CSMT

What CSMT does

CSMT (Centro di Sviluppo Materiali e Tecnologie) Gestione S.c.a.r.l. is a non-profit innovation hub and technology transfer center headquartered at Via Branze 45, Brescia, Italy, founded in 2007 and structured as a consortium company (S.c.a.r.l.) with institutional partners including Confindustria Brescia, University of Brescia, Camera di Commercio di Brescia, Confapi, and the MADE Competence Center. The organization serves three primary customer groups: small and medium manufacturing enterprises seeking digital, AI, and sustainability transformation; technology startups and university spin-offs requiring workspace, validation, and commercialization pathways; and academic researchers needing industry partners for applied research. Core services are organized into three lines: Technology Transfer (digital innovation, AI, and ESG project development), Project Funding (search and proposal support across European, national, and regional programs), and Housing and Contamination (shared coworking, laboratories, and ecosystem events for 50+ Hubbers).

CSMT's underlying technology footprint is a curated ecosystem rather than a single proprietary platform. Distinguishing technical components include the Dorsal Industry 5.0 platform launched April 2025, the IDROLAB Ethernet-APL testing facility launched April 2026, UVC-Mirror air sanitization technology under exclusive industrialization license, the Smartwear intelligent fabric project, and the EGGSENSE AI biosecurity monitoring solution. It operates the first Italian Competence Center accredited at Profibus Profinet International, runs the HPDC School for die casting with AQM, hosts the Open Innovation Lab contest, and curates the TEN Podcast and Club Deal Brescia business angel network. Certifications include ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, D.Lgs. 231/2001 compliance, and Unioncamere CTT 4.0 status.

Revenue mechanics combine recurring Hubber membership and participation fees, training program tuition (HPDC School, Skill Hub courses with early bird discounts), professional services for R&D tax credit certification, consulting fees, and overhead recovery on European, national, and regional grant programs. Disbursed grant flows include EUR 1M+ via MADE in 2024, EUR 5.3M through the MADE 2025/2026 twin transition program, and EUR 9M+ across five Collabora & Innova projects. Distribution is primarily regional (Lombardy) and relationship-driven, anchored by the physical hub, the Hubber network referrals, the Club Deal Brescia channel, and participation in trade shows such as SPS Italia and Futura Expo. Leadership transitioned in 2024-2025 with Daniele Peli as President (February 2024) and Gabriele Zanetti as Director General (May 2025), and the EUR 200 million Cittadella dell'Innovazione mega-project represents the largest forward growth commitment.

Name

CSMT

Legal name

CSMT Gestione S.c.a.r.l.

Website

https://csmt.it

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CSMT is a non-profit technology transfer center and innovation hub in Brescia, Italy. It accelerates startups, supports SMEs with digital and AI transformation, and connects industry, academia, and research through its 50+ partner Hubber ecosystem and public funding intermediation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Technology Transfer Services

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415), Other Computer Related Services (541519), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Computer Training (611420)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

Digital & Technology Transformation Consulting (BPAHACAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Emerging Tech (IoT, Blockchain, AR/VR, Edge) Consulting (BPAHAEAL), Makerspace, Innovation Lab & Fab Lab Operations (Tools, Safety, Programming) (EDAEAGAI)

Keywords

• Technology transfer services
• Innovation hub ecosystem
• Startup acceleration programs
• Project funding consulting
• Industry 4.0 training

Headquarters

HQ city

Brescia

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Innovation Hub Services: CSMT provides technology transfer, project funding, and housing & contamination services as a 4.0 research and technology transfer center. Revenue is generated through membership/participation fees, service fees for consulting and training, and subsidized public funding.
2. Training and Education Programs: Revenue from professional training programs including HPDC School (High Pressure Die Casting School), Skill Hub courses, webinars, and seminars on digital transformation, sustainability, and technical topics.
3. Certification Services: CSMT acts as an enabled entity for certification of R&D and innovation tax credits, providing technical assessment services for companies seeking government subsidies.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

CSMT operates a 4.0 research and technology transfer center providing three core services: Technology Transfer (developing digital innovation, AI, and sustainability/ESG projects with partner companies, startups, universities, and research centers), Project Funding (searching and supporting applications for European, national, and regional innovation grants), and Housing & Contamination (shared coworking and lab spaces where spin-offs, startups, researchers, and companies collaborate). Complementary offerings include the HPDC School for die-casting training, Skill Hub courses, Open Innovation Lab acceleration contests, the TEN Podcast, and Club Deal Brescia business angel network.

