Fashion Start Up Lab 2025: an international learning journey at the intersection of fashion, innovation and entrepreneurship

The Fashion Start Up Lab has successfully concluded on 12 December 2025. The programme was promoted by ART-ER in collaboration with the Fashion Studies degree course at the University of Bologna – Rimini Campus, with the aim of providing students with entrepreneurial skills and practical tools for developing business ideas in the fashion sector.

The 2025 edition welcomed 20 participants, the majority of whom came from international backgrounds, confirming the Lab’s strong international appeal and its interdisciplinary and inclusive approach. Throughout the programme, students engaged in a hands-on learning experience combining theoretical insights with practical activities focused on the fashion startup ecosystem.

The Lab addressed key topics related to the creation and development of fashion ventures, including business model design, sustainability, innovation, market analysis and brand positioning. Through teamwork, exercises and project development, participants strengthened both technical and transversal skills such as creativity, critical thinking and collaboration in a multicultural environment.

The programme concluded with a final challenge and pitch session, during which students presented their projects to a technical jury composed of industry professionals. A special contribution came from Teddy Group, which launched the challenge and provided in-depth feedback on the projects, offering students a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the business world and receive constructive, real-world insights.

Once again, the Fashion Start Up Lab proved to be a meaningful space for dialogue between academia, institutions and companies, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial mindsets among students. The strong engagement shown by participants and the quality of the projects developed highlighted the positive impact of this educational experience.

ART-ER would like to thank the University of Bologna – Rimini Campus, the Fashion Studies programme, all partners involved and the students who contributed to the success of this edition.