Abstract

Developing projects based on the circular economy is key to transforming traditional production models into sustainable and regenerative systems. In this context, Fab Labs are strategic spaces for experimentation, prototyping, and open innovation, where design, science, technology, and local knowledge converge around environmental challenges. Within this framework, the exploration of bio-based materials and their DIY (Do-It-Yourself) characteristics not only generates new materialities but also presents a unique opportunity for knowledge transfer to communities, fostering citizen ownership and active participation in the ecological transition. The article presents the Smartextil case study, developed at the ProteinLab Fab Lab at the Metropolitan Technological University (Chile). This project explores the convergence between biomaterials, electronics, and 3D printing applied to clothing design, also proposing a model for knowledge transfer from the Fab Lab to the community. The methodology includes experimentation phases, the creation of an open-source toolkit, practical workshops, and the final validation. The results show that, beyond the production of functional textile prototypes, the project achieved effective knowledge acquisition by the participants. It demonstrates that it is possible to establish alternative avenues of distributed education, capable of strengthening local innovation and offering alternatives to mass consumption. In conclusion, Smartextil is an effective strategy for empowering communities with sustainable tools, consolidating Fab Labs as catalysts for circular economies at the local level. © 2025, Elisava Barcelona School of Design and Engineering. All rights reserved.