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Month: May 2026

Innovation and ambition: The winners of the 2026 Stelios Foundation Young Entrepreneur Awards in Monaco and the Riviera

by: Virginia D’Umas
25/05/2026

The entrepreneurial heartbeat of the French Riviera took centre stage on Thursday 21st May, as the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation hosted the highly anticipated Stelios Foundation Young Entrepreneur Awards. Held at the Foundation’s headquarters in Monaco, the prestigious ceremony gathered the region’s elite business minds, investors and community leaders to celebrate next-generation business talent operating across the South of France and the Principality. 

The awards, spearheaded by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou—the legendary billionaire philanthropist and founder of the Easy family of brands (including easyJet)—identify and support young, agile startups driving economic vitality. 

When asked by Monaco Life why fostering this early-stage business ecosystem matters so much for the region, Sir Stelios was remarkably direct about the realities of modern economics: 

“Creating new jobs starts by encouraging young people to create new businesses,” Sir Stelios explained. “Big businesses sometimes shrink—they sometimes make people redundant. So it’s the young startups that create the new jobs in an economy, and I think it’s good for our communities.”  

Reflecting on his own journey launching easyJet at just 27 years old, Sir Stelios added that youth provides a unique, almost fearless advantage when navigating the volatile waters of business ownership: “The best time to do it is before you understand how much risk you’re taking. So start at 27 or 28, and by 32 or 33, you are successful.” 

The top spot: Félix Nacach’s BedBoat sails to victory 

The crowning moment of the ceremony belonged to Félix Nacach, the founder of BedBoat. Nacach is a familiar face to the foundation; having successfully secured second place at last year’s awards, his persistent effort, resilience and excellent operational achievements over the past twelve months propelled him straight to the top. As the first-place grand prize winner, Nacach walked away with the coveted €30,000 cash prize to fund the continued expansion of his innovative maritime venture. 

First prize winner Felix Nacach

BedBoat has rapidly disrupted the local nautical tourism market by transforming moored vessels into premium, hotel-style accommodations. By unlocking underutilised assets in ports across the Riviera, Nacach’s platform offers travellers a unique luxury experience while providing boat owners with a seamless stream of passive revenue. 

“Reaching the top spot this year is a massive validation of our growth and persistence,” Nacach shared with Monaco Life. The €30,000 injection will pivotally scale BedBoat‘s digital infrastructure and expand its footprint across premium Mediterranean berths. 

Second prize winner Tina Lyberaki

High-tier mentorship wins second place 

Securing the coveted second-place award was Tina Lyberaki, the founder of Athena Academia, an ultra-premium personalised education and mentorship institution located directly in front of the Vanguard in Monaco. 

A University College London graduate, Lyberaki spent a decade tutoring maths and physics in the Principality before launching the academy to serve a discerning demographic split between the International School of Monaco and elite Swiss boarding schools like Aiglon College. With a network of 50 high-level international teachers, primarily Oxford graduates, Lyberaki rejects the term ‘agency’, viewing her role as deeply psychological. 

“We don’t just put a tutor and a student together,” Lyberaki explained to Monaco Life. “I personally visit the family home to analyse the student’s energy and personality—whether they face emotional difficulties or ADHD—and hand-select the perfect tutor. When you establish that exact bond of energy, the student blooms completely.” 

For Lyberaki, the public stage of the Stelios Awards offers a vital platform to reach more families navigating the pressures of elite education, noting that roughly 20% of her current student body actively battles modern anxiety and ADHD. 

From left to right Sir Stelios, Pierre Athimon – third prize winner and Philippe Ortelli – President Board of Industry of Monaco

Disruption in traditional sectors 

The 2026 finalists perfectly embodied this fearless ethos, showcasing how entrepreneurial drive can breathe vital innovation into traditionally conservative industries. 

Taking a prominent top-three position was Pierre Athimon, founder of Corporate Assurances, an independent brokerage specialising in industrial, commercial and complex risk across France and Monaco. Navigating intricate corporate safeguards requires absolute focus, a trait Athimon credits for his success. 

“The best piece of business advice I’ve received in my life is probably to go straight and never look back,” Athimon explained to Monaco Life. “You have one target and you have to reach it. So don’t listen to people, don’t look the other way—just go straight to your point and it will be fine.” 

For Athimon, the accolade carries profound weight due to the calibre of the judging panel and his contemporaries. “It’s a big opportunity because, in my point of view, Sir Stelios is a big businessman, and most of all, he is a charitable man for entrepreneurs.” 

From left to right Sir Stelios, Paola Alemanno Grislain (fourth prize) and Guillaume Rose (CEO Monaco Economic Board)

Green healthcare and corporate logistics share fourth 

In a testament to the diverse talent on display, the joint fourth-place prize saw two standout entrepreneurs receive €5,000 each toward their ventures. 

