ITS Cosmo

What ITS Cosmo does

ITS Cosmo (Fondazione ITS COSMO Nuove Tecnologie per il Made in Italy Comparto Moda) is an Italian private non-profit foundation operating as a Higher Technical Institute (ITS) specialized in fashion, footwear, jewellery, eyewear, textile, and sports system education. Headquartered in Padova at Via Michele Sanmicheli 8, it delivers two-year biennial courses (2,000 hours each) and one-year annual courses (1,000 hours), awarding EQF Level 5 qualifications and ECTS credits valid across European universities. The institution serves roughly two customer segments: (a) secondary school graduates aged 18–25 seeking vocational alternatives to university, and (b) fashion/luxury employer companies — including Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni, Herno, Candiani, Vibram, Lotto, Thélios (LVMH), and others — seeking job-ready technical talent.

ITS Cosmo operates 14 training locations across Veneto (Padova, Verona, Arzignano, Longarone, Montebelluna, Vicenza, Conegliano, Valdagno, Capriccio di Vigonza) and Lombardy (Milan, Busto Arsizio, Treviglio), with courses delivered in partnership with regional schools, industry research centers (Certottica, Centrocot, Politecnico Calzaturiero), and the Università degli Studi di Padova. Mandatory internships constitute over 30% of course hours, with international placements available via the Erasmus+ programme (Charter 2021–2027). Reported outcomes include a 90% graduate employment rate within one year and over 80% of faculty drawn from active industry professionals.

The revenue model combines student tuition fees (€700/year in Veneto, €1,000/year in Lombardy, with ISEE-based fee waivers available), EU mobility grants under Erasmus+, and likely regional/national MIUR public funding typical for Italian ITS foundations. Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer via the school's website (itscosmo.it), with selection-based admissions involving CV review, a 60-question multi-subject test, and motivational interview. Curriculum incorporates industry-standard fashion design software (CLO 3D, Lectra Modaris, Optitex), Adobe Creative Suite, and emerging AI tools (Generative AI, Vibe Coding, Applied AI). Recent strategic moves include the 2026 LVMH/Thélios Master GaMEs partnership, new AI-integrated course launches, and geographic extension to Treviso.

Name

ITS Cosmo

Legal name

Fondazione ITS COSMO Nuove Tecnologie per il Made in Italy Comparto Moda

Website

https://itscosmo.it

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

ITS Cosmo is an Italian non-profit Higher Technical Institute (ITS) foundation delivering two-year vocational courses in fashion, footwear, jewellery, eyewear, and textiles across 14 locations in Veneto and Lombardy, serving secondary school graduates (18–25) and employer partners including Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni, and LVMH's Thélios.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Fashion Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Fashion & Apparel Design Colleges (EDAHAJAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

University-Affiliated Pathway & Foundation Programs (EDAIAJAA)

Keywords

• Vocational fashion education
• Higher technical institute
• Fashion design training
• Footwear and jewellery courses
• Textile innovation programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Padova

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices14 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition fees: ITS Cosmo charges annual tuition fees to enrolled students: €700 per year for courses in Veneto and €1,000 per year for courses in Lombardy. These fees fund the institution's operations. Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds may apply for fee exemptions based on ISEE (Indicator of Equivalent Economic Situation).
2. Erasmus+ funding: ITS Cosmo participates in the Erasmus+ program and holds the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education 2021–2027. The program supports student and staff mobility, with funding allocated by the EU (budget of €26.2 billion for 2021–2027). Erasmus deadlines and calls are published on the school's website.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

ITS Cosmo is an Italian non-profit foundation (Fondazione ITS COSMO) operating a Higher Technical Institute that delivers two-year (2,000-hour) and one-year (1,000-hour) vocational specialization courses in fashion design, footwear, jewellery, eyewear, textile innovation, sportswear, digital marketing, and applied AI for the fashion sector. Courses lead to EQF Level 4-5 qualifications recognized across Europe, with mandatory internships comprising at least 30% of course hours delivered in partnership with 60+ fashion industry employers.

