Name

The Fablab

Legal name

The FabLab s.r.l.

Website

https://thefablab.it

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Innovation Education and Training Services

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Computer Training (611420), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)

akta.pro primary industry

Makerspaces & Fab Labs (Open Build Studios) (EDAMADAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

STEM & Maker Education (Makerspaces, Coding Clubs, Robotics) (EDAAAFAL), Teacher Training & Curriculum Providers (Robotics/Maker Education) (EDAMADAM), Software Development (Programming, Frameworks, Dev Tools) (EDABAFAA)

Keywords

• Innovation education
• Corporate training
• Digital fabrication
• STEM communication
• Rapid prototyping

Headquarters

HQ city

Milan

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Corporate Training and Education: Customized training programs delivered to enterprise clients including workshops, masterclasses, Tech Dive Days, and multi-day sprint programs. Revenue generated through per-engagement project fees based on program duration, customization level, and group size. Core revenue stream for the company.
2. Innovation Consulting and Design Services: Advisory and design services for product development, process innovation, and prototyping. Includes rapid prototyping support using digital fabrication technologies and design consultation for startups and established companies.
3. Content Production: Creation of educational and marketing content including video documentaries, podcasts, articles, and multimedia materials for corporate clients and media partners.
4. Event Design and Production: Design and execution of corporate events, exhibitions, hackathons, and public engagement activities. Includes exhibition design, interactive installations, and science shows.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

TheFabLab delivers customized corporate education and training programs centered on emerging technologies (generative AI, 3D printing, IoT, robotics, AR/VR), combined with STEM communication services for schools and design/innovation consulting for prototyping. The company operates a digital fabrication laboratory in Milan and delivers programs through experiential frameworks including workshops, masterclasses, Tech Dive Days, sprint journeys, and adoption programs.

Product overview

TheFabLab is an Italian educational technology and innovation services company founded in 2014 that operates as a shared digital fabrication laboratory inspired by MIT's Fab Lab model. The company offers a portfolio of structured programs and services organized around three main pillars: Corporate Education & Inspiration, STEM Communication & Engagement, and Design & Innovation. The core proprietary methodology is Innovation by Doing, which encompasses five flexible formats (Workshop, Masterclass, Tech Dive Days, Sprint Journey, and Adoption Program) that deliver experiential learning through technologies including generative AI, digital fabrication, extended reality, IoT, and robotics. Specialized programs include Executive AI Thinking for AI adoption, the interactive event format From Prompts to Atoms combining generative AI with 3D printing, and educational platforms like Scuola Edison. The Design & Innovation division supports prototyping from concept through pre-series production. Additional services span team building activities (Chain Reaction, Hebocon), media content production (podcasts, video documentaries), science shows, and inspirational speeches for corporate events.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Superstuff: A digitally crafted brand of products created using digital fabrication technologies including 3D printers, CNC mills, and laser cutting, focused on rapid production from go-to-market to run-to-market.
• Bica Good Morning Design

