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Month: February 2025

World AI Cannes Festival: the future of work in an AI-driven world

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
17/02/2025

The World AI Cannes Festival, a leading showcase of artificial intelligence innovation, concluded this weekend at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. The three-day event, held from 13th to 15th February, brought together top AI developers, businesses, and public sector representatives to discuss the future of artificial intelligence.

French AI Minister Clara Chappaz and Luxembourg Finance Minister Gilles Roth were the keynote speakers who opened the festival, which attracted more than 10,000 attendees. The event’s main partner was the Département des Alpes-Maritimes, and discussions centred on AI applications in healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and financial services.

The exhibition floor featured 218 companies, including major industry players such as Tesla, IBM, DXC Technology, and AWS, alongside a wide range of AI startups showcasing cutting-edge innovations.

Notable demonstrations

Among the standout presentations was Digiotouch AI’s meeting management system, which drew attention for its ability to “overview, summarise, translate, and retain data from meetings”. Giorgia Pappalardo, a representative from the company, highlighted its benefits, stating, “Have you ever forgotten to take notes during an important meeting? With Digiotouch AI, you never have to worry again.”

Understand AI Tech also made waves with its approach to AI reliability. “Our new private model can fact-check, but it can also say no,” explained Florian Fromager, addressing concerns about AI-generated misinformation. “The problem with existing models is that they can produce unverified information, creating copyright issues.” He said that their model ensures accuracy by relying exclusively on user-provided documents and only conducting web research when explicitly commanded.

Another notable demonstration came from Lutech Brain, whose customised AI system was designed to convert both structured and unstructured data into coherent text while maintaining reasoning capabilities. Claudio Peroni, a company representative, noted that while the model is primarily aimed at large businesses, it showcases AI’s ability to demonstrate common sense rather than simply regurgitate information.

Concerns over AI replacing human labour

DXC Technology’s manufacturing robots sparked debate about AI’s impact on employment. When asked whether AI would replace human workers in factories, a DXC representative suggested that AI would “replace jobs that are not pleasurable to do”. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from another major company, speaking anonymously, stated that AI would “replace the jobs of people who refuse to use it”.

The festival concluded with a public open day, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the latest developments in artificial intelligence.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo credit: Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life

Maserati MSG Racing’s Jake Hughes earns first podium of the season at Jeddah E-Prix

by: Stephanie Horsman
17/02/2025

The inaugural Formula E doubleheader of the 2024/25 season, held on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia, has proven to be a successful outing for the Maserati MSG Racing team. Drivers Jake Hughes and Stoffel Vandoorne finished within the Top 10 in both races, with Hughes, who joined the Monaco-based team this season, securing a third-place podium finish in the second race of the weekend.

Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2024/25 Formula E season, held on 14th and 15th February respectively, resulted in strong performances for Maserati MSG Racing and its drivers, 30-year-old Brit Jake Hughes and 32-year-old Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne.

The duo finished within the Top 10—and in the points—in both races, with Hughes securing P5 and P3, and Vandoorne taking P10 and P6. As a result, Hughes has moved up to fifth in the overall rankings, with 27 points. Vandoorne is 13th in the Drivers’ Standings. In the team table, Maserati MSG Racing sits in fifth.

The team’s former driver, Max Günther, now with DS Penske, won Round 3, edging out Nissan’s Oliver Rowland. The podium was completed by McLaren’s Taylor Barnard.

Rowland found redemption in Round 4, coming out on top ahead of Barnard in second and Maserati MSG Racing’s Hughes in third.

Hughes took to social media to share his joy at earning his first podium with Maserati MSG Racing, writing, “What a race! The team managed it to perfection! Big weekend for us and can’t wait to get to Miami next.”

A statement from Maserati MSG Racing acknowledged the achievements of both its drivers, noting, “P3 for Jake, P6 for Stoffel—coming from the BACK of the grid! What a drive, what a fight! This weekend, we showed up. Both races, both cars, both in the points. And now, Jake is P5 in the championship! The momentum is real, and we’re only getting started. As a team, we couldn’t be prouder. We push together—through the highs and lows—lifting each other up every step of the way. This one feels like a win, and it only fuels us to fight harder.”

The next E-Prix is set to take place in Miami on 12th April, before the grid heads back to Europe for the Monaco E-Prix on 3rd and 4th May.

Read related:

All the major motorsport events in Monaco in 2025 and beyond

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo source: Maserati MSG Racing

AS Monaco Basketball lose 2025 Leaders Cup final to Le Mans

by: Elsa Carpenter
17/02/2025

A long and intense weekend of basketball in Caen, which had seemed so full of promise, has ended in a bitter defeat for AS Monaco Basketball. Having suffered a bruising 104-96 loss to Le Mans in the final round, the Roca Team has been forced to settle for second place in the 2025 Leaders Cup.