Paola Alemanno Grislain, the driving force behind Ambulances du Rocher, turned heads in the premium medical sector. Her Monaco-based medical transport company focuses on high-end patient transportation, combining absolute clinical reliability with cutting-edge modernisation. Built on a dual vision of complete digital end-to-end integration and an eco-responsible, fully electric ambulance fleet, her business brings vital modern innovation to a traditionally conservative sector. 

“Receiving this prize means recognition of all the innovation we want to bring to a very traditional sector,” Alemanno Grislain noted. “It highlights the vital impact that modern, eco-conscious entrepreneurship can create today.” 

Sharing the fourth-place honours was Romain Le Rouge, celebrated for his exceptional work at the helm of ExcelloCenter, a corporate logistics and business solutions hub making major waves on the Riviera. 

Fuelling Monaco’s next generation 

By pairing financial backing with elite peer recognition, the Stelios Foundation continues to ensure that Monaco’s economic ecosystem remains dynamic, resilient and forward-thinking. The Thursday ceremony proved once again that the best investment the community can make is in the unfiltered ambition of its youth. 

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Photo from left to right: Pierre Athimon, Sir Stelios and Felix Nacach. Bottom, from left to right: Romain Le Rouge, Tina Lyberaki and Paola Alemanno Grislain.

Chinese delegation visits Monaco for first bilateral economic talks in 13 years

by: Cassandra Tanti
25/05/2026

A delegation from the Chinese Embassy in France and Monaco paid an official visit to the Principality on 12th May, marking the first high-level bilateral economic exchange in more than 13 years.

The delegation was led by Wang Dong, the embassy’s Minister for Economic and Commercial Affairs. The day-long programme brought Chinese diplomats into direct contact with Monaco’s government ministers, business leaders, and institutional representatives, with discussions centred on bilateral trade and cooperation.

Talks with Monaco’s finance minister

Wang Dong and his delegation met with Frédéric Cottalorda, Monaco’s Conseiller de Gouvernement-Ministre des Finances et de l’Économie, to review the current state of bilateral relations and explore areas for future development.

Both sides noted a significant rise in trade volumes between the two countries over the past five years, in both imports and exports. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in a spirit of open and constructive dialogue — a hallmark, they said, of Sino-Monegasque relations over more than 30 years, despite the considerable differences between the two countries’ socio-economic systems.

Working lunch at the Yacht Club de Monaco

At the initiative of Monaco’s Embassy in China, a working lunch was held at the Yacht Club de Monaco, bringing together the Chinese delegation alongside company directors and senior representatives from Monaco’s institutions responsible for economic development, attractiveness, and tourism.

Discussions focused on sectors seen as offering strong potential for bilateral cooperation, including tourism, innovation, start-ups, high technology, ecology, the blue economy, and renewable energy.

‘Business Destination China’ conference

The day concluded with a conference organised by the Monaco Economic Board, at the invitation of the Monegasque Chamber of Commerce. Before an audience of more than 70 business leaders, the Chinese delegation delivered a wide-ranging presentation on the specificities of the Chinese market and the opportunities it offers for foreign enterprises.

A networking cocktail reception followed, allowing Monaco’s entrepreneurs to engage directly with the embassy’s diplomatic staff.

The visit signals renewed momentum in economic ties between the Principality and the world’s second-largest economy, with both sides indicating an appetite for more structured engagement in the months ahead.

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Photo source: Government Communications Department

Behind the lens of time: Monaco’s Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology unveils Fouilles exhibition

by: Virginia D’Umas
23/05/2026

Stepping beyond the traditional museum walls, Monaco Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology Director Elena Rossoni-Notter and acclaimed photographer Stéphane Gamelin took over the Galerie des Pêcheurs on Monday 18th May to unveil Fouilles (Excavations). Presented at an exclusive press conference, this off-site exhibition strips away the dusty stereotypes of history to offer a glamorous, high-tech glimpse into the gripping reality of live archaeological fieldwork and advanced laboratory analysis.

Set to run until the end of June, the striking archaeology-focused exhibition was brought to life through the lens of photographer Stéphane Gamelin. Chosen for their blend of aesthetic brilliance and compelling narrative, the photographs offer a deeply fascinating look into the reality of modern research. The curated collection takes viewers on an immersive journey through every intricate stage of fieldwork—from the raw grit of archaeological excavation and site surveying right through to the precision of laboratory analysis.

“For my team and me, this was an exhibition where we truly wanted to break the mould. This isn’t just a traditional prehistoric museum, nor is it merely a passing tourist spot; it is a live research laboratory museum. Although it deals with prehistory, it is an incredibly modern institution where visitors will discover the cutting-edge worlds of DNA sequencing, advanced analysis, carbon dating, 3D technology, and photogrammetry,” said the museum’s director during the press conference.

