The prototypes are now in the water ready for action. After months of preparation and a couple of days spent on technical inspections and teams setting up on Quai Louis II, the 13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is up and running. It officially opened this Wednesday evening with an opening ceremony attended by H.E. Mr. Christophe Mirmand, Minister of State; Céline Caron-Dagioni, Minister of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development; Karen Aliprendi, Vice-Chair of the Finance and National Economy Committee (responsible for business and innovation); Colonel Tony Varo, Superior Commander of the Public Force; Jean-Philippe Vinci, Director of National Education, Youth and Sports; and numerous representatives from the consular and diplomatic corps.
Until July 11, over 500 engineering students comprising 54 teams from 21 nations will be putting their innovations to the test at sea. From hydrogen, batteries, methanol and AI to hydrofoils and new materials, Monaco transforms into an open-air testing ground for maritime technologies that will shape the future. A tradition anchored in the Principality’s history going back as far as 1904 when the first powerboat meetings attracted leading manufacturers to test out their new engines.
At the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge students come not only to race but also to showcase their innovations, compare technical choices and engage with industry professionals. Organised by Yacht Club de Monaco, supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW, SBM Offshore, Monaco City Hall, NatPower H and ESA NanoTech, the event champions collaboration and sharing knowledge. Open-source discussions with an International Jury during Tech Talks, plus the Corporate Mentoring Programme and Job Forum play key roles in this approach. Students present their prototypes, industry players watch and question them, and sometimes even recruit them, cementing the Challenge’s reputation for building bridges between students and the maritime sector.
Even before the first races, the Job Forum set the tone by bringing students, recent graduates and professionals together for interviews, advice, career insights, internships, job opportunities and networking on 7 and 8 July.
“It’s essential for us to be here where the talent is. These students bring something unique. They are learning to manage their time, plan projects and work in teams, which are fundamental skills to developing a career in the business. They go away not only with an impressive CV but something even more valuable: interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively within a team,” says Annalisa Gianoglio, Head of Development, Training & Engagement at Azimut | Benetti Group.
One of the many students who came to meet recruiters, Milena Idolo, Design Unit Coordinator in the Politecnico di Milano team, sees this as an opportunity to get a head start on her career: “I wanted to get a general overview of the company and find out about available positions, especially as I’m nearing the end of my studies. It is a great chance for students to speak directly with companies and discuss their future. I highly recommend participating, as it’s an excellent way to discover future opportunities.”
On Thursday 9 July the focus shifts from events at sea to discussions ashore. Two international conferences will bring together industry players, researchers, and experts to address major changes transforming the maritime sector. The Advanced Yachting Technology Conference will focus on innovations applicable to the yachting sector. On Friday 10 July the 7th Alternative Fuels & Sustainable Yachting Conference, organised jointly by YCM and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, explores innovations driving decarbonisation of the maritime sector.
After months of preparation, students will finally be able to put their solutions to the test in real-world sailing conditions. The first sea trials begin Thursday 9 July, they include timed laps on a 0.66-nautical-mile course, as well as manoeuvrability and docking tests, and speed trials depending on their category. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Sustainable Yachting Technology Award, worth €25,000, will be awarded. This recognises the most innovative university or research project. The day’s agenda concludes with qualifier sessions for the E-Sport Championship, a virtual competition inspired by the on-water events.
From Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 July, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge Village is open to the public free of charge from 10.00am to 6.00pm. Located on the Jacques Boissy Esplanade and Lucciana Jetty, the Village occupies a shaded area set up near the YCM Marina. Visitors can watch the races live on big screens, attend the daily 5.30pm prize-giving ceremonies and view the teams’ prototypes and talk to their designers. As a bridge between the public, students and professionals, the Village is a great opportunity to experience the Challenge and to be at the heart of the buzz building around innovation.
All day, a variety of activities are on offer. Sports enthusiasts can take on the “Winch Challenge” while the official Monaco Energy Boat Challenge simulator offers the chance to virtually board a prototype. Fun activities, dining areas, and free ice cream every afternoon will also ensure visitors have a great experience.
Teams will continue competing on the waters off Monaco until Saturday, while the conferences, Tech Talks and meetings with industry representatives keep the dialogue flowing. All illustrate the mission of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge: to advance maritime technologies by bringing together research, higher education and industry.
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