Products and services

• Innovation by Doing The core proprietary methodology of TheFabLab that guides organizations through experiential learning, direct experimentation with emerging technologies, and hands-on problem-solving to build concrete solutions to business needs.
• Corporate Education & Inspiration Programs Comprehensive corporate education programs spanning five flexible formats (Workshop, Masterclass, Tech Dive Days, Sprint Journey, Adoption Program) designed to build technological culture and capabilities in organizations through experiential learning.
• Workshop A 2-hour introductory practical session providing rapid exposure to emerging technologies such as IoT, electronics, and digital fabrication, designed as quick immersion into new tech topics.
• Masterclass An 8-hour immersive experience for vertical skill development, offered in variants such as Digital Mindset (for Luxottica) and Public Speaking, combining roleplay, lectures, and workshops.
• Tech Dive Days A 2-day intensive training and deep-dive program exploring specific technologies like 3D Printing (conducted for SEW-Eurodrive) and emerging technologies for tourism industry applications (for Alpitour).
• Sprint Journey A 4-5 day collaborative design framework that compresses months of work into days, guiding teams toward solving major challenges through prototyping and validation.
• Adoption Program Transformative programs from 2 days onward designed to integrate technologies and processes into the organizational DNA, featuring a 3-phase approach: Executive AI Thinking, cultural diffusion, and action sprints.
• Executive AI Thinking A strategic AI adoption program starting with management alignment and awareness, including front-line introduction to AI, conversational survey-based workflow analysis, co-design of AI-integrated prototype projects, and implementation with detailed reporting on process mapping and ROI.
• From Prompts to Atoms An interactive corporate event format combining creativity, technology, and real-time innovation where participants use generative AI to create prompts that become images, then 3D models, and are finally 3D printed live, demonstrating rapid prototyping from digital to physical.
• Wave Public Speaking A masterclass designed to help organizations acquire public speaking competencies to communicate business and products externally, teaching managers to explain highly technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Scuola Edison A digital platform developed for Edison to spread energy culture and promote conscious use of energy resources, offering interactive educational resources and hands-on activities for secondary school students, with 45 hours of PCTO recognition.
• EDA4Kids A digital education initiative created with Edison Digital Academy during Milano Digital Week, featuring Startup4Kids sessions where selected startups present to children and continuous-rotation activities introducing digital technologies and AI to young audiences.
• GdB Da Vinci 4.0 A project by Gruppo Editoriale Bresciana for high school students focused on technology, automation, and robotics, featuring annual hackathons where students design and build functioning prototypes addressing current challenges, now in its sixth edition.
• Ritmo e Energia An engaging science show performed for schools during Edison plant inaugurations, using musical instruments made from recycled materials to teach young audiences about conscious energy consumption through an orchestra metaphor.
• Chain Reaction A team building activity where participants create a large chain reaction using dominoes, electric motors, marbles, and creative materials, working in teams to build connected mechanisms that ultimately trigger each other.
• Hebocon A robot battle competition featuring intentionally low-tech robots built from recycled materials and old toys, inspired by TV robot wars, designed to demystify technology and encourage creative problem-solving.
• Digital Fabrication at a Glance An immersive experience that walks participants through TheFabLab's technologies via interactive stations, demonstrating the product development process from digital to physical, including a personalized stamp as a takeaway.
• Inspirational Speeches Inspirational speeches delivered by TheFabLab speakers on topics including Industry 4.0, complexity theory, human-nature-technology relationships, error culture, open innovation, and innovation and sustainability, presented at corporate conventions.
• Tech Lectures Front-line training sessions introducing scientific and technological content to both experts and beginners, covering generative AI, digital fabrication, AR/VR/MR, IoT, coding and robotics, and blockchain technologies.
• B-Pioneers Hackathon A cyber-physical hackathon format where companies collaborate with selected developers, designers, makers, and marketers to develop new products and services using open innovation, creating phygital prototypes within an acceleration camp environment.
• Prototype & Pre-series Product development support from brief definition through prototype to first production batch, utilizing frontier digital fabrication technologies, traditional craftsmanship tools, and programmable electronics, supported by an extensive professional network.
• Podcast Production Podcast ideation, writing, recording, and production services exploring scientific and technological innovation, exemplified by a 6-episode series on healthcare innovation conducted for Roche Italia via the Medora channel.
• Video Documentaries Video documentary production services for corporate vision communication, including writing, filming, and producing multi-episode series for internal training and stakeholder engagement.

