Organized by Yacht Club de Monaco, with support from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is now firmly established as the big event for imagining and testing the latest evolutions in cleaner propulsion. Major industry players and young engineers combined their expertise to accelerate the sector’s energy transition over four days of exploration together. YCM President HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco visited the students to learn more about the latest developments and kick off the championship finale in a highly charged atmosphere among the teams. “Technologies are advancing, the ideas also, now we must speed up. We all have a role to play – institutions, manufacturers, owners – it’s time to turn intentions into actions,” says YCM General Secretary Bernard d’Alessandri.

42 teams, 20 nationalities and 1,000-plus students

Among teams competing, some again pushed technologies to the limit, particularly in the Energy Class which numbered 20 entrants. In four years, battery storage capacity has almost doubled for the same weight while also improving safety, a sign that tangible progress has been made. The event also reached a milestone in terms of participation, with more boats competing and growing industry involvement.

New this year was the introduction of the AI Class for autonomous boats. Inspired by technologies from the drone sector, this class showcased boats that can manœuvre, dock and perform missions completely autonomously, thanks to systems incorporating sensors and artificial intelligence. The aim of this innovation is to advance the whole sector by facilitating adoption of these new technologies.

In terms of propulsion systems, interest in hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines is growing. Considered a promising avenue for retrofitting into existing yachts, it could represent a credible alternative to conventional engines. Meanwhile fuel cells, which are lighter and more efficient than ever before, continue to make great strides and technologically are starting to rival batteries. At the same time, innovative materials are being developed such as balsa fiber used by several teams this year. “It’s an excellent alternative between glass and carbon with very good mechanical performance, limited environmental impact, and at an affordable price. It’s a good path to take for the maritime industry in the short to medium term,” says Jérémie Lagarrigue, CEO of EODev and chair of the Jury Committee.

Divided into four categories, teams were exploring technologies for the future of yachting:

• AI Class: fully autonomous boats piloted by artificial intelligence,
• Energy Class: standardised hulls testing different technologies onboard,
• SeaLab Class: floating laboratories which this year focused on pioneering projects using hydrogen,
• Open Sea Class: CE certified zero-emission prototypes up to 25m that can take at least three people.

Out of all those competing, 30 boats were powered by electricity, 12 used hydrogen and 12 prototypes were employing foils. The sharing of expertise in Tech Talks in open source was reflected in the paddocks where the Indians from Sea Sakthi came to the aid of the French from Néréides. For half the members of the Indian team, it was their first trip abroad.

Winners in 2025 of the 12^th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge

2025 MEBC Champion: UniBoAT – University of Bologna Argonauts Team – Italy

Energy Class Winner: UniBoAT for the fourth time (2021, 2022, 2023 & 2025)

AI Class Winner: Antwerp Solar Boat Team – University of Antwerp – Belgium

SeaLab Class Winner: Red Wave – University of Bologna – Alma Mater Studiorum – Italy

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation >

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Sustainable Yachting Technology Award, worth €25,000, rewards the team whose solutions stand out for their measurable impact. Winner: Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna (Italy).

Innovation Prize -> UniBoAT – University of Bologna Argonauts Team – Italy

Design Prize -> UniBoAT – University of Bologna Argonauts Team – Italy

Communication Prize -> Team Sea Sakthi – Kumaraguru College of Technology – India

Eco-Conception Prize -> Elettra UniGe – Università di Genova – Italy

Jury Coup de Cœur Prize -> DHAMMA BLUE – Spain

Special Prize Rookie of the Year -> DTU Float Forward – Danmarks Tekniske Universitet – Denmark

Speed Record Prize -> Frauscher Boats (Open Sea Class) – Austria

SeaLab 16 nautical mile record -> Inocel in 30 minutes 9 seconds – France

E-Sport Championship -> BME Solar Boat Team – Budapesti Műszaki és Gazdaságtudományi Egyetem – Hungary