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Day: 5 December 2025

Monaco’s 30th Business Creation Competition crowns four innovative startups

by: Cassandra Tanti
05/12/2025

An artificial intelligence-driven construction management platform has won the top prize at Monaco’s 30th annual Business Creation Competition, taking home €40,000 in the landmark anniversary edition of the event.

Radio Chantier, founded by Cyril Cros and Alexandre Mattelon, was awarded the Government Prize at a ceremony held on 3rd December at the Auditorium Rainier III. The platform uses AI to bridge the gap between on-site decision-making and overall project management in construction operations.

The awards evening, organised by the Junior Chamber of Commerce Monaco (JCI Monaco) under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, celebrated three decades of supporting young entrepreneurs looking to establish businesses in the Principality.

Sustainable energy and circular economy ventures recognised

DataGreen, a sustainable energy venture led by Julien Choukroun, claimed second place and the JCI Monaco Prize worth €21,000. The company has developed an innovative process to capture and reuse energy emitted by data centres, addressing growing concerns about the environmental impact of digital infrastructure.

The third major award, the Athos Partners Prize of €10,000, went to Meuble Monaco. Represented by Isobel Ridley, the venture operates an online resale platform designed to help Monaco residents manage and recycle furniture, offering a practical solution to resource management in the space-conscious principality.

ClickMeal received the Jury’s Special Award for its workplace dining innovation. The company, founded by Alexia Montero and Guillaume Delachet, has developed connected refrigerators that transform office spaces into modern food service points, offering local and economical meal solutions tailored to company needs.

Anniversary edition honours past success stories

To mark the 30th anniversary, JCI Monaco introduced new awards recognising success stories from previous competitions. Three established businesses, DITO, A Domicile Monaco and Carlo, were honoured for their ongoing contribution to Monaco’s entrepreneurial landscape, with each representing a different decade of the competition’s history.

Winners receive comprehensive support package

All winners gain access to the Success Box, a comprehensive support programme provided by competition partners. The package includes expert guidance from organisations including Monaco Telecom, KPMG, Monaco Economic Board and Monaco Boost, designed to help new businesses navigate their crucial first year of operations in the Principality.

Three decades of supporting Monaco entrepreneurs

Since its creation in 1995, the Business Creation Competition has supported entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 40 seeking to establish their ventures in Monaco. The initiative operates with backing from the Princely Government, technical collaboration from the Economic Development Department and Welcome Office, and support from JCI Monaco’s network of partners.

Previous winners have included businesses that have become established names in Monaco, among them WES, Carlo App, Athos Partners, Papyrus, Bookvidéo, Le Teashop and My Marketing Xperience. The competition has become a recognised launchpad for young entrepreneurs looking to tap into Monaco’s unique economic environment.

Eligibility requirements for future competitions

To be eligible for future competitions, candidates must be aged between 18 and 40 during the current calendar year and own at least 33 per cent of their company’s capital. They must also serve as manager or future manager of the business and meet the conditions for conducting professional activity in Monaco. All projects must comply with Monaco regulations and be intended for establishment in the Principality.

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Photo source: JCI

 

Monaco’s reusable container scheme to close for redesign after three-year trial

by: Cassandra Tanti
05/12/2025

Monaco’s pioneering reusable container scheme for restaurants and takeaway services will cease operations at the end of December, as the Princely Government prepares to develop a more effective version of the environmental initiative.

Launched in 2022, the MaConsigne scheme was created to reduce reliance on single-use plastic packaging in the catering and takeaway sector by promoting a system of reusable containers. The programme allowed customers to borrow containers from participating restaurants and return them after use, creating a circular economy model for food packaging.

After more than three years of experimentation, the Princely Government says it has drawn positive conclusions regarding the scheme’s environmental and educational impact. However, officials have identified the need to evolve both the economic and operational model to ensure it fully meets expectations and achieves its waste reduction goals, according to a government statement.

Government thanks participants and pledges renewed approach

In announcing the closure, the government expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the experiment since 2022, including restaurateurs, partner entities and companies, users and technical teams. Officials described their engagement and participation as essential to understanding how such schemes can function in the Principality.

Drawing on the experience gained from the initial programme, the government says it now aims to evolve the concept whilst maintaining its ambition to reduce waste and promote the circular economy. Officials have characterised the closure of the current system as a strategic pause rather than an abandonment of the underlying environmental objectives.

Mission for Energy Transition to lead review process

According to the government, a phase of reflection and evaluation will be conducted under the aegis of the Mission for Energy Transition, which will examine different approaches in consultation with all stakeholders. This collaborative review process aims to identify improvements that can make a future iteration of the scheme more viable and effective.

The assessment will likely focus on operational challenges that emerged during the trial period, including container return rates, hygiene protocols, logistics costs and user engagement. These insights will inform the design of whatever system eventually replaces MaConsigne.

Commitment to waste reduction remains unchanged

Despite the closure of the current scheme, officials have emphasised that the government’s objective remains firmly fixed on proposing concrete, innovative and sustainable alternatives for reducing waste at source. The pause in operations represents an opportunity to build on lessons learned and create a more robust system that can achieve meaningful environmental impact whilst remaining economically sustainable.

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Evelyne Genta appointed first ever Monaco ambassador to United Arab Emirates

by: Cassandra Tanti
05/12/2025

Monaco has established its first ambassadorial post in the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant step forward in diplomatic relations between the Principality and the Gulf state.

On 1st December, Evelyne Genta presented her credentials to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, officially becoming Monaco’s first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the UAE.

The appointment represents a new chapter in bilateral relations between the Principality and the Emirates, strengthening the bonds of friendship that unite the two states whilst opening pathways for fresh collaboration opportunities.

Strengthening strategic partnership

The establishment of a permanent ambassadorial presence signals Monaco’s commitment to deepening its relationship with the UAE, a partnership that has grown increasingly important in recent years. Both nations share similar characteristics as small territories with significant global economic influence and strong interests in luxury sectors, tourism and international finance.

The move follows a pattern of expanding diplomatic engagement between Monaco and Gulf states, reflecting the Principality’s strategic focus on strengthening ties with key partners in the Middle East region. The UAE, with its position as a major business and cultural hub, represents an important ally for Monaco’s economic and diplomatic interests.

New perspectives for cooperation

Ambassador Genta’s appointment is expected to facilitate enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, culture and environmental initiatives. Both Monaco and the UAE have demonstrated strong commitments to sustainability and innovation, creating natural opportunities for partnership on climate action and clean technology.

The establishment of this diplomatic post also positions Monaco to engage more effectively with the broader Gulf Cooperation Council region, using the UAE as a strategic base for expanding its diplomatic footprint in the area.

See also:

Monaco’s trade mission to the UAE yields high-level business ties

 

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Photo source: Government Communications Department