Product overview

ITS Cosmo is a Fashion Academy offering vocational educational programs in fashion, footwear, jewellery, eyewear, sportswear, and related fields. The institution operates across Veneto and Lombardia regions of Italy with a portfolio of 25+ specialized courses. The offerings are organized as two-year biennial courses (1,800-2,000 hours with 30%+ internship) and one-year annual courses (1,000 hours), all delivering EQF Level 4-5 qualifications. Many courses integrate advanced technologies including Generative AI, Applied AI, 3D design (CLO 3D, Lectra Modaris, Optitex), Vibe Coding, and Advanced Manufacturing Solutions. The institution also offers Erasmus+ international mobility programs and collaborates with industry partners for internships and project work.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• FASHION COORDINATOR [3D, Applied AI e Advanced Manufacturing Solutions] Two-year course training professionals to coordinate all phases of fashion collection design and production using 3D technologies, Applied AI, and Advanced Manufacturing Solutions. Hosted at Padova (Veneto).
• FASHION DESIGNER Two-year course teaching creation of clothing collections combining design, creativity, advanced technologies, and Generative AI. Hosted at Padova (Veneto).
• KNITWEAR DESIGNER [3D and Applied AI] Two-year specialization in knitwear collection coordination combining 3D design technologies and Applied AI. Hosted at Padova (Veneto).
• FASHION SHOES COORDINATOR Two-year program specializing in footwear production and new technologies for Made in Italy footwear. Hosted at Padova (Veneto).
• FASHION JEWELLERY COORDINATOR Two-year course training experts in the goldsmith industry covering jewellery design and orefactory techniques. Hosted at Vicenza (Veneto).
• DIGITAL JEWELLERY DESIGN Two-year course training digital goldsmiths who combine traditional orefactory skills with advanced digital and technological tools. Hosted at Vicenza (Veneto).
• EYEWEAR PRODUCT MANAGER Two-year program training professionals responsible for the production and management of eyewear collections. Hosted at Longarone (Belluno, Veneto).
• FASHION SUSTAINABILITY & ECODESIGN Two-year course training sustainability architects for fashion companies focused on ecodesign and circular economy. Hosted at Padova (Veneto).
• GREEN LEATHER MANAGER Two-year program training experts in research and development of leather products for fashion, footwear, furniture, and automotive sectors with sustainability focus. Hosted at Arzignano (Vicenza, Veneto).
• PATTERN MAKER AND PROTOTYPER [3D and Applied AI] Two-year course developing professionals skilled in pattern making and prototyping using 3D technologies and Applied AI. Hosted at Padova (Veneto).
• SPORT SYSTEM SHOES SPECIALIST Two-year course training specialists in design and manufacture of footwear, components, and sports accessories. Hosted at Montebelluna (Treviso, Veneto).
• SPORTSWEAR INNOVATION MANAGER (Wearable & Digital Tech) Two-year program specializing in design and production of activewear and technical clothing with focus on wearable and digital technologies.
• DIGITAL FASHION MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION MANAGER (Generative AI) Two-year program teaching digital marketing strategies using Generative AI for fashion brands, covering Marketing 5.0 and omnichannel communication campaigns. Hosted at Padova (Veneto).
• FASHION E-COMMERCE AND MARKETPLACE MANAGER (VIBE CODING AND APPLIED AI) Two-year course focused on structuring and coordinating fashion e-commerce platforms using Vibe Coding and Applied AI technologies. Hosted at Padova (Veneto).
• VIDEOMAKER FOR WEB, TV AND CINEMA Two-year course training video content creators for web, television, and cinema production. Hosted at Padova (Veneto).
• FASHION RETAIL MANAGEMENT AND INNOVATION (APPLIED AI) Two-year vocational course preparing professionals in retail fashion management and innovation, with Applied AI integration for customer experience and omnichannel retail strategies. Hosted at Verona (Veneto).
• HAUTE COUTURE COLLECTION Two-year course training 4.0 couturiers with broad-spectrum technical skills combining classical tailoring with sustainable and digitized garment development using CLO 3D. Hosted at Milan (Lombardy).
• FASHION DESIGN COLLECTION Two-year course training fashion designers to create women's clothing collections using 2D and 3D CAD technologies including Lectra Modaris and Optitex. Hosted at Milan (Lombardy).
• UX/UI DESIGN AND DIGITAL INNOVATION Two-year program training professionals to design engaging user experiences across websites, mobile applications, physical products, events, and services. Hosted in Lombardy.
• DIGITAL COMMUNICATION & FASHION STYLING Two-year course training image experts who define and promote brand identities using digital technological tools for fashion advertising campaigns. Hosted at Milan (Lombardy).
• EXPANDED PHOTOGRAPHY AND VISUAL CULTURES Two-year program training fashion photographers who combine analog, digital, audiovisual languages, and artificial intelligence with visual culture expertise. Hosted at Milan (Lombardy).
• SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNICATION AND DIGITAL PR Two-year course training social media specialists in marketing, communication, and brand image management for fashion collections and products. Hosted at Milan (Lombardy).
• DIGITAL VIDEO MAKING FOR NEW MEDIA AND ADVERTISING Two-year program training digital video makers with creative, narrative, and technological skills for digital communication. Hosted at Milan (Lombardy).
• FASHION PRODUCT AND MERCHANDISING MANAGEMENT Two-year course training merchandising and product managers to develop fashion collections and coordinate production phases. Hosted at Milan (Lombardy).
• TEXTILE INNOVATION & NEW MATERIALS One-year annual course (1,000 hours) training textile innovation technicians in the study, design, and production of innovative textile materials. Hosted at Busto Arsizio (Varese, Lombardy).
• TECNICHE DI DESIGN DEL COSTUME PER IL TEATRO E LO SPETTACOLO One-year annual course (1,000 hours) training costume designers who reinterpret costumes for theatre, film, and television shows. Hosted at Milan (Lombardy).

