Santa Chiara Fab Lab

What Santa Chiara Fab Lab does

Santa Chiara Fab Lab is a university-affiliated digital fabrication research laboratory established in 2016 within the Santa Chiara Lab research center at the University of Siena, Italy. The lab operates across two physical facilities — a Fab Lab equipped with 3D printers (Ultimaker, Formlabs, Creality, Anycubic, BambuLab), laser cutters (Trotec), CNC machines (Roland, ShopBot), electronics development stations, photogrammetry rigs (Artec Leo), woodworking, and an Ultrahaptics mid-air haptic system, and a Kitchen Lab integrating Foodini 3D food printing and Delta WASP 2040 clay printing. Its multidisciplinary team (design, engineering, psychology, computer science, communication) conducts applied research and co-design projects from ideation through prototyping, with solutions reaching patent maturity.

The lab serves four primary customer segments — healthcare and medical research, cultural heritage institutions, educational institutions, and the food industry — through a mix of competitive research grants (EU Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, NRRP, PRIN, MIUR), regional/institutional funding (Regione Toscana, Fondazione Monte dei Paschi di Siena, Intesa Sanpaolo), paid digital fabrication training (Fab Academy and short courses delivered in-person and online), and contract prototyping. Notable outputs include the patented SuperPowerMe 3D-printed facemask for Class III malocclusion therapy, the ECHO Italian Sign Language conversational avatar, the Quietude inclusive smart-jewelry system, and the RHITA circular-fashion visualization work using generative AI. The go-to-market is sales-led and partnership-driven: research is won through competitive calls with academic and industry consortia, while courses are marketed through organic digital presence, earned media (Rai 3, Sole24Ore, Financial Times, Corriere della Sera), and the global Fab Academy network directed by Prof. Neil Gershenfeld.

Commercial revenue is not publicly disclosed. The lab does not operate as a venture-backed or PE-eligible commercial entity; it is institutionally funded within the University of Siena and monetizes principally through grants, project contracts, and program fees. Its pricing model is contact-based for short courses, with Fab Academy following global standard fees. The customer mix is intentionally diversified across verticals and geographies (Italy, Norway, Romania, Austria, Ireland, Denmark) to limit single-counterparty dependency, though the underlying revenue base is grant-cycle dependent rather than commercially recurring.

Name

Santa Chiara Fab Lab

Legal name

Santa Chiara Fab Lab

Website

https://scfablab.unisi.it

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Santa Chiara Fab Lab is a University of Siena-affiliated digital fabrication research laboratory founded in 2016, applying 3D printing, laser/CNC, electronics, food printing, and AI (sign-language avatar, generative AI) to healthcare, cultural heritage, education, and food projects, funded primarily through EU and Italian competitive research grants and Fab Academy training.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Digital Fabrication Services

NAICS

Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691), Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing (334), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

SIC

Laboratory Apparatus & Furniture (3821), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Makerspace, Innovation Lab & Fab Lab Operations (Tools, Safety, Programming) (EDAEAGAI), Additive Manufacturing Research & Innovation Labs (IMAAAJAA)

Keywords

• Digital fabrication services
• Rapid prototyping services
• Fab lab training
• 3D printing services
• Research prototyping

Headquarters

HQ city

Siena

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Research Project Funding: Research projects funded through national and international competitive calls and private funding, collaborating with institutions, companies, associations and professionals.
2. Training and Educational Programs: Fab Academy program (World Academy of Digital Manufacturing directed by Prof. Neil Gershenfeld) and short courses on digital fabrication, including courses specifically oriented to people with disabilities. Programs delivered in English, face to face and online.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Santa Chiara Fab Lab is a university-affiliated digital fabrication laboratory that provides research, training, and rapid prototyping services using 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and electronics development stations. It delivers applied research collaborations and bespoke prototyping for institutions and companies in the areas of health, cultural heritage, accessibility, and food, alongside structured training through the Fab Academy program and short courses.

