Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2026: record-breaking 56 teams from 22 countries gather at the Yacht Club de Monaco for the future of sustainable yachting

From 8 to 11 July 2026, the Yacht Club de Monaco will host the 13th edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, one of the world’s leading events dedicated to sustainable boating and zero-emission propulsion technologies.

The 2026 edition sets a new record with 56 teams from 22 countries, confirming the event’s rapid growth and its central role in the maritime energy transition.

A global event for the future of boating

Held under the initiative “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting”, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge brings together students, engineers, shipyards, and major industrial players to accelerate the development of innovative marine propulsion systems.

For the first time, teams from the United States and China will participate, further strengthening the event’s global reach.

Competitors will take part in four categories:

• Energy Class
• IA Class (autonomous, driverless vessels)
• SeaLab Class
• Open Sea Xperience

Open Sea Xperience: bridging prototypes and real-world application

The Open Sea Xperience category is one of the most strategic parts of the event, acting as a real-world test platform for certified zero-emission vessels (CE certified).

In 2026, 16 teams will present electric, hydrogen, and hybrid vessels designed for operational performance testing in real maritime conditions.

Key projects include:

• Wia 520HT by Wia Electric Yachts, a 16-meter electric catamaran
• KRONOS 300 propulsion systems developed by Weenav
• next-generation solar and electric propulsion solutions
• autonomous navigation and electric jet systems

The boats will be displayed and open to the public, offering a tangible view of the future of sustainable yachting.

Technology, research, and industry working together

The event is part of the “Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting” initiative and is supported by major partners including the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, UBS, BMW, SBM Offshore, and leading industry groups such as Ferretti Group, Azimut | Benetti, and Lürssen.

According to Bernard d’Alessandri, Secretary General of the Yacht Club de Monaco, the event enables teams to test technologies in real conditions while engaging directly with the industry, accelerating innovation transfer.

An international ecosystem for students and engineers

Since its launch in 2014, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge has involved:

• over 6,500 students
• around 400 teams
• more than 50 universities
• approximately 35 nationalities

The 2026 edition includes:

• 56 international teams
• 34 universities
• 22 nationalities
• over 1,000 students
• 49 electric projects
• 6 hydrogen projects
• 1 methanol project
• 10 foiling projects

A program combining racing and global conferences

Alongside on-water competitions (speed, slalom, endurance, and championship), the event offers a rich land-based program.

9 July – Advanced Yachting Technology Conference

Focused on cutting-edge innovation in maritime and yachting technologies.

10 July – Alternative Fuels & Sustainable Yachting Conference

Organized by the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, this session will explore:

• nuclear propulsion
• wind-assisted propulsion
• methanol fuels
• next-generation battery systems
• advanced electrification

From student competition to global innovation platform

Originally launched as a solar-powered university competition, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge has evolved into a global innovation platform for maritime technology.

Today, it acts as a unique ecosystem where research, industry, and education converge to accelerate the transition toward sustainable maritime mobility.

A key milestone for maritime decarbonization

With the increasing presence of electric, hydrogen, and hybrid technologies, the 2026 edition confirms Monaco’s role as a global laboratory for sustainable yachting and maritime innovation.