Aquasphere has established a new R&D Hub that is designed to maximize its product development ambitions by utilizing swimmers of all levels for research & development, marketing programs, and retail and merchandising solutions.
Launching in partnership with CN Antibes, the French swim club led by four-time Olympic medallist Alain Bernard, the R&D Hub is slated to… ‘expand to North America and Asia Pacific to enhance the brand’s product offering for its loyal users in these regions.’
Matthieu Bazil, CEO of Aqualung Group, the parent company of Aquasphere, said “Our partnership with CN Antibes completes Aquasphere’s unmatched R&D ecosystem composed of our newly established global headquarters in Sophia Antipolis, France, in which we plan and create the next generation of swim products.
He added that this is combined with the company’s… “owned manufacturing plant located in Genoa, Italy; and now a world class swim facility offering direct contact with over 1500 swimmers of all levels to test and develop the most innovative and best quality swim products in the market.”
With almost 30 years of research into its products, Aquasphere is known for its swim goggles that have been developed via its in-house R&D department and manufacturing entity in Italy. Now, Aquasphere adds that it is looking… ‘to tap into the mindset and needs of individual swimmers as a vital investment into the future of the brand’s product offerings.’
“If we are going to continue to provide high quality, unique technologies to swimmers, and bring to market the strong innovations we have in development, we need to invest into R&D,” said Jess Fitzsimon, Global Brand Director at Aquasphere.
“It is an important step to establish R&D Hubs where we can test our product developments with swimmers, from the elite level to fitness swimmers, to ensure the products we develop are insightful and intelligent.”
While the main driver of the R&D Hub program is to enhance product research and development, swimmers will also be encouraged to give their perspective on trends and issues related to the sport and participate in video and photo shoots for social media and traditional marketing campaigns.
“CN Antibes is thrilled to partner with Aquasphere and become the first swim club in the world to play a role in the development and marketing of swimming gear and equipment through the participation of our members,” said Alain Bernard, Vice President of CN Antibes.
“This collaboration is the result of a common ambition: to excel and promote the sport of swimming to everyone.”
The R&D Hub also offers a platform for Aquasphere to showcase its revitalized brand ambition, including an approach to build upon its presence in open water swimming and triathlon, through to the pool with competitive swimming.
The company adds that it… ‘seeks to unite individuals with a passion for swimming and provide high quality products designed to help swimmers achieve their ultimate challenges.’
New products and global athlete ambassadors, including elite competitive swimmers, will be announced in the coming months.
