Metalcastello returned to the middle schools of the Alta Valle del Reno with the sixth edition of “Saranno Virtuosi. The Unexpected Technical Culture”, created in collaboration with Agenzia Dire and part of the Festival of Technical Culture organized by the Metropolitan City of Bologna.

The goal is to bridge the gap between school and the workplace, breaking stereotypes about technical education and the metalworking industry. Students from the schools of Alto Reno Terme, Gaggio Montano, Castel di Casio, Castel d’Aiano, Camugnano, Lizzano in Belvedere, and Vergato developed over 50 creative projects, including actual “bridges” built with simple materials like drinking straws, competing in a design challenge. The top three projects were awarded during the final event at the sports hall in Lizzano in Belvedere, attended by over 200 students.

The first prize (€500) went to Class 3B of Gaggio Montano for Freddy Friendly, a companion robot designed to combat loneliness. «The divide between technical education and girls is thankfully fading,» said Stefano Scutigliani, Metalcastello’s CEO. «Today, companies need brains and passion—qualities often showcased by girls.» Class 2B of Porretta Terme won €200 for their imaginative rocket slippers, while Class 3D of Camugnano earned recognition for their multifunctional rescue and exploration vehicle.

«Passion and fun should be the norm, both at school and work,» Scutigliani added. «Building a straw bridge teaches that success comes from failures and constant improvement.» Collaboration, commitment, and enthusiasm—key elements of this initiative—are also the core values driving Metalcastello, now a 4.0 company where innovation thrives in modern, engaging workplaces.

The project also included two episodes broadcast on Radio Dimensione Musica, where Metalcastello’s technicians shared their experience alongside middle school students from the Apennines.