Product overview

CSMT is an innovation ecosystem and technology transfer center providing a comprehensive portfolio of services including Technology Transfer (digital innovation, AI, ESG projects), Project Funding (European, national, regional funding search and support), and Housing & Contamination (coworking spaces and innovation ecosystem). The offering includes specialized training programs like HPDC School (High Pressure Die Casting), Skill Hub (courses and events), and Open Innovation Lab (acceleration program). Supporting platforms include TEN Podcast (thought leadership content), Club Deal Brescia (business angel investment network), and the Hubber Network (partner ecosystem of companies and research institutions). Together, these services form an integrated innovation infrastructure supporting businesses through the full innovation lifecycle from idea to market.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Technology Transfer Digital innovation, AI, and sustainability (ESG) project development supporting businesses with in-house expertise and an active network of companies, start-ups, universities, and research centers. Targeted at SMEs and enterprises in the Brescia region seeking digital and sustainable transformation.
• Project Funding Funding search services in European, national, and regional spheres to facilitate innovation journeys, with support in proposal evaluation, design, and documentation development. Aimed at SMEs and startups seeking subsidized innovation grants.
• Housing & Contamination Coworking spaces, shared workspaces, and innovation ecosystem where spin-offs, start-ups, researchers, and companies collaborate, accelerating technology transfer and sustainable growth. Targeted at startups, researchers, and companies seeking co-located innovation space.
• HPDC School (High Pressure Die Casting School) Technical training program for the die casting sector, offering comprehensive specialization on all aspects of the foundry process. Developed with AQM. Targeted at manufacturing professionals and die casting specialists.
• Open Innovation Lab Contest and acceleration program for startups, enterprises, researchers, and students to generate innovative solutions through open innovation methodology. Targeted at early-stage entrepreneurs, researchers, and corporate innovation teams.
• TEN Podcast Podcast featuring 10 questions with entrepreneurs, managers, and innovators, conducted by Andrea Abondio, exploring success stories and visions. Targeted at the Hubber community and broader innovation ecosystem audience.
• Club Deal Brescia Business angel network coordinated by CSMT to facilitate meetings between entrepreneurial competencies, capital, and high-potential innovative projects. Targeted at innovative startups seeking early-stage capital and at business angels seeking deal flow.
• Skill Hub Courses, events, and training programs including technical, green belt, project management, AI, and new technology training. Targeted at professionals across multiple disciplines seeking continuing education.
• Dorsal Platform Industry 5.0 digital platform enabling manufacturing sector advancements through integrated digital technologies. Targeted at manufacturers seeking Industry 5.0 transformation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 9 million euros in grants secured for Collabora & Innova projects with ~20 million euro total value
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability11 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• University of Brescia (UniBs)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding partner and primary academic collaborator. CSMT houses the Agrofood Research Hub laboratory of UniBs. Multiple joint projects including student internships, research collaborations, and startup spin-offs. The Scientific Committee includes University representatives.
• CNR-INO (National Research Council - Institute of Optics)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on UVC Mirror project for air sanitization technology. CSMT obtained exclusive license for industrialization of the technology developed with INAF and UNIBS. Partnership on Galileo Briefing scientific events.
• ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint participation in research projects including battery recycling robotized cell installation at CSMT (STIIMA-CNR collaboration context). Energy efficiency and sustainability collaboration.
• Confindustria BresciacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor industry association partner. CSMT participates in events organized with Confindustria, joint initiatives on ESG, sustainability, and digital transformation for Brescia companies. Part of Cittadella dell'Innovazione project.
• Confapi BresciamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Confapi, the confederation of small and medium-sized private industries, for technology transfer and innovation services to SME members.
• Made Competence CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSMT acts as partner for Made (Manufacturing 4.0 Design), delivering digital transformation projects, training programs, and accessing funding for manufacturing SMEs. Multiple funded projects through MADE program.
