In the vibrant landscape of Italian startups, an emerging player is gaining attention for its innovative approach to the fashion industry: YouAddict, an AI-powered virtual personal stylist platform.
This brand-new startup has quickly distinguished itself through its unique vision that combines cutting-edge technology with a firm belief that the fashion industry can and must undergo a transformative shift toward sustainability.
Statistics paint a sobering picture: the industry is responsible for up to 35% of microplastics polluting our oceans and contributes significantly to global carbon emissions.
By offering a service that empowers users to make informed decisions and extend the lifespan of their existing garments, the startup aims to disrupt the cycle of overconsumption and waste that has long plagued the sector.
The startup's relationship with EIT Digital can be traced back to a serendipitous encounter between its Co-Founders at the SMAU Italy Restarts Up event in San Francisco in 2023, where they had the opportunity to meet the EIT Digital CEO, Federico Menna, and connect with prominent figures from the technology and fashion industries.
From there, they embarked on a journey that brought them to join the EIT Digital Open Innovation Factory, where they had the chance to collaborate with prestigious partners such as the University of Barcelona, a leader in AI research applied to fashion, and Abstract Srl, a software consultancy company and system integrator that works with major luxury brands.
They also moved their headquarters from Rome to the Trentino Alto Adige region in Italy as they were admitted to the innovative Startups program of Bolzano’s NOI Techpark.
While the consumer-facing app has already garnered over 8,000 registered users during its testing phase, enabling them to gauge market interest and gather valuable feedback to further refine their service, YouAddict's ambitious founders have set their sights on the lucrative B2B market.
"Our goal is to integrate our AI stylist into brands' platforms, enabling them to offer this innovative service directly to their customers," Filazzola explains. "It's a win-win scenario - brands gain a competitive edge by promoting sustainable behaviors, while consumers get a personalized styling experience that reduces waste."
The development process involves harnessing the University of Barcelona's expertise in AI for fashion recognition and user preference modeling. Meanwhile, Abstract is lending its technical prowess to craft a seamless omnichannel solution.
Additionally, the startup is working with its partners on developing interactive kiosks for physical stores, integrating their app's services to offer a unique shopping experience, enabling consumers to discover how to pair in-store products with what they already have in their closets.
With this robust B2B play in the works, YouAddict is poised to expand its reach beyond its Italian roots. "We've already started exploring opportunities in Spain and other European markets," Anna reveals. "The potential for our technology to drive positive change in the fashion ecosystem is global."