The fine art of the fragment: Why every grain of history matters

“Right now, the team is actively searching—meticulously hunting for artifacts that lay undisturbed for 250 million years before the arrival of the territory’s very first Monegasque inhabitants. Once unearthed, the excavated earth undergoes a rigorous sieving process, first dry-riddled and then washed with water, ensuring absolutely nothing is missed before the remaining material is transferred to the laboratory for post-excavation analysis,” explained Olivier Notter, archaeologist and excavation mission coordinator. 

Inside the laboratory, the real scientific work unfolds as each find is meticulously catalogued within an authentic excavation logbook. Every single object is precisely mapped using three-dimensional coordinates—the X, Y, and Z axes—alongside its exact orientation, inclination, dimensions, sector, and specific soil layer. Currently, the team is documenting calcites using this exact method.

This granular data is vital because the act of excavation is inherently an act of controlled destruction; by digging a site, researchers dismantle it forever. Consequently, the true skill of the modern archaeologist lies in the ability to record these precise coordinates during the dismantle, allowing the museum team to digitally reconstruct the historic living quarters and prehistoric habitats with unprecedented accuracy.

“Every element—from millimetre-accurate site plans and architectural diagrams to the bones, the small artifacts, the flint, and the surrounding stones—is interconnected. It is never a single object acting alone that defines a discovery; rather, it is the relationship between all these moving pieces that allows us to tell the true story of the past,” said the archeologist. 

Capturing history through a creative lens

Stéphane Gamelin is an acclaimed photographer, author, and graphic designer based in Antibes, whose distinguished career is celebrated for bridging the worlds of evocative imagery, compelling storytelling, and historical transmission. A member of the prestigious Académie des Arts et Sciences de la Mer, Gamelin initially built his reputation within maritime communication, spending years documenting nautical and underwater worlds. From his iconic photography capturing the elegance of Les Voiles d’Antibes to authoring Le Premier Plongeur—a tribute to pioneering diver Frédéric Dumas—his work has always combined aesthetic brilliance with profound documentary meaning. His current project, Calypso Genesis, continues this maritime obsession, exploring the historic roots of the legendary RV Calypso in Antibes.

But for Fouilles, Gamelin has seamlessly transitioned his lens from the open sea to the subterranean world of archaeological research, bringing his signature rigor and emotion to Monaco’s Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology.

“The greatest challenge went far beyond the physical toll of working in the dust or dodging cave ceilings. The true test lay in bridging fine-art expression with scientific storytelling. It was never about merely documenting a scene, but finding an artistic angle that still clearly communicated the intricate research. My ultimate ambition was to immerse the viewer so deeply that they didn’t feel like an outside observer, but as if they were the archaeologist themselves,” the photographer told Monaco Life.

To achieve this deeply narrative, storytelling approach, Gamelin entirely embedded himself within the research team. He sought out perspectives that placed his camera directly in the action, jokingly recalling moments where he felt positioned right between the ancient remains of prehistoric beasts. His process required capturing the entire spectrum of the excavation, from the grand architectural scale of the site down to the most microscopic details—the texture of ancient soil layers or the steady, precise hands of a researcher.

Among the curated collection, Gamelin points to a striking black-and-white image as the definitive essence of the project. Capturing a researcher illuminated by a single, sharp beam of light cutting through the heavy dust and absolute obscurity of a cave, it was the very first photo he sent to Museum Director Elena Rossoni-Notter as a token of thanks.

It is precisely this evocative, high-art vision that has taken visitors by surprise; where many expect standard, sterile scientific documentation, they instead discover a deeply moving human story. Working entirely without the constraints of a commercial commission or financial pressure, Gamelin attributes the success of Fouilles to total creative freedom, allowing him to explore the ancient site with the uninhibited, joyful curiosity of a child.

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Photo credit : Manuel Vitali, Government Communications Department 

Monaco’s Elie Okobo named Betclic Elite MVP as playoffs begin

by: Kayla Sauceda
22/05/2026

After years of championships, individual honours, and standout performances, Elie Okobo has added one more accolade to his résumé. The Monaco guard has officially been named Betclic Elite MVP for the 2025-2026 season, claiming his first league MVP title over Nadir Hifi and Mathis Dossou-Yovo as the club enters the playoffs.

The 2025-2026 season has certainly been one to remember for Okobo. The guard averaged 17 points, shot 71.3% from two-point range, 50.7% from beyond the arc, and averaged 4.5 assists per game. He ranked amongst the top five scorers of the season and led the league in player evaluation with an 18.5 average. Over the years, the French national has developed into one of the league’s top performers, with the 2025-2026 season further reinforcing his status among the Betclic Elite’s best.

From a season high of 28 points in November to a season high of 9 assists in May, his performance remained consistent from the beginning of the season through to the playoffs.

