SILK – Sustainability, Innovation, Legacy and Knowledge

About

The SILK program invites you to explore the unique “Larian” model on Lake Como: a distinct ecosystem where tradition and innovation converge. Through lectures, workshops, and site visits, discover how this region honors its rich historical and artisanal heritage while shaping a sustainable future.
SILK offers an immersive, hands-on study of how Lake Como revitalizes post-industrial spaces and fosters sustainable production in fashion and design.

The program combines expert lectures with field visits to key industrial and artisan hubs, alongside practical challenges that develop entrepreneurial and networking skills, giving students valuable insights into turning historical legacies into innovative ventures

Learning goals

Participants will learn to:

Analyze core links between culture, history, and the local economy.

Understand the complex interplay of Sustainability, Innovation, and Legacy.

Adapt local principles (arts, business) to challenges in their home countries.

Gain insights into transforming heritage into innovative ventures.

Learning approach

The program adopts an active and collaborative learning methodology using Design Thinking as its core framework. This approach guides students through the iterative phases to develop creative solutions and practice sustainable business models.

Duration

9 days

Period

From June 3 to 11 2026

Enrollment Fee: € 1300
This fee covers all your lessons, hands-on workshops, and organized excursions. We also include daily coffee breaks, a welcome lunch to meet your peers, and a farewell aperitivo to celebrate the end of the course.

Save with Early Bird: Book your spot by February 10th and pay €1,100.

Target group

SILK is aimed at undergraduate university students, early-career professionals, and young innovators

Course aim

The primary objective is to enable students to analyze core concepts related to the intersection of Italian language, cultural history, and local economic
heritage in the Lake Como Region.
Students will develop the critical skills necessary to extract and adapt these locally observed principles—whether in arts, sustainability, innovation or business models—and apply them to similar challenges and scenarios within their own home countries. The SILK Summer School offers a deep and immersive experience focused on the relationship between Sustainability, Innovation, Legacy, and Knowledge as drivers of social and cultural transformation

Fee info

45+ hours of lectures, workshops & field visits Guided tours to Milan, Como Lake, Monza, coffe breaks, social program.