On October 24th, our Executive Director, Stefano Carosio, ESA Technology Broker for Italy within the framework of the ESA Scale-Up Programme, carried out in close collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI), took part in the panel “The Future of Tradition through Innovative Solutions” at the Venice Sustainable Fashion Forum 2025, promoted by Confindustria Moda, The European House – Ambrosetti, and Confindustria Veneto Est.
In his talk, Stefano traced STAM’s heritage as a company born in the space sector, which over the years has implemented technology transfer pathways advancing into digital and advanced manufacturing, smart materials, and circular solutions, nurtured through the company’s dedicated labs, and contributing to flagship European textile projects coordinated by EURATEX.
He illustrated concrete examples of this cross-sector innovation achieved within the ESA Technology Broker Network: from circular and fully recyclable athletic tracks developed with Artigo / Gruppo Mondo using reversible adhesives, to the application of space-suit technologies in terrestrial contexts for enhanced safety and performance, and novel cellulose-based insulation materials offering lightweight, sustainable thermal protection.
These examples embody how space technologies, digital innovation and advanced materials can foster sustainability and competitiveness along the textile value chain, while also inspiring new developments from Earth to space, such as the use of technical textiles for future missions. This participation follows the growing collaboration between STAM, Confindustria Moda, and the Italian Aerospace Technological Cluster (CTNA), as part of the Space & Textile Working Group. Earlier this month, Confindustria Moda companies active in technical textiles took part in a workshop and visit to the ESA ESTEC materials laboratories in Noordwijk (NL), exploring new opportunities for technology transfer and co-innovation between the space and textile industries
Through these initiatives, STAM continues to act as an innovation catalyst between space and non-space sectors, promoting cross-fertilisation, circularity, and the integration of advanced engineering into creative and sustainable manufacturing. In doing so, we contribute to “harmonising values” between innovation, responsibility, and competitiveness, the essence of a truly sustainable future and the fil rouge of the event. As underlined by Luca Sburlati, President of Confindustria Moda, accelerating this transition requires us to act now and move fast. As ESA Technology Broker for Italy, STAM manages the ESA Spark Funding scheme, a fast and agile instrument that helps de-risk technology transfer from space to non-space sectors (and vice versa), with time to contract of around two months. A concrete instrument to #cofund ambitious projects and turn ideas into industrial innovation.
We are looking forward to establishing closer collaboration along the textile value chain. Many thanks to the organisers for the kind invitation!