From July 1st to 5th, the Principality of Monaco will host the 12th edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, an event dedicated to the future of boating. It’s organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco with the support of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW, and SBM Offshore. The numbers are impressive: forty-two teams, twenty nations, twenty-nine universities, and over a thousand students will participate in this challenge.
Bridging academia and industry
The goal of this unique competition is to bridge the gap between academic research and the nautical industry, and to rethink maritime mobility in real-world conditions. Through innovative solutions and prototypes, participants will demonstrate how the maritime industry can be transformed into a more sustainable and efficient sector.

AI debuts on boats
A major novelty of this year’s edition is the debut of artificial intelligence (AI) on boats. The integration of AI brings an entirely new dimension to the competition, enabling the development of advanced systems for optimizing energy consumption, autonomous navigation, and improved vessel efficiency. This is a crucial step towards the future of smart and environmentally friendly boating.
A platform for innovation and collaboration
The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is not just a competition, but a platform for the exchange of knowledge, innovation, and collaboration among young talents, industry experts, and the academic community. Through this event, Monaco reaffirms its role as a leader in promoting sustainable solutions and technological advancements in the maritime sector.