A gruelling round-the-clock event set to push runners to the limits of their physical strength and mental determination is coming to Monaco this Friday. Inspired by the formidable former Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete David Goggins, the 4x4x48 Challenge will see participants put through their paces as they raise funds for the charitable projects and programmes of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.
The 48-hour non-stop race challenges participants to run 6.5 kilometres every four hours for two days straight, starting at 8pm on Friday 11th April. That means 12 runs between then and the evening of Sunday 13th April – an intense test of physical and mental mettle for any athlete.
There are no limitations on the ability of those taking part. You can be a seasoned runner or someone simply looking to make a difference and contribute to a meaningful cause. Whether you complete every run on the schedule or just one, your effort counts. Unlike a traditional race, this event puts more stock in personal growth and team spirit than competition. Each segment begins and ends at the same location – the event will begin in front of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation offices at 4 Quai Antoine 1er in Port Hercule – with runners meeting up five to ten minutes before each start. The goal is not to be the fastest, but to show up, support one another and push individual boundaries for a worthy cause.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Foundation and its local and international initiatives to save lives by promoting water safety and drowning prevention skills. Donations can be made via the official fundraising page available here. Participants are encouraged to give what they can to support this important cause.
To register for this fun and challenging event, click here.
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Photo source: Pixabay
‘Monaco’s Leap to the Stars’ in the spotlight at Washington’s Earth to Space festival
Monaco’s growing role in space innovation was centre stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., where a high-profile panel event hosted by the Principality’s embassy explored lunar exploration, astronaut insights and future collaborations.
On 29th March, the Embassy of Monaco to the United States took part in the international ‘Earth to Space: Arts Breaking the Sky’ festival with a dynamic roundtable event titled Monaco’s Leap to the Stars: Advancing High-Tech Innovations, Astronaut Insights and Lunar Exploration. The initiative brought together prominent voices from the global space community to highlight the Principality’s increasing presence in the aerospace sector.
The panel was moderated by Robert “Bob” Cabana, Chair of the International Space Station Advisory Committee and former NASA Associate Administrator. He was joined by Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science and Research at the Smithsonian and former NASA Chief Scientist, as well as Bill Nelson, former U.S. Senator, astronaut and NASA Administrator. Also contributing were Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria, Chief Astronaut at Axiom Space, and Jaret Matthews, CEO and founder of Astrolab, who previously led SpaceX’s Dragon module design team.
Outside the Kennedy Center, visitors were invited to see the FLEX lunar rover developed by Astrolab. The prototype integrates advanced components developed in Monaco by Venturi, underscoring the Principality’s contribution to next-generation space mobility. The display attracted strong public interest, spotlighting the tangible results of international cooperation in high-tech fields.
A day prior, Ambassador of Monaco to the U.S., Maguy Maccario Doyle, hosted a reception for 300 guests to mark the opening of the festival. The event, held in partnership with the Kennedy Center, the Consulate General of Monaco, and Astrolab, reflected Monaco’s commitment to building global partnerships in the name of scientific progress. In her speech, the Ambassador spoke of Prince Albert II’s vision to establish Monaco as a centre for innovation and sustainability in the space economy.
The festival’s educational outreach extended to students from Monaco’s Institution FANB, who took part in a virtual session on 31st March with NASA education specialist Dorian Janney. This interactive encounter offered students a unique chance to explore the space industry from an expert perspective.
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Photo source: Government Communication Department
MonacoTech opens call for bold startups to join its 2025 incubation program
Monaco’s flagship accelerator is searching for the next wave of pioneering startups ready to build from the Principality. Applications are now open for its highly selective 18-month program.
MonacoTech, the Principality’s official startup incubator and accelerator, has launched a new international call for applications. The goal? To find the most promising early-stage startups ready to scale from Monaco and make a meaningful impact across industries such as GreenTech, BioTech, BlueTech, FinTech, and Digital—with a special interest in AI-driven solutions.
Applications are now open from the 8th April to midnight on the 13th May 2025, and can be submitted via the MonacoTech website at www.monacotech.mc.
Entrepreneurs from around the world are encouraged to apply, particularly those leading early-stage companies with functional prototypes and a clear go-to-market timeline of less than 18 months. MonacoTech is seeking founding teams with bold ideas, societal relevance, and the grit to turn innovation into real-world results.