The action began on Friday 14th February when AS Monaco Basketball came up against Bourg-en-Bresse in the quarter-finals.

Mike James was the standout player of the game, contributing 31 points and leading his team through a challenging match-up that ultimately ended 101-88 in Monaco’s favour, putting the Principality side through to the semi-finals against ASVEL.

“I feel I need to be aggressive, and today I had to be more than usual,” said James after the game. “I want to win, this Leaders Cup is a trophy at stake, and I want to win it.”

The following day, the Roca Team entered the court at the Palais des Sports Caen de la Mer with the sole focus of beating ASVEL – a team the players know well – and getting through to the 2025 Leaders Cup finals.

Monaco dominated despite missing key player Vitto Brown, and the team’s chemistry was on full display, with James, Elie Okobo and Matthew Strazel leading the collective charge. ASVEL struggled to match Monaco’s intensity, with turnovers and missed shots hindering their efforts.

By halftime, Monaco had a 12-point advantage, which grew to 20 in the second half. As the game progressed, key contributions from Jaron Blossomgame, Georgios Papagiannis and Mam Jaiteh further extended the lead.

Although ASVEL made a late push, it was too little, too late. The Roca Team sealed their 91-78 victory, sending them to the final against Le Mans.

Off the court, Okobo shared, “We were solid the whole game. At the end of the second quarter, we gave up some three-pointers due to defensive mistakes, but overall, we played well. Now it’s time for the last game. We need to take care of our legs and bodies to maintain the energy and rhythm we had today. It’s been two years since we’ve been knocked out in the quarters or semis, but this year is the one. We all want to win the Leaders Cup, and you can see that on the court. Everyone is putting in the effort.”

AS Monaco Basketball v Le Mans

The final took place on Sunday 16th February, again at a packed Palais des Sports Caen de la Mer.

Despite all the optimism and hope going into the game, Vassilis Spanoulis’ men never found their rhythm and were forced to settle for second place, losing 96-104 to a proud Le Mans side.

“They deserve to win,” said Head Coach Spanoulis after the game. “They had excellent stats, they played freely. We knew Le Mans only had two big men, but those two big men killed us. We didn’t respect basketball, we didn’t respect Le Mans.”

He continued, “We thought it would be an easy game, we thought we had already won the Leaders Cup on Saturday. I’m very disappointed. To concede 104 points in a final, I’ve never seen that. We didn’t deserve to win. The attitudes were not right. We’re behaving like superstars. I would die for this team and its players, but I have to make decisions. Everyone has to look in the mirror. It’s not always someone else’s fault. I want to play with players who want to win.”

Going into the final, Monaco and Le Mans were already the two most successful teams in the competition, each having won the Leaders Cup three times in its history. Now, it is Le Mans who stands alone at the top of this title podium, leaving Monaco in a sorry second place.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball

Stelios Foundation launches Young Entrepreneur Awards for the French Riviera and Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
17/02/2025

Ambitious young entrepreneurs in Monaco and on the Côte d’Azur have an exciting new opportunity to showcase their businesses and win funding to help them expand and grow, thanks to the newly launched Stelios Foundation Young Entrepreneur Awards 2025.

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the renowned entrepreneur and founder of EasyJet and its subsidiaries, has launched the Stelios Foundation Young Entrepreneur Awards to support and celebrate innovative young business minds in the region.

Set to be held at the Stelios Foundation Conference Hall in Monaco on 16th May, the awards will see a total of €60,000 in cash prizes go to three outstanding entrepreneurs based in either the Principality or the French Riviera. The first-prize winner will take home a generous €30,000 to invest in their company, the second-placed entrepreneur will receive €20,000 and the third-prize winner will get €10,000. In addition to the financial boost, winners will receive €30,000 worth of communication, marketing and advertising support courtesy of the awards’ partner, Riviera Radio.

The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, the driving force behind the awards, is committed to supporting the local communities where Sir Stelios and his family have lived and worked, including Monaco and the Côte d’Azur. Similar initiatives have been launched in the UK, Greece and Cyprus, and the foundation has a strong track record of fostering entrepreneurship and job creation in each of these nations.

WHO CAN APPLY?

The Young Entrepreneur Awards are for keen young businesspeople born in 1990 or later, who run or have run a company registered in Monaco or the south of France within the last five years and have achieved an annual revenue of at least €30,000. Applicants must also be company directors who own more than 50% of their business’ shares. Those eligible can download the application forms here.

Applications must be submitted to maya.turnbull@stelios.com by 5pm on 24th April. The winners will be announced by Sir Stelios himself at the awards ceremony in mid-May.

