On August 29th and 30th, Fondazione SAFE’s team had the opportunity to participate in a unique and meaningful experience in Liguria, dedicated to collaboration and innovation. Surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of the Ligurian coast and hills, we explored a critical question for our future: “Why continue to innovate even when an activity is already successful?”
The theme chosen for this team-building event was no coincidence. Innovation is a core value for Fondazione SAFE, which has always been committed to promoting and supporting projects and initiatives that look to the future with courage and foresight. Over the course of the two days, our team engaged in a series of group activities designed to strengthen internal cohesion and stimulate creative thinking. These moments of collaboration and reflection allowed us to consider how innovation, even in established areas of success, is essential for maintaining and enhancing competitiveness and relevance over time.
The visit to Mestel Safety – Ocean Reef Group
A key highlight of this experience was our visit to Mestel Safety – Ocean Reef Group, an entrepreneurial venture that exemplifies how innovation can drive growth and diversification. This family-run company, led by the pioneering vision of Sergio Gamberini and now joined by his son Luca, has mastered the use of materials like rubber and plastics, applying them successfully across various sectors, from watchmaking to medical safety equipment, and professional diving gear.
Fondazione SAFE has had the honor of collaborating with Mestel Safety – Ocean Reef Group on several projects over the years. This partnership has allowed us to closely observe a company that has made innovation its hallmark, constantly pushing the boundaries of the ordinary to explore new possibilities and markets.
Nemo’s Garden: a dream come true
During the visit, we had the privilege of hearing directly from Sergio Gamberini about the story behind Nemo’s Garden, the latest extraordinary innovation developed by Ocean Reef Group. Born in 2012 from a visionary idea that Sergio had during a vacation in his beloved Noli, Nemo’s Garden is a revolutionary project of underwater greenhouses designed to grow plants beneath the sea. What may seem like a futuristic concept has turned into a tangible reality, and today, it stands as one of the most fascinating and promising innovations in sustainable agriculture.
Sergio’s words deeply inspired us. He shared with us the importance of balancing pragmatism with imagination, of firmly believing in one’s ideas, and having the courage to pursue them with determination. Sergio emphasized that innovation requires not only technical expertise but also a strong dose of creativity and boldness. It is essential to look beyond, diversify activities, build strong connections, and embrace challenges without fear.
A legacy of innovation and passion
The meeting with Sergio and Luca Gamberini left an indelible mark on all of us. Their dedication to innovation and their ability to turn dreams into tangible realities motivated us to continue pursuing our goals with renewed energy. At Fondazione SAFE, we deeply resonate with this philosophy. We, too, strive to innovate, take risks, and continually seek new ways to grow.
This team-building experience was more than just a training session: it was an opportunity to strengthen our identity as a team, reflect on our role in promoting innovation, and renew our commitment to always strive for excellence, going beyond the ordinary.