Product overview

Santa Chiara Fab Lab operates as a university-affiliated digital fabrication center offering integrated services across research, education, and rapid prototyping. The core Fab Lab Services provide small-scale digital manufacturing including 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machining. Educational offerings include the Fab Academy (long program) and Short Courses (photogrammetry, 3D printing, Arduino, web design). Specialized facilities include the Kitchen Lab for food innovation and the EducarSi project for museum accessibility. The lab collaborates with institutions, companies, and professionals on interdisciplinary innovation projects spanning health, cultural heritage, accessibility, and food sectors, developing solutions from ideation to prototyping with patent potential.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Fab Academy: The World Academy of Digital Manufacturing - a global training program launched and directed by Prof. Neil Gershenfeld, conducted simultaneously worldwide with other Fab Labs through a digital platform.
• Kitchen Lab

Products and services

• Fab Lab Research and Prototyping Services Multidisciplinary applied research and rapid prototyping services for institutions, companies, and public bodies, delivered via 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, and embedded electronics. Targeted at health, cultural heritage, accessibility, and food innovation projects.
• Fab Academy Program Structured, semester-long training program teaching digital fabrication, electronics, programming, and prototyping, run locally at the Siena Fab Lab as part of the global Fab Academy network. Aimed at students, makers, and professionals.
• Short Courses and Workshops Short-duration, focused training sessions on specific fabrication tools and techniques for individuals, students, and professionals seeking hands-on skill development.
• Kitchen Lab Specialized food-innovation laboratory that applies digital fabrication and experimental techniques to food-related research, prototyping, and training activities.
• EducarSi Public Engagement Project Public engagement project that involves citizens, students, and schools in digital fabrication activities, demonstrations, and outreach events to broaden access to making and innovation.

Quantifiable outcome

• SuperPowerMe reduces therapy non-compliance in children with Class III malocclusions through gamification
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability8 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

36 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Deep RealitycoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Technology partner for EMPAIRED empathic AI and XR ergonomic training project.
• MoebeuscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Technology partner for EMPAIRED extended reality training solutions.
• Università della CalabriacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Coordinator of GNAM project transforming corporate food museums into Living Labs.
• GIAS srlmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Food industry partner in GNAM Living Lab project.
• Palladio Group spamajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Pharmaceutical partner in TREATMENT project for clinical trial innovation.
• ABzero srlmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Technology partner providing drone solutions for TREATMENT clinical supply chain monitoring.
• Prof. Giampiero Cai (Farming Lab, Santa Chiara Lab)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Research collaboration on Plant to Fork project transforming tomato by-products into bioactive 3D printed pasta.
• Sintef AscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Horizon Europe project STARHAUS focusing on sustainable, technological, accessible and resilient human-centric manufacturing supporting the New European Bauhaus.
• Wiz Development & Services SrlcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023Partner in STARHAUS Horizon Europe project for human-centric manufacturing.
• Deep Blue SrlcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023Partner in STARHAUS Horizon Europe project; also partner in TREATMENT and EMPAIRED projects.
• Universitatea Babes BolyaicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Academic partner in STARHAUS Horizon Europe project.
• Università degli Studi di SienacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Home institution leading Santa Chiara Fab Lab participation in STARHAUS project.
• Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi VanvitellicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Coordinator of RHITA PRIN project on circular fashion models for Italian heritage.
• Politecnico di MilanocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Academic partner in RHITA project for fashion innovation.
• Università degli Studi di FirenzecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Academic partner in RHITA fashion heritage project.
• QuestIT srlcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022Developed 3D avatars for ECHO project enabling Italian Sign Language communication. Created avatar that can understand and speak sign language for accessibility.
• CNR - LaCAMcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Italian National Research Council partner for ECHO accessibility chatbot project.
• Accademia Musica Arte Teatro S.r.l.majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Creative partner for Regeneration Opera immersive music experience project.
• Comune di SienacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Municipal partner for Regeneration Opera and other community projects.
• Austrian Institute of TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Project coordinator for BeauCoup AAL programme project on accessible cultural heritage experiences.
• Fondazione Musei SenesicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Cultural heritage partner for BeauCoup accessible museum experience project.
• NOUSmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2021Technology partner in BeauCoup project for accessible cultural heritage.
• VRVismajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2021Technology partner in BeauCoup project providing VR/AR solutions.
• Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of SienacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Research partner for SuperPowerMe project on 3D printed orthopedic facemasks.
• Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria CareggicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Clinical trial site for SuperPowerMe customized facemask therapy.
• University of Southern DenmarkmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Academic partner in Quietude project for inclusive wearable technology.
• Glitch FactorymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Design partner in Quietude interactive jewellery project.
• T4allmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Technology partner in Quietude project for accessibility solutions.
• Siena Art InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Artistic and cultural partner for REC/reate inclusive design project.
• Craft Council of IrelandmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018International craft partner for REC/reate project network.
• Limerick Institute of TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Lead academic partner in FRIDA/FUSION international project for active aging design.
• Municipality of SienacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Municipal partner for Siena4all accessible shopping project.
• ANMICcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Disability advocacy partner for Siena4all accessible ramp project.
• Sant'Anna di PisacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Lead academic partner for PROMISE educational robotics network.
• CNR - Istituto per le Tecnologie Didattiche di PalermomajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Research partner in PROMISE educational robotics project.
• Witsense s.r.l.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2018Client for Sense-Wear development. Designed garments for sensory therapies; Fab Lab developed entire monitoring system.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Formlabs: Commercial manufacturer of professional-grade 3D printers whose Form 3 is used in Santa Chiara's equipment stack. Comparable as enabling infrastructure for fab lab prototyping rather than direct competition.

