Innovation in Action: How Three Italian STEMinists Are Turning Waste into Art and Impact
Meet the inspiring team behind Impronte di Luce, or Prints of Light, a social innovation project born in Umbria, Italy, through the UPSHIFT programme. These three young women from an upper secondary school in the province of Perugia decided to define sustainability through creativity, earning top honours at the UPSHIFT Demo Day in 2024, and UNICEF's Social Impact Award at the National Entrepreneurship Championship. Their powerful journey shows how technical expertise, resilience, and creative spirit can shine a path toward a greener, more inclusive future.
Blending Tradition, Technology, and Sustainability
The Prints of Light project was born from the desire to combine art, sustainability, and innovation. The team addressed the challenge of innovating the world of arts and culture to make it more eco-conscious and youth friendly. Their research quickly highlighted a critical issue: the fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to global waste. In Italy alone, over 400,000 tons of textile waste are generated each year, with 85% of discarded clothes ending up in landfills instead of being recycled. The team identified a pressing need to address textile waste and promote upcycling as a creative, sustainable alternative. Their solution? They revived the ancient cyanotype printing technique, which uses sunlight for development, and blended it with modern technology to transform second-hand clothing into unique fashion statements.
Introducing the Bromograph
Innovation doesn't always have to be super high-tech to be impactful; sometimes it means reviving old techniques in new ways. The team developed a device the Bromograph, a functional prototype built from repurposed materials like UV lamps and window glass. The Bromograph creates artistic prints on textiles using cyanotype and UV light technology. This process exploits the chemical and physical properties of iron salts, resulting in characteristic blue patterns on fabric. Practically, the team used this innovation to print creative designs on second-hand clothes and items, giving them a new life. Their vision is clear: waste is simply a resource waiting for a purpose.
More Than Technical Skills: The Power of Entrepreneurial Education
The UPSHIFT programme provided these students with the tools needed to turn their sustainable idea into a real entrepreneurial initiative. Through this hands-on, team-based journey, they developed critical skills that extend far beyond the technical realm, including problem-solving, teamwork, project management, public speaking, and entrepreneurship. They learned how to take an idea from concept to execution, tackling challenges such as managing finances, sourcing sustainable materials, and refining their technical process. The project demonstrated the power of multi-disciplinary work. For instance, students specializing in maintenance and technical assistance produced the Bromograph, while those in commercial and advertising promotion managed the brand creation and promotional activities. The students believe these technical and soft skills are important not only for their project but for any future career, especially in STEM fields.
Breaking Down Barriers: STEM is for Everyone
When asked whether they believe some jobs are more suitable for boys or girls, the team firmly responded, “Absolutely not. There are no boy or girl jobs—only passion and talent to cultivate.” They see themselves as young women in STEM because their project seamlessly blends science, technology, and creativity. While acknowledging that some fields are still seen as male-dominated, they are determined to prove that women can have a major impact in this area. The students shared that they have sometimes felt out of place due to the lack of female role models. However, programmes like UPSHIFT and supportive communities helped them build confidence by focusing on their results and proving that they belong in STEM.
Advice to the Next Generation
If you are a young person interested in STEM but lack confidence, the "Prints of Light" team offers empowering advice:
Don't be afraid to try. No one starts as an expert. Everyone learns by doing. If something excites you, go for it, even if it seems challenging.
Seek role models and mentors and connect with communities that share your interests.
Don't let the fear of failure hold you back; every mistake is a step toward growth.
Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future
Their project was selected as one of the top 10 finalists in the global Generation Unlimited (GenU) competition. While they didn’t take home the top prize, they remain committed to expanding their impact—by refining their materials, partnering with schools and artists, and scaling their initiative for broader reach. Their blend of science, innovation, and entrepreneurship truly reflects how the future of STEM and work is expansive—it’s about designing new systems and tackling problems that matter. Whether pursuing scientific research, sustainable innovation, or tech-driven design, they see themselves staying in a field where they can continue to make a positive impact. Their inspiring journey reminds us that we need more mentorship programmes, more visible female role models in STEM, and educational systems that encourage girls to explore these fields from an early age. Ultimately, the goal is to create safe spaces where girls can experiment and make mistakes without fear of judgement, proving that these fields are not just for men-everyone is welcome!