Read related:

Stelios Scholars reunion in Monaco raises close to €300,000 for future scholarships

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Photo source: Stelios Philanthropic Foundation

Monaco-Nantes game dedicated to the Flavien Foundation’s fight against paediatric cancer

by: Stephanie Horsman
17/02/2025

Under the bright lights of the Stade Louis II over the weekend, AS Monaco delivered a resounding 7-1 victory over FC Nantes, but the night’s true significance went beyond the scoreboard. In honour of International Childhood Cancer Day, which fell on the same day as the match on Saturday 15th February, the Principality club decided to dedicate the game to the local Flavien Foundation as a show of its unwavering support in helping the charity raise funds for paediatric cancer research.

Founded by Denis Maccario in memory of his son Flavien, who lost his battle with a brain tumour in 2014, the Flavien Foundation has become a beacon of hope in Monaco’s fight against paediatric cancers. Over the past decade, it has raised vital funds for research, raised awareness of childhood cancer’s impact on patients and their families, and provided crucial support to those affected.

AS Monaco has long been a dedicated ally of the Foundation through its AS Monacoeur programme and once again used its powerful platform to champion the charity’s cause on the turf of the Stade Louis II on Saturday 15th February, when the team faced FC Nantes in Ligue 1.

On this night of triumphs and tributes, AS Monaco’s devotion was on full display as players took to the field wearing special jerseys featuring the Flavien Foundation’s logo.

Throughout the evening, messages advocating the work and goals of the Foundation illuminated the stadium’s LED panels and giant screens, reaching every spectator who had come to watch the game.

Beyond these grand gestures, the club organised a deeply personal and touching experience for 11-year-old Aymen, a young supporter who has cancer. Invited as a guest of honour, Aymen was granted exclusive access to the heart of the action, which included touring the stadium’s inner sanctum, greeting players upon arrival, and watching the pre-match warm-up from the edge of the pitch.

The Monaco team’s dominant performance on the field was a spectacle in itself, but the true victory lay in the awareness and support generated for a cause far beyond football. As the final whistle blew on an unforgettable night, the scoreboard may have read 7-1, but the most meaningful triumph belonged to those fighting against paediatric cancer.

For more information on the Flavien Foundation and its missions, click here.

Read related:

Football: Mika Biereth nets hat-trick as Monaco run riot against 10-men Nantes

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Photo source: AS Monaco

Cannes gears up for the International Games Festival

by: Niki Borisova
16/02/2025

Cannes will soon be transformed into a major gaming hub as the International Games Festival, the Festival International des Jeux, returns to the city at the end of this month. Here’s what to expect, from new attractions and expanded spaces to the As d’Or awards.

Cannes is best known for its prestigious film festival, but throughout the year, the city hosts a variety of other big events, including the Cannes International Games Festival. Now in its 38th edition, the event will be taking over the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès from 28th February to 2nd March, bringing together industry professionals, publishers, game designers and fans from around the world.

“The Cannes International Games Festival has become a not-to-be-missed event for all professionals in the gaming industry and gaming enthusiasts,” says Jean-Michel Arnaud, President of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. “It’s essential to pursue its development with redesigned spaces [and] an expanded offering to meet visitor expectations. This 38th edition will be very promising.”

The iconic venue will dedicate 60,000sqm of exhibition space to board games, video games, card games, role-playing games and more in 2025, including indoor exhibition halls and new outdoor structures on the beach and forecourt. The event will also feature tournaments, exhibitions and signing sessions, while the annual As d’Or awards will spotlight the best new games.

The As d’Or-Jeu de l’Année award serves as a benchmark for the industry, rewarding games that are engaging, well-designed and encourage replayability for both casual and seasoned players. The selection process considers factors such as material quality, game mechanics, clarity of rules and the creativity of the game’s authors.

The 2025 nominees for the As d’Or prize include Captain Flip, created by authors Remo Conzadori and Paolo Mori, illustrated by Jonathan Aucomte, edited by Playpunk and distributed by Asmodee. Another nominee is For a Crown, authored by Maxime Rambourg, illustrated by Paul Mayon, edited by Repos Production and distributed by Asmodee. The final nominee in this category is Odin, created by authors Gary Kim, Hope S. Hwang and Yohan Goh, illustrated by Studio Crocotame, edited by Helvetiq and distributed by Wilson Jeux.

A new addition for 2025 is a large labyrinth inspired by Alice in Playland, which will be installed on the terrace of the Palais des Festivals. A festival village with food trucks and live entertainment is also planned, offering visitors a place to gather outside the main exhibition areas.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Photo source: Festival International des Jeux