Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2026 show preview

The 13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge will bring together more than 50 teams from 21 countries at Yacht Club de Monaco from 8 to 11 July 2026. Students, engineers, researchers, manufacturers and shipyards will test and present electric, hydrogen, methanol, foiling and artificial intelligence technologies. Organisers say the projects are intended to support lower-emission marine transport.

Entries are divided across the Energy Class, AI Class, SeaLab Class and Open Sea Xperience. Organisers say 33 universities are competing, with a further 14 attending as observers. The programme combines speed, endurance and manoeuvrability contests with technical presentations, awards and two conferences focused on advanced yachting technology and alternative fuels.

The Village will be open free of charge from 10am to 6pm, Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 July. Visitors will be able to watch live race coverage, see prototypes being prepared, speak with teams and try the Winch Challenge and event simulator. Daily prize-givings are scheduled for 5.30pm. Organisers also say an E-Dock display will demonstrate fast-charging infrastructure developed by Aqua superPower.

The event connects students with industry through its Corporate Mentoring Programme, which involved 20 professionals and 22 teams in 2026. A Job Forum, conferences and Tech Talks are intended to help participants share technical work, build contacts and explore employment or commercial opportunities.

Yacht Club de Monaco highlights Nemo-Systems as one example of a student project moving into business. Founded by former participants, the company has developed an onboard data collection and analysis system that organisers say will be fitted to participating boats.

Since 2014, organisers say more than 6,500 students and around 50 universities have taken part in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge.