InnovaTex Newsletter #1 — Building Capacity and Strengthening Cooperation in Chișinău

Welcome to InnovaTex: A European Partnership for Modernising Textile Education

Dear partners and colleagues,

We are pleased to share the first official newsletter of InnovaTex, the Erasmus+ project dedicated to modernising vocational education and training (VET) systems in the textile and clothing sectors of Ukraine and Moldova. The project aims to bridge traditional craftsmanship and modern technology through Smart Labs, digital tools, and sustainable innovation.

From October 1 to 3, 2025, the consortium held its second Transnational Project Meeting in Chișinău, organised and hosted by the Technical University of Moldova (TUM). The event represented a key moment to review project progress, coordinate the next stages of work, and strengthen cooperation among the eight partner organisations from Romania, Greece, Italy, Ukraine, and Moldova.

Under the coordination of the University of West Attica (UNIWA), partners dedicated significant time to developing the structure and methodology of the capacity-building programme that will serve as the foundation for the Smart Labs in Ukraine and Moldova. The consortium identified the main thematic areas of the training, including textile digitisation, 3D modelling and scanning, smart materials and sensors, and sustainable textile technologies. These topics will guide the preparation of the training modules, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.

The meeting also focused on progress made in the design of the e-learning platform, which will host the digital learning materials and support blended learning across partner countries. The platform will provide interactive content, visual resources, and evaluation tools for teachers, learners, and professionals, ensuring accessibility and flexibility in the learning process.

During the first day, participants visited the Faculty of Design at TUM, where they explored the laboratories and facilities that will become the nucleus of the future InnovaTex Smart Lab. These spaces are being prepared to host practical training sessions and 3D design simulations, creating an environment that supports innovation, experimentation, and applied learning.

On October 2, partners also visited the Centre of Excellence in Light Industry in Chișinău, one of the key Moldovan institutions in textile education. The visit provided valuable insight into the local educational context and promoted dialogue with teachers and students about the integration of digital and sustainable practices into vocational training.

The final day was devoted to management and strategic planning, led by the project coordinator, INCDTP (Romania). The consortium reviewed upcoming tasks, refined implementation priorities, and agreed on a clear calendar for the next six months. The discussions ensured that each partner remains aligned and fully engaged in the ongoing development of the project’s objectives.