The selection process unfolds in three key phases: an online application submission due by 13th May, followed by video interviews in June for shortlisted candidates. Finalists will then pitch their projects to a panel of experts in late June, with selected startups joining the program in September 2025.
Successful candidates will gain access to MonacoTech’s 18-month tailor-made program, offering strategic mentorship, high-level technical and financial support, and exclusive networking opportunities within Monaco’s dynamic business ecosystem.
Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Interview: Monaco’s Íñigo López de la Osa Franco makes his mark on the showjumping world
At just 21, Íñigo López de la Osa Franco is quickly establishing himself as one of Monaco’s most promising young athletes and a rising star on the international showjumping circuit. Monaco Life‘s Niki Borisova sits down with the equestrian to learn about his dedicated training programme and his clear focus on growing his career under the Monegasque flag.
“It all started with my father,” he tells Monaco Life. “He used to compete in showjumping, and one day I told him I wanted to stop studying and focus entirely on riding. That’s when the journey began.”
That journey has taken him from junior competitions to the world stage. Most recently, Íñigo competed in the Global Champions League in Mexico City—one of the most competitive legs of the circuit—where he helped his team, Stockholm Hearts, secure improved 11th and 13th-place finishes, a step up from the season opener in Doha.
Rising through the ranks
“So far, I’ve had the chance to compete with Malin Baryard and Olivier Philippaerts—some of the best riders in the world,” says Íñigo. “It’s been amazing. They’re experienced, open to sharing their knowledge, and the team has a really friendly dynamic. I feel lucky to be surrounded by them.”
Individually, he placed 20th in the 1.60m class in Mexico City—an impressive performance that marks his growing consistency.
“The horses went above expectations,” he says. “It was a tough course, so to get a solid result in that kind of environment really boosted my confidence and motivation going into the next shows.”
His favourite venue?
“Mexico City, definitely,” he says. “But also Madrid and La Coruña. There’s something special about those places.”
Monaco Life sat down with Íñigo López de la Osa Franco to talk training, competition, and his ambitions for the European Championships. Photo by Monaco Life.
Íñigo is based in France, where he trains with Olympic rider Simon Delestre and his father, Marcel Delestre.
“I work mostly with Marcel, but I really admire both of them,” he enthuses. “They use the same system, just with different styles. Simon is unbelievable—he’s the only rider to stay in the world’s Top 30 for the last 20 years. Marcel is the heart of the team. I like the way they both approach the sport, and they’re always pushing me to improve.”
The connection with the Delestres came after Íñigo spent three years training in the Netherlands.
“When I left, I was looking for a new team, and thanks to my father, who had a great past with Simon—he rode my dad’s best horse—we reconnected. That’s how it all started,” he explains.
A season of opportunity
April is a busy month for the young rider. He’s already competed in Saint-Tropez and will head to Nancy from 17th to 20th April, before Fontainebleau from 25th to 27th April, as he pursues qualification for the 2025 European Championships in La Coruña. If successful, he would become the first Monegasque rider to compete at senior level in the European Championships.
“My goal is to qualify in my first year as a senior,” he says. “I have two qualifiers left. I’m doing everything I can to get there and represent Monaco—it would be an amazing experience.”
Another key date in his calendar is the Jumping International de Monte-Carlo in July, which is part of the Longines Global Champions Tour.
“Each year, the equestrian scene is growing in Monaco. There are more classes now for Monegasque riders, which is great for all of us,” he says. “I remember when we were just three juniors. Now we have full teams in every category.”
One stride at a time
Despite the intense schedule, Íñigo says rest is essential.
“I focus a lot on recovery and sleep. It helps me perform,” he says. “There’s pressure, of course, but I manage it by staying focused on my goals and sticking to my plan.”
Outside the ring, Íñigo hits the gym to stay in peak physical condition.
“The stronger I am, the easier it is with the horses,” he explains. He also enjoys watching football, tennis and Formula One.
His greatest inspiration is close to home: “Simon Delestre is my biggest role model. I’m lucky to ride alongside him. Sharing the ring with him is special.”
Looking back, Íñigo sees the youth competition system as key to his development.
“Youth categories are important—they give you the skills you need to progress,” he says. “The U25 circuit is the next step, and there you ride with the two best competitors from each country. It really prepares you for top-level sport.”
