production line. For textured tapes, performance improvements should be driven by material selection rather than the structuring process itself.


Details about the Challenge: Decorate raw ceramics with high precision

To create realistic textures across the entire surface of a closed-loop plastic tape, eliminating aesthetic discontinuities between start and end points. This involves structuring the tape with a focus on wear resistance and durability, prioritizing material selection over the structuring process itself. The corporate is committed to overcoming this challenge through a collaborative innovation program.


Roadmap of this Open Innovation initiative:

  • March-April: Targeted Scouting and Feedback. We’re scouting a wide pool of solutions and gather initial feedback from both you and the corporate.

  • May: In-depth interviews and selection. We’ll conduct qualitative interviews with shortlisted startups, gaining valuable insights into their technology and potential. A final selection of 5-8 top projects will be identified for a Proof of Concept (PoC).

  • June: PoC planning. We will collaborate with the corporate to plan and initiate a PoC for the most promising solutions.

What we're looking for:

We are seeking startups with technologies that meet the following criteria:

  • High-Speed Cutting: Capable of operating at 10 m/min or greater, aligning with the corporate’s production line speed.

  • Seamless integration: Compatible with the corporate’s existing continuous cutting line, requiring minimal modifications.

  • Discontinuity-free texture: Delivering a continuous, realistic texture across the entire tape surface.

  • Wear Resistance and durability: Prioritizing material selection to enhance wear resistance and overall durability.

Eligibility & Criteria:

We welcome submissions from startups across various sectors, with a preference for those demonstrating:

  • TRL 3-5: Technologies at the pilot experimental stage or validated in a relevant environment.

  • Hands-on Approach: Teams with practical experience and a commitment to delivering tangible results.

  • Solid Scientific Foundation: Solutions grounded in sound scientific principles, ready for validation and implementation.

Join the Journey!

This is an exceptional opportunity to partner with a global leader and contribute to the evolution of tile manufacturing. We invite you to explore this challenge and discover how your innovation can shape the future of our industry. We are eager to connect with forward-thinking startups ready to collaborate and drive meaningful change!

Propose your startup here

We're seeking innovative startups with technologies capable of texturing green ceramic tiles with high precision fastly, create a continuous path with subtractive technologies on hard polyurethane and integrating seamlessly into their existing production line, with a view towards initiating a Proof of Concept (PoC)

L'innovazione è ora.
Costruiamola assieme.

Canali Social

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Clover Venture S.R.L. Società Benefit

Startup Innovativa Via Filippo Turati 29, 20121 Milano (MI) P. IVA / C.F.: 14050490961 – Capitale Sociale: €10.000 n.i.v.

L'innovazione è ora.
Costruiamola assieme.

Canali Social

Icon
Icon
Icon

Clover Venture S.R.L. Società Benefit

Startup Innovativa Via Filippo Turati 29, 20121 Milano (MI) P. IVA / C.F.: 14050490961 – Capitale Sociale: €10.000 n.i.v.