Quantifiable outcome

• Executive AI Thinking program delivers process mapping, prioritized optimization opportunities, proof of concept implementations, and ROI analysis
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SEW-EurodrivecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSEW-Eurodrive Italia collaborated with TheFabLab for Tech Dive Days 3D Printing masterclass. The two-day program trained SEW-Eurodrive employees on implementing 3D printing into their industrial workflow, from understanding technology limitations to optimizing real cases for production.
• GTLcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGTL, a manufacturer of hydraulic and thermal system parts, partnered with TheFabLab for Executive AI Thinking program to integrate AI into business processes. GTL's CEO noted the workshops sparked creativity and enabled solutions previously considered unrealizable.
• ElasticaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBologna-based communication agency Elastica engaged TheFabLab to introduce AI into their operations, with positive impact on team enthusiasm and participation.
• EdisoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdison partnered with TheFabLab to develop Scuola Edison digital education platform for energy awareness, create science shows for school inaugurations, and run multiple STEM engagement programs reaching schools across Northern Italy.
• LuxotticacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLuxottica collaborated on multiple projects including digital mindset masterclass for young talents, 8 video documentaries on industrial vision and transformation, and public speaking training for fintech organization.
• IliadminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIliad engaged TheFabLab for Digital fabrication at a glance immersive experience exploring rapid prototyping technologies.
• ITAScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInsurance company ITAS partnered with TheFabLab and Key2People for a 5-day innovation sprint where millennial employees redesigned insurance products for smart mobility and life segments.
• AlpitourminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTourism company Alpitour sent 24 young talents to a Tech Dive masterclass exploring emerging technologies for the tourism industry including AR, digital fabrication, and generative AI.
• ElectroluxcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerElectrolux hosted IoT workshops at their Innovation Factory for approximately 50 professionals, teaching programmable electronics and IoT concepts.
• Talent GardencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTheFabLab is located within Talent Garden co-working space and collaborates on events and programs, including podcast production with Roche.
• Credit SuisseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCredit Suisse engaged TheFabLab to create an interactive fair stand during Credit Week showcasing digital manufacturing and the concept of information moving instead of matter.
• RochecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRoche collaborated on healthcare innovation podcast (6 episodes on Medora channel) and the Ector smart bear project for World No Tobacco Day awareness, working with Integer agency.
• Editoriale BrescianacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEditoriale Bresciana partnered on GdB DaVinci4.0 STEM program for high schools and GdB Press Forward journalism PCTO program, plus institutional storytelling events for FinValle.
• Gruppo Editoriale BrescianacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partnership on GdB DaVinci4.0, now in its sixth edition, engaging dozens of schools and hundreds of students annually with technology, automation, and robotics challenges culminating in an annual hackathon festival.
• Giornale di BresciacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGiornale di Brescia partnered on GdB Press Forward PCTO journalism program and moderates the annual Qualità della Vita research presentation event with TheFabLab.
• AVSIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFondazione AVSI coordinated ENERGY project for schools, with TheFabLab designing the Sostenibilità è cultura module reaching over 20 schools in five regions of Northern Italy.
• Fondazione EosminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFondazione Eos partnered on GOOD VIBES project to create educational resources for STEM learning in contexts of educational poverty, focusing on creative and participatory technologies.
• AIRCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAIRC collaborated on Ricerca al cubo exhibition with interactive exhibits and audiovisual media exploring cancer research through hands-on stations.
• WeSchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeSchool partnered with TheFabLab on Supereroi di casa digital literacy course funded by Ministry for Equal Opportunities, targeting homemakers and unemployed individuals.
• Leonardo CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeonardo Company collaborated on Firenze dei bambini festival workshops for the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci's death, with activities on optics, flight, and mechanical engineering.
• Triennale MilanocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTriennale Milano hosted Officina delle idee svitate museum laboratory where children explored design objects and mechanics, bringing STEM into traditionally non-associated contexts.
• WiredcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWired collaborated on Wired Next Fest 2018 (Hebocon debut), Wired Health technology and medicine laboratory, and B-Pioneers hackathon with Biogen.
• BiogencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiogen's B-Pioneers hackathon, created with Wired, was the first hackathon promoted by Biogen to develop innovative solutions for people with SMA (spinal muscular atrophy).
• De LorenzominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe Lorenzo, specialized in technical education equipment, partnered for video pillole and blog articles on educational technology and neuroscience.
• Joint Research Centre (JRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTheFabLab was selected for JRC Makers-in-Residence 2023-2024 program at the EU's Ispra facility, developing an environmental installation on pollinator biodiversity with physical and digital interactions.
• IdeaFactorycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIdeaFactory collaborated with TheFabLab during COVID-19 emergency to print and distribute hundreds of 3D valves for hospitals across Italy, saving potentially thousands of lives.
• SuperstuffcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSuperstuff is a spin-off brand born from TheFabLab experience in digital production, creating digitally crafted products using 3D printing, CNC, and laser cutting. Bernardo Ramazza serves as CEO.
• BicaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBica Good Morning Design is a brand creating home décor, accessories, and jewelry using TheFabLab's digital fabrication technologies.
• Cristian FracassicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDuring COVID-19 emergency, designer Cristian Fracassi and his team at Isinnova rapidly prototyped and manufactured 3D printed valves for hospitals, with TheFabLab coordinating distribution across dozens of hospitals.
• MicrofactsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMicrofacts collaborated on Piggy Bank project, initially developed within the Microfacts exhibition at Subalterno 1 gallery in Milan by Studio Lido.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• WeSchool: Italian digital learning platform for schools and teachers; partner of TheFabLab on the Supereroi di casa program. Comparable in the STEM/school segment of TheFabLab's business, with more productized digital delivery model.

Regional players

• Cariplo Factory: Milan-based innovation hub and accelerator that runs corporate open innovation programs, STEM education initiatives and event formats. Overlaps with TheFabLab's STEM communication, hackathon, and corporate education pillars in the same Italian market.
• Impact Hub Milano: Milan innovation community running accelerators, corporate innovation programs and educational events. Comparable positioning in connecting corporates with makers, startups, and experiential learning formats in Northern Italy.
• PoliHub: Politecnico di Milano's startup incubator and innovation hub. Runs corporate innovation programs, tech training and maker-style prototyping activities that overlap with TheFabLab's design/innovation and corporate education offerings.
• Talent Garden: Italy's largest co-working and digital education network; TheFabLab is physically located within Talent Garden Calabiana. Comparable in offering innovation courses, corporate digital upskilling and community-driven tech learning across Italian cities.

Broad incumbents

• Jakala: Italian-founded martech and data/AI consultancy that has expanded into corporate training, transformation and innovation services. Comparable enterprise client overlap and growing overlap with TheFabLab's AI adoption and experiential learning offerings.
• Accenture: Global consulting and technology firm offering corporate learning, AI strategy and innovation services. Competes for enterprise transformation mandates from many of the same Italian brands as TheFabLab, though at much larger scale.
• Deloitte Digital: Global consulting giant with large experiential learning, AI advisory and digital transformation practices. Competes with TheFabLab for the same enterprise L&D and transformation budgets at the top of the Italian market, but with vastly broader service portfolio.

Direct peers

• H-FARM: Italy-based innovation platform combining education, corporate training, venture incubation and digital transformation services. Closely matches TheFabLab's blend of corporate education, startup support, and innovation consulting, with similar clientele and methodology-led positioning.
• Officine Innovazione: Italian innovation consultancy focused on corporate training, design thinking, and technology adoption programs. Direct competitor for the same corporate education and innovation sprint mandates as TheFabLab.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/thefablab
• Instagraminstagram.com/thefablab_official
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-fablab

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 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 The Fablab