With strong international performances, elite training and sharp focus, Íñigo López de la Osa Franco is carving out his place in elite showjumping.
His advice for aspiring riders? “Be patient, focus on yourself, and take your time.”
Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Photos credit: Rodrigo Ceceña by UnoyCuatro
Nice hosting International Men’s Torball Tournament later this month
Nice is preparing to host the 15th International Men’s Torball Tournament, with teams from across Europe set to compete in a showcase of inclusive sport.
Set for Saturday 26th April at the Complexe Sportif Albert Malatesta, the tournament is organised by the handisport association ANICES and will see eight teams take to the court for a full day of international competition.
The annual tournament has become a fixture in the inclusive sports calendar. For ANICES, which now hosts multiple Torball competitions throughout the year, including a French championship, this particular event remains symbolic—it was the first the club ever organised. The association, which has expanded its reach and activities over the years, says the event reflects its continued commitment to promoting inclusivity through sport.
Torball is a fast-paced team sport played by visually impaired athletes, where players aim to throw a ball with bells inside into the opposing team’s goal while defending their own using only sound and touch
Last year’s edition coincided with the Olympic and Paralympic year and featured the official mascots of the Paris 2024 Games. This time, the focus will be on marking the 15-year milestone with a solid sporting programme.
The competition will feature teams from France, Italy, Belgium and Switzerland. The Italian team from Augusta, winners of the last two editions, will return to defend their title. They will face fellow Italian side Bergamo, Belgium’s Waasland, and two Swiss teams: Heidiland and Glarus. France will be represented by Lisieux and two teams from Nice.
Nice 1 will be composed of Sébastien Filippini, Mikael Maunier, Cédric Bouchet, Gilles Brand, and Yacine Ait-Seguer Prussia, coached by François Dumont. Nice 2 will include François Dumont, Mirlind Sadiku, Bernard Berger, Philippe Fellenz, and Souleymane Jedani, with coaching from Christelle Gilles.
In the 2024 edition, Nice 1 finished second, also earning the tournament’s best attack and best defence distinctions. Around 150 spectators were present.
This year’s tournament runs from 8:30am to 6:30pm. Entry is free, and the organisers encourage local support for the home teams.
Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Photo source: Anices Handisport, Facebook
‘Intertwined Destinies’: Empires and dynasties collide in upcoming exhibition on Monaco’s Napoleonic connections
This summer, the Grimaldi Forum will explore the fascinating yet largely untold and unknown story of how the Principality’s own history is intricately entwined with that of the First and Second Empires of Napoleon Bonaparte in Monaco and the Napoleons: Intertwined Destinies.
Set to be one of the season’s most anticipated events, Monaco and the Napoleons: Intertwined Destinies at the Grimaldi Forum will offer a deep dive into the intersecting journeys of Napoleon I, Napoleon III, Empress Joséphine and Empress Eugénie as they crossed paths with the interests of the Grimaldi family.
Held under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, the exhibition is ambitious in its historical scope and scholarly foundation. Conceived and curated by Thomas Fouilleron and Thomas Blanchy from the Archives and Library of the Prince’s Palace, along with Pierre Branda, Scientific Director of the Napoleon Foundation, the show offers a re-examination of the Napoleonic legacy through the lens of Monaco’s past.
Visitors can expect to see a remarkable array of rare artworks, historical documents and prized artefacts. Amongst the most striking features of the show is the inclusion of items from the private collection of Monaco residents David and Mikhail Yakobachvili. The father–son duo, renowned collectors of decorative and mechanical arts, have amassed nearly 25,000 pieces spanning four centuries, and some of their Napoleonic collection will be included in this exhibit.
Adding a contemporary voice to this journey into the past, Louis Ducruet, Princess Stéphanie’s eldest child, will serve as ambassador of the exhibition, offering his own perspective on the era.
Running from 11th July to 31st August, the exhibition follows the rousing success of the recent Artcurial Paris auction Napoleon(s): Imperial Collections from a Great Connoisseur, which featured numerous pieces from a collection amassed by Prince Albert II’s great-grandfather, Prince Louis II, and has sparked renewed interest in all things Napoleonic within the Principality.
More details on the programme and featured works will be announced in the lead-up to the exhibition’s grand opening.
Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Photo of Jacques-Louis David’s ‘Napoleon Crossing the Alps’, 1801
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