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% of graduates find employment within one year of graduation
• +2 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Dolce & GabbanacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDolce & Gabbana is a founding partner of ITS Cosmo. The company selects participants for curricular internships at its offices and at the end of courses students may be selected by the company to continue their professional path. Collaborates with Haute Couture Collection, Fashion Design Collection, and Social Media Communication programs.
• MissonicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMissoni is a partner of ITS Cosmo collaborating with the Social Media Communication and Digital PR program.
• Candiani DenimcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCandiani Denim partners with ITS Cosmo on the Haute Couture Collection and Social Media Communication programs, contributing to sustainability-focused curriculum.
• HernocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHerno partners with ITS Cosmo, collaborating with the Haute Couture Collection and Social Media Communication programs.
• VibramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVibram is a partner of the Sport System Shoes Specialist program at Montebelluna, contributing to sports footwear design and production training.
• LottominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLotto partners with the Sportswear Product Manager program and Sport System Shoes Specialist program, providing industry expertise for sportswear design and production.
• Certottica S.c.r.l.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertottica is a founding member of Fondazione ITS Cosmo and hosts the Eyewear Product Manager program at its facilities in Longarone (BL).
• Politecnico Calzaturiero s.c.a.r.l.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolitecnico Calzaturiero is a founding member of Fondazione ITS Cosmo and co-hosts footwear-related programs at its Capriccio di Vigonza location.
• Università degli Studi di PadovacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversità degli Studi di Padova is a founding member of Fondazione ITS Cosmo, providing academic credibility and pathways for students to continue studies with earned ECTS credits.
• Istituto di Istruzione Superiore 'Einaudi – Scarpa'coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIIS Einaudi-Scarpa is a founding member of Fondazione ITS Cosmo and hosts the Sport System Specialist program at Montebelluna.
• Istituto di Istruzione Superiore 'Enrichetta Usuelli Ruzza'coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIIS Enrichetta Usuelli Ruzza is a founding member of Fondazione ITS Cosmo and hosts Fashion Coordinator and Digital Videomaker programs at its Padova facility.
• SlowearminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSlowear is a partner company of ITS Cosmo, collaborating on industry-relevant training in the fashion sector.
• Thélios (LVMH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThélios (LVMH eyewear company) partnered with ITS Cosmo for the Master GaMEs Generazioni d'Eccellenza program, providing students with a real-world eyewear design project.
• CentrocotcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentrocot is a founding member and hosts the Textile Innovation & New Materials program at Busto Arsizio (VA), providing industry facilities and expertise.
• ACOF Olga FiorinicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACOF Olga Fiorini is an other partner hosting Milan-based programs including Fashion Design Collection, Haute Couture Collection, and Social Media Communication.
• AFOL ModacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFOL Moda is a partner hosting Costume Designer for Theatre and Shows program at its Via Soderini location in Milan.
