SportsTech R&D Takes Leap Forward w/ Aquasphere’s Global Plan
Aquasphere R&D Director Fabrice Gregori Exudes Excitement
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By Matt Bowen
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FUTRSPRT Interview Series presents conversations with some of the sharpest minds in sports tech. Leaving no angle of competition or fan experience unscathed FUTRSPRT showcases those creating the future of sports right before our eyes.
Let’s get this out of the way — R&D is the most underappreciated sector of business in sports. The Research & Development department is typically cast aside as a bunch of unapproachable, boring know-nothings playing around in lab coats. It’s as if next-gen products appear out of thin air to most. In reality, it’s professionals like Fabrice Gregori toiling away, dedicating their lives to the craft that makes the world what it is today.
Speaking of Gregori, he’s the R&D Director for Aquasphere, the premier swimming brand focused on performance swimming goggles. He breaks the mold of the mysterious R&D persona as his infectious personality is magic in itself. In our talk with Gregori we discussed Aquasphere’s philosophy surrounding R&D and why it's all-in on creating the world’s future swimmer. In late 2021 the Italian-based company announced a partnership with French swim club CN Antibes(led by four-time Olympic medalist Alain Bernard) that’s centered around the opening of a new R&D hub. This hub is honed-in on product development for swimmers at all skill levels.
Aquasphere has global ambitions. After speaking to Gregori it’s not hard to fathom this becoming a dream come true for the brand. He has a background in technology, serving as a Product Manager working on connected medical devices. He also likes swimming and spearfishing. Gregori joined Aquasphere in 2020, geared toward structuring R&D worldwide for the company. At first impression, everything Gregori said sounded rosey, but as he went on he gave a glimpse into the layers of Aquasphere’s strategy to become a global force in the sport. Technically speaking, it’s a well-laid plan, Gregori’s detail indicates Aquasphere has plans to be on top of the swim-brand podium.
What’s the one technology in your personal life that you’re obsessed w/ right now?
“Global connectivity and the digitization of the future swimmer.”
As previously mentioned, Gregori’s drive and vision are unrelenting. Thing is, he’s so enthusiastic about it it's admirable. It is clear he loves what he does.
What’s on the tech roadmap for Aquasphere? What are you working currently working on?
“We’re focused on matching expectations and value in the market.”
Gregori then dives into very minuscule, user-level details that prove the company is on its way to stardom. “Our top priority is on the product itself — field of vision, fitting, and adjustments are key. Then digitization. Our new partnership with CN Antibes helps test market innovation need.”
He goes on to mention “design thinking” which is the practice of putting the user first. In the land of R&D, the product begins and ends with the user. Gregori is presently building a juggernaut.
What do we need to know about the R&D Hub? Will there be more in the future?
“We’re mostly in Europe right now with plans for North America and Asia Pacific next. Our new R&D hub opens the doors to 1,500 swimmers that test new products.”
This gives Aquasphere a tight feedback loop, allowing them to develop the most innovative swimming products in the world. This is next-level. This is how to plan for a global presence. Impressive.
Gregori continues, “the fitting of products could be different, for instance, deep-diving vs. swimming. A pro swimmer is a machine, a wider lens equals a faster time. We’re going to make products for champion swimmers and build down.”
The key takeaway here — Aquasphere isn’t alienating the non-pro swimmer. Thanks to its R&D Hub it can create better swimmers at all levels in parallel. It's not waiting to produce champions before moving down a level. Aquasphere is building all levels up at once.
How have you grown as a leader over the past year?
“If you want to be a leader you need to test boundaries and limits. Take risks. Explore. Open doors. Right now we’re working on our 2023–2026 products. We fail a lot and that’s why we’re advanced.”
In three years Aquasphere will be known for _______?
“We’re changing the rules, you’ll never see the same. We’ll be the best goggle on the market.”
The sport of swimming will never be the same.
Stay tuned for a FUTRSPRT Product Review of Aquasphere goggles.