• Camera di Commercio di BresciamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChamber of Commerce partnership for innovation support, Eccellenze in Digitale programs, and joint initiatives for Brescia businesses.
• Regione LombardiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary regional government partner for funding programs. CSMT helps companies access Collabora & Innova (90M euro program), Rafforza&Innova, and other regional innovation funding streams.
• Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlliance in sign of technology announced late 2024. New perspectives of collaboration with Brescia's technological and industrial ecosystem. CSMT and FBK exploring joint innovation initiatives.
• Profibus Profinet Italia ConsortiumcoreTechnology or IntegrationCSMT is the first Italian Competence Center officially accredited at PI (Profibus Profinet International). Provides consultancy, training, and products for industrial communication protocols. Active participation in SPS Italia trade fair.
• AQMmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerQuality and testing services company partnering on HPDC School (High Pressure Die Casting School), training programs, and technical consulting for manufacturing companies.
• Joanneum ResearchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustrian research institute partnership for collaboration in research, development, and innovation in sustainability areas.
• University of MiamiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership for internship programs with students bringing sustainability expertise to Brescia companies.
• InnovUpminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian innovation and startup ecosystem network. CSMT Hubbers gain access to InnovUp's broader startup ecosystem connections.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Made Competence Center: Italian Industry 4.0 competence center that partners with CSMT on digital transformation projects for manufacturing SMEs. Directly comparable in Industry 4.0 mandate, funding-program intermediation, and manufacturing SME focus; operates at a larger national scale.
• PoliHub: Startup district and innovation hub of Politecnico di Milano. Directly comparable as an Italian university-affiliated innovation hub offering incubation, acceleration, coworking, and connections to corporate partners — same model as CSMT but anchored to a top-tier technical university.
• I3P: Innovative Companies Incubator of Politecnico di Torino. Comparable as an Italian university-linked incubator supporting tech startups with workspace, mentorship, and corporate connections, directly competing for the same startup and corporate-innovation clientele.
• Talent Garden: Italian-founded co-working and innovation campus network with locations across Europe. Comparable operating model of physical workspaces combined with an innovation community and corporate partnerships, targeting similar startup and SME audiences.
• Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK): Trento-based research foundation that recently signed a strategic alliance with CSMT. Comparable as an Italian research-to-industry intermediary conducting applied research, technology transfer, and training — overlapping mandate in bridging research and industrial application.
• APRE (Agency for the Promotion of European Research): Italian agency supporting organizations in accessing EU research and innovation funding. Comparable as a project funding intermediary supporting proposal design and documentation — directly overlapping with CSMT's Project Funding service line.
• BIC (Business Innovation Centre) Network Italia: Italian node of the European BIC Network supporting innovation-driven entrepreneurship. Comparable as a national network of incubators providing workspace, advisory, and connection services to startups and SMEs — competing for similar institutional partnerships.

Broad incumbents

• EIT Digital: European pan-EU innovation network focused on digital transformation. Comparable in digital innovation ecosystem-building, startup acceleration, and industry-academia partnership development, but operating at a much larger EU-wide scale.

Regional players

• Lazio Innova: Regional innovation agency for the Lazio region supporting SMEs and startups. Comparable in regional technology-transfer and innovation-funding intermediation but operating in a different Italian region with no overlap on Brescia/Lombardy projects.

Others

• ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development): Italian national research agency and Core strategic partner of CSMT on sustainability and energy efficiency projects. Adjacent rather than competing: ENEA is a public research entity that supplies applied research and infrastructure (e.g., battery recycling cell at CSMT), enabling CSMT's energy-transition service line.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CSMThub
• Facebookfacebook.com/CSMTInnovativeContaminationHub

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CSMT