• Erasmus+ ProgrammecoreOthersITS Cosmo holds the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education 2021–2027, enabling student and staff mobility across Europe. Erasmus+ deadline for applications is March 10 each year. The program supports equal opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• UNIC (Italian National Union of Leather Crafts)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNIC is a partner of ITS Cosmo, representing the leather industry in supporting training programs for Green Leather Manager and related fashion programs.
• Civica Scuola di Teatro Paolo GrassiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCivica Scuola di Teatro Paolo Grassi is a partner for the Costume Designer for Theatre and Shows program in Milan, providing entertainment sector expertise.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Domus Academy: Milan-based private design school focused on master's programs in fashion, product, and experience design. Comparable to ITS Cosmo as an Italy-based fashion higher-education institution with industry-sponsored curriculum.
• ESMOD International: French fashion school network with locations in Paris and multiple international cities, founded in 1841, offering programs in fashion design and pattern-making. Comparable to ITS Cosmo as a specialized higher-education institution focused on fashion/apparel design with a multi-city footprint.
• Polimoda: Florence-based fashion institute (founded by municipalities and fashion houses) offering undergraduate, master, and short courses in fashion design, business, and product. Comparable to ITS Cosmo as a publicly-backed Italian fashion higher-education institution with deep ties to luxury industry partners.
• IED - Istituto Europeo di Design: Italian design school with locations in Milan, Rome, Turin, Venice, Florence, Barcelona, Madrid, and São Paulo, covering fashion, design, visual arts, and communication. Comparable to ITS Cosmo as an Italian higher-education institution with multi-city delivery and fashion-focused curriculum.
• NABA - Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti: Milan-based private academy offering undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion design, textile design, and creative disciplines. Comparable to ITS Cosmo as an Italian higher-education institution delivering fashion/textile design and product design credentials with strong industry ties.
• Accademia del Lusso: Milan/Rome-based private school specializing in luxury fashion, brand management, and design programs. Comparable to ITS Cosmo as an Italian institution focused on the fashion-luxury employment pipeline with strong industry placement focus.
• Istituto Marangoni: Italian private fashion school with campuses in Milan, Florence, Paris, London, and Miami, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fashion design, business, and styling. Highly comparable to ITS Cosmo as a higher-education institution focused on fashion and made-in-Italy, though operating on a for-profit, international model.
• IAAD - Istituto d'Arte Applicata e Design: Turin-based private design school offering undergraduate and master programs in fashion, transportation, interior, and communication design. Comparable to ITS Cosmo as an Italian higher-education institution with applied fashion design programs and industry partnerships.

Broad incumbents

• Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts London): Premier UK arts university college offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs across fashion, product, graphic, and fine art. Comparable to ITS Cosmo as a higher-education institution producing fashion graduates for the global luxury industry, though much broader and more research-oriented.
• Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT): Public SUNY college in New York City offering associate, bachelor, and master programs across fashion, business, and design. Comparable to ITS Cosmo as a specialized fashion higher-education institution with strong industry placement outcomes (internship-led model).

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/its-cosmo

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 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 ITS Cosmo