Michelin Innovation Lab fosters employee-driven business ideas
Tire manufacturer Michelin has spent ten years developing and supporting new business initiatives through its Michelin Innovation Lab (MIL). The program focuses on commercializing employee ideas and driving group growth.
Tire manufacturer Michelin has been fostering employee-driven innovation for a decade through its Michelin Innovation Lab (MIL). Established in 2014 as an internal incubator, the lab supports and develops new products and services, extending beyond the company's core tire business.
MIL pursues a threefold ambition: to create significant value by exploring new strategic business areas, to reveal individual employee potential, and to encourage company-wide exploration. The program operates globally with locations in Europe (Clermont-Ferrand), the United States (Greenville), China (Shanghai), and India (Pune).
Employees can submit business ideas via the digital NewBiz platform. Approved concepts undergo multiple evaluation stages, including presentations to juries and business plan maturation. Successful projects receive dedicated resources and funding for commercial development.
Michelin aims for one-third of its revenue to come from non-tire markets by 2030. Beyond MIL, the company also engages in open innovation with external partners like universities and startups to develop new materials and circular economy solutions.