Direct peers

• Fab Lab Barcelona (IAAC): Part of the global Fab Lab network and a leading European digital fabrication lab focused on architecture, design, and emerging technologies. Most directly comparable as a sister Fab Lab operating digital manufacturing, prototyping services, and training with similar equipment and academic ties.
• FabLab Trento (University of Trento): University-affiliated Italian Fab Lab offering prototyping services, digital fabrication training, and research collaborations. Closely comparable structurally as an Italian university-hosted makerspace with academic research output.
• WASP (World's Advanced Saving Project): Italian 3D printing technology company whose Delta WASP 2040 Clay is used inside Santa Chiara's KitchenLab. Comparable as an Italian digital fabrication technology provider with overlapping applications in food, construction, and ceramics.
• FAB LAB O (OpenDot): Milan-based makerspace and Fab Lab offering 3D printing, digital fabrication, and education programs. Directly comparable as a peer Italian Fab Lab with similar equipment, training, and community engagement offerings.
• MIT Center for Bits and Atoms: Originated the Fab Lab concept and Fab Academy program that Santa Chiara delivers. Directly comparable as a digital fabrication research lab spanning hardware, software, and biological fabrication, with strong academic identity.
• WeMake Makerspace: Milan-based makerspace offering digital fabrication services, training, and community programming. Closely comparable as an Italian makerspace providing 3D printing, CNC, laser cutting, and educational workshops to similar audiences.
• Officine Arduino (Toolbox Coworking): Turin-based fab lab/makerspace tied to the Arduino ecosystem. Directly comparable as an Italian digital fabrication lab offering prototyping, education, and maker community programming with similar equipment stacks.

Broad incumbents

• MAKER FAIRE / Make Community: Established US-based maker movement platform and media organization that defines the broader maker/Fab Lab cultural space. Comparable thematically as a community, education, and events ecosystem around digital fabrication.
• Fab Foundation: Non-profit that supports and coordinates the global Fab Lab network of which Santa Chiara is a node. Comparable in mission and ecosystem positioning, with much broader scope across hundreds of labs worldwide.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SChiaraFabLab
• Facebookfacebook.com/scfablab.unisiena
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/university-of-siena

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 Santa Chiara Fab Lab