Jobst Schumacher, Head of Innovation Hub Berlin der Philip Morris GmbH 

1. Describe your company in a tweet. 

Philip Morris is undergoing the biggest transformation in its history, driving the vision of a smoke-free future. The Marlboro company has long since become an innovative tech company. The goal: A world where cigarettes no longer play a role.  

2. Why do you engage as a Berlin-Partner? 

The collaboration between Philip Morris and Berlin Partner is particularly valuable as both companies share the common goal of further developing Berlin as an attractive location for entrepreneurs and startups and exploring new business opportunities. The extensive network of Berlin Partner, encompassing business, science, politics, sports, and culture, creates diverse cooperation and event opportunities that promote knowledge exchange, networking, and the development of Berlin.

3. What topics drive you in your industry? 

Philip Morris is undergoing the biggest transformation in its over 150-year history, driving the vision of a smoke-free future: Moving away from cigarettes to smoke-free products with potentially reduced health risks. The goal is a world where cigarettes no longer play a role.

The Marlboro company has long since become a global technology company that has consciously decided to continue the story of change at the Berlin location. The former cigarette factory is the right place to realize a lighthouse project that shines beyond the city limits and to leverage Berlin's locational advantage. For the district. For Philip Morris. Why? Because a successful Industry 4.0 requires an environment that offers an intelligent mix of innovation, production, research, and science. By bringing all perspectives to the table. This 360-degree perspective is the foundation of the industry of the future.

Here, the transformation of the industry manifests itself. A journey that appeals not only to Philip Morris itself but also to other large industrial companies; that excites young entrepreneurs with innovative business models and their startups. Above all, it focuses on the engine of the German economy – medium-sized companies that provide more than half of the jobs in Germany and contribute over 50 percent to net value creation. We want to win them all for NLND (Neuland) Berlin, the "industrial area of the future": An area where knowledge and expertise are shared and exchanged. Where collaboration works across company boundaries. Where innovation fields are at home, necessary for a successful Industry 4.0 to sustainably transform production processes in the future.

We "mix" a third of culture, creative industries, sports, gastronomy, and specialist conferences into the innovative production on the site. This way, the industrial character around production is preserved, while interfaces promote an exchange at eye level. For the future of the industry.

4. What makes Berlin special for you? 

Berlin stands for excellence and has a special appeal for entrepreneurs and startups. Berlin is the heart of the German startup scene. Moreover, Berlin is a melting pot of different cultures, offering a multicultural environment and promoting intercultural exchange. Particularly the Neukölln district, perfectly located between the city center and the airport, is undergoing transformation and is developing into an international creative quarter with many restaurants and bars. These factors make Berlin and Neukölln attractive and special.

With the NLND Berlin Campus, we are creating a vibrant place in the heart of Neukölln, which, with its diverse former industrial production halls, creative workspaces, and many outdoor areas, exudes an inspiring atmosphere.

5. How does your company implement sustainability? 

Philip Morris sees sustainability as an opportunity for transformation and innovation. We are working intensively to integrate sustainability into our entire business model. For Philip Morris Germany, this means a clear commitment to our responsibility towards the environment and the promotion of responsible disposal. Accordingly, the introduction of our novel products is accompanied by so-called take-back programs. This allows our consumers to return used products to us, thus making a valuable contribution to the circular economy. Additionally, we have been supporting local organizations in Germany, particularly in Berlin, for several years, which specialize in awareness campaigns on waste prevention.