
Industry 4.0 at the Service of the America’s Cup:
SiOCAST’s Sweet Innovation
The America’s Cup is not only the world’s oldest international sporting competition but also a stage for cutting-edge innovation. This year, Barcelona hosted the prestigious regatta, and during the Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) 2024, a panel titled Industry 4.0 at the Service of the America’s Cup highlighted how advanced technologies are driving sustainability, performance, and creativity in this iconic event.
Moderated by David Simó, Editorial Director of Diario El Canal, the panel featured Ferran Navarro, CEO of SiOCAST; Antonio Sánchez, CEO of AsorCAD; and Vensan S. Buzuk, CEO of MIAMI NEWS FENDER S.L. Each shared their unique contributions to the America’s Cup, but it was Ferran Navarro’s insights into SiOCAST’s collaboration with chocolatier Escribà that showcased how Industry 4.0 is transforming the food and manufacturing industries.
SiOCAST’s Groundbreaking Collaboration: The America’s Cup in Chocolate
SiOCAST’s role in the America’s Cup went beyond the nautical realm, venturing into the world of food. Collaborating with Escribà, a celebrated Barcelona chocolatier, and the 3D Factory Incubator, SiOCAST created molds for a chocolate replica of the iconic trophy.
The process combined high-tech scanning of the original trophy, 3D printing, and SiOCAST’s proprietary plastic injection molding technology to produce durable, food-safe molds with intricate detailing. This innovative approach allowed Escribà to craft both the large replica (in Collaboration with 3D Factory Incubator)and smaller chocolate trophies (SiOCAST), offering a truly unique culinary tribute to the event.
Navarro emphasized how the America’s Cup project accelerated SiOCAST’s entry into the food sector. Traditionally focused on industries like collectibles and technical components, the company leveraged this collaboration to refine its capabilities for producing high-quality, customizable chocolate molds. This milestone aligns with SiOCAST’s broader mission of enabling local, sustainable manufacturing with minimal lead times and reduced carbon footprints.
Through this experience, SiOCAST discovered the immense potential of its technology for creating custom molds at scale, offering a solution unmatched in the food industry. This initiative has already led to interest from luxury brands, high-end hotels, and automotive companies seeking custom confectionery for branding and events.

Technology, Sustainability, and Industry 4.0
A key theme across all presentations was the role of Industry 4.0 in driving sustainability and efficiency. Whether through SiOCAST’s localized production model, AsorCAD’s precision engineering, or MIAMI NEWS FENDER’s eco-friendly materials, the panelists underscored how advanced technologies are reshaping traditional industries.
Navarro elaborated on SiOCAST’s focus on reducing carbon footprints by enabling local, on-demand manufacturing. «Traditional mold-making often requires outsourcing to distant locations, resulting in significant transportation emissions and overproduction. Our technology allows businesses to produce precisely what they need, where they need it, cutting waste and reducing environmental impact.»
Similarly, Sánchez noted how AsorCAD’s scanning and 3D printing solutions minimize waste by enabling accurate prototyping and production, while Buzuk emphasized the importance of sustainable design in preserving marine ecosystems.
Lessons from the America’s Cup
The panel also explored how the innovations developed for the America’s Cup have implications beyond the event itself. Sánchez drew parallels between the regatta and Formula 1, noting how advances in one industry often find applications in others.
«Much like Formula 1, the America’s Cup serves as a testing ground for cutting-edge technologies that eventually filter down to everyday applications,» Sánchez said. «For example, lightweight composite materials and hydrodynamic designs developed for these boats could revolutionize commercial shipping and recreational boating.»
Buzuk added that the push for sustainability in high-profile events like the America’s Cup can accelerate broader adoption of green technologies. «Projects like this raise awareness and set new standards for what’s possible,» he said. «They show that sustainability and performance are not mutually exclusive.»
A Shared Vision for the Future
SiOCAST, AsorCAD, and MIAMI NEWS FENDER are prime examples of how Industry 4.0 is driving innovation across diverse sectors. Their contributions to the America’s Cup not only enhanced the event but also highlighted the broader potential of advanced technologies to create a more sustainable and efficient future.
For SiOCAST, the experience has been a catalyst for further exploration in the food industry, with plans to expand its chocolate mold-making technology into luxury and hospitality markets. Similarly, AsorCAD and MIAMI NEWS FENDER are leveraging their experiences to pursue new projects in automotive, aerospace, and maritime sustainability.
Watch the full discussion panel
Conclusion
The America’s Cup is more than just a regatta; it is a platform for technological and industrial transformation. Through their participation, SiOCAST, AsorCAD, and MIAMI NEWS FENDER have demonstrated the power of innovation to address complex challenges, from sustainability to precision manufacturing.
As Navarro concluded, «This collaboration was not just about creating molds or supporting regatta teams. It was about redefining what’s possible through technology and setting new benchmarks for industries worldwide.»
Discover more about SiOCAST’s innovative solutions for food and beyond at our website.