Despite a complicated season with the club, Okobo’s performance on the court remained steady. In a season marked by setbacks and obstacles, Okobo proved himself to be a leader on and off the court. Whether through impressive three-point shooting or performing under physical intensity with reduced rotations, he continued to deliver for Monaco. He performed consistently while balancing an intense EuroLeague schedule with domestic competition.  The schedule proved physically demanding, with recent months seeing up to four games in a span of seven days where the roster was reduced to eight players.

Okobo was not an occasionally explosive player; rather, he was a reliable backbone of the club throughout the season. Although he may not have always been the “loudest” performer on the court, he was always there showing up to get the job done and adapting to what the team needed on a given night. If the three-point shots were not falling, his focus shifted to assists, defensive intensity, and controlling the flow of the game.

In his years playing for Monaco, he has remained composed under high-pressure situations, developed chemistry with his teammates, and controlled the game well in both point guard and shooting guard roles.

After winning three national championships, Finals MVP in 2022, Coupe de France Final MVP in the 2022-2023 season, and Leaders Cup MVP earlier this season, the league MVP award adds another accomplishment to an already highly decorated career. Nearing the end of his fourth season with Monaco, it marks another milestone in his time with the club.

Despite receiving the league’s highest individual honour, Okobo was quick to redirect recognition to those around him. “I’m the most valuable player, but you’re the most valuable teammates,” he said following the announcement, reinforcing the team-first mentality that has defined much of his season.

Heading into the playoffs, this MVP win could give Okobo an extra push to navigate his team into the championships, especially as their roster remains reduced. With Monaco still managing a shortened rotation, the award comes at a pivotal moment in the season. As the team begins its playoff run, Monaco will once again look to one of its most reliable players to help lead Monaco’s pursuit of another championship.

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Photo credit: AS Monaco Basket

Monaco United narrowly miss Mediterranean Cup title after penalties

by: Kayla Sauceda
22/05/2026

Monaco United made their historic debut at the 2026 Mediterranean Cup final, facing Olympique de Marseille’s reserve team. The closely contested battle had to be decided by a penalty shootout after the sides finished level at 2-2, ultimately sealing Monaco’s defeat after two missed penalties.

Even ahead of the match, Monaco had much to be proud of. The team had already had a historic season and became the first district-level club in the history of the Mediterranean Cup to reach the final.

Despite the challenge ahead, Monaco showed up strong. From the opening minutes, Monaco played with ambition, remaining true to themselves and maintaining intensity throughout. Their goal, no matter the opponent, was to play on their own terms.

With a large crowd gathered to watch such an intense matchup, both teams delivered a highly competitive contest. Monaco had many promising opportunities, but Olympique de Marseille struck first 15 minutes into the match to take a 1-0 lead.

Marco Simone’s team, however, did not show signs of giving up and responded with more determination than before. At around the 30-minute mark, Sarah Lakhssassi found the equalizer for Monaco, tying the score at 1-1.

The fight did not end there, as Marseille managed to regain the advantage just before halftime and secure a 2-1 lead. Simone’s message to the team at halftime was clear: raise the tempo and continue playing boldly.

Monaco did exactly that as the game resumed, dominating possession, attacking, and creating opportunities wherever possible. The defining moment of the match came when Alicia Sweye beat three opponents before producing a strike to level the match at 2-2.

Despite further chances to take the lead, Monaco was unable to convert, sending the match into a penalty shootout. Although Marina Makanza and Manon Fray successfully converted their penalties, two missed attempts ultimately handed Olympique de Marseille the title.

Simone held his head high following a hard-fought performance from his team. “This final reflected everything football should be: intensity, quality play, chances, and a real balance between two excellent teams. Despite the disappointment, we represented the club and our district with pride.”

With many accomplishments already under its belt this season, Monaco must now turn the page towards their next major challenge. On Sunday, 24 May, Monaco United will face a decisive promotion playoff against Étoile d’Aubune. With the opportunity to gain an advantage ahead of the return leg and move one step closer to promotion, the match will carry significant importance for the club. Simone said, “Whether we win or lose, our response remains the same: keep working and keep moving forward.”

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Photo credit: Flare Vision

Nikki Beach returns to Monaco with new flavours, sunset cocktails and rooftop summer vibes

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/05/2026

Nikki Beach Monte Carlo is officially back for the season, bringing fresh new dishes, sunset cocktails and Monaco energy to the rooftop of the Fairmont Monte Carlo — just as Riviera slips into summer mode.

There is something about reopening season in Monaco that signals the real beginning of summer, and few places capture that mood better than Nikki Beach. Perched above the Mediterranean on the rooftop of the Fairmont Monte Carlo, the iconic venue has reopened with a refreshed menu, panoramic views over the sea and Mareterra, and an atmosphere that