13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (8-11 July 2026): Come and discover today the technologies that will shape yachting tomorrow

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Rub shoulders with top international universities
EPFL, Politecnico di Torino, the University of Genoa, Exocet Polytechnique Montreal, Hainan University, École Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers, and Cambridge University, as well as a US delegation comprising Columbia University (New York), George Washington University, Howard University (Washington DC), and Florida International University: some are already competing, while others are attending to learn more about the event and prepare for future editions. Their presence demonstrates the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge’s international academic outreach.

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Observe facilities that will support boats in the future
If yachting is to transform so too must the marinas. Located in the heart of the Village, the E-Dock is an opportunity for visitors to see for themselves the fast-charging stations developed by Aqua superPower and understand the vital role facilities play in the energy transition alongside the boats. The event is an extension of Yacht Club de Monaco’s inhouse commitment to sustainability. ISO 14001 certified since 2016, YCM adopts actions year-round: electricity sourced from renewables, ocean thermal energy to heat and cool the building, photovoltaic panels, water recycling, a ‘Clean Ports’ certified marina, Biohuts, and dynamic buoys to preserve the seabed. The message is clear: the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge does not just showcase tomorrow’s solutions, it takes place at a venue that is already putting them into practice.

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Follow spectacular technologically inspiring races
Innovation is assessed through competition. Teams compete in speed, endurance and manoeuvrability contests as well as for the Championship title, viewed from Quai Lucciana, the Jacques Boissy esplanade or from near the YCM. It’s a spectacle where sport performance and energy efficiency go hand in hand.

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Meet industry professionals
The Challenge proactively fosters dialogue between new generation engineers and industry players. Through its Corporate Mentoring Programme, 20 professionals mentored 22 teams this year as they developed their projects, sharing technical expertise, practical insights and an industry perspective. The collaboration ensures transfer of skills and helps speed up the move from idea to innovation. “The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to build alliances between the new generation of engineers and our industry. We are convinced that by combining our efforts to evolve performance, responsibility and design we can build a better future for Yachting,” explains Paris Baloumis, Director of Strategic Alliances, Oceanco. Taking place on Tuesday 7 July and Wednesday 8 July (10.00am to 5.00pm), the Job Forum complements this initiative by giving students direct contact with participating organisations, helping them expand their networks and maybe even leading to a first internship, job or collaboration.

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Get a glimpse of the future at conferences and Tech Talks
The Challenge is also a forum for reflection and discussion. Two international conferences bring industry players, researchers and decision-makers together to discuss key issues. The Advanced Yachting Technology Conference (9 July) focuses on innovation and the most promising technologies, while the Alternative Fuels & Sustainable Yachting Conference (10 July) will tackle decarbonization pathways with discussions on nuclear propulsion, wind power, methanol, next-generation batteries and electric power. Tech Talks are an opportunity for teams to present their projects and engage directly with an International Jury and the public.

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See projects that have developed into businesses
The Challenge is also an innovation accelerator. The Italian startup CompetR is a perfect example. The result of a collaboration with the UniBoat team (University of Bologna Argonauts Team), the company presented its electric outboard motor in 2024 for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Sustainable Yachting Technology Award. Spotted by MonacoTech, the company now supplies several teams with its counter-rotating propeller propulsion system, designed to improve energy efficiency while also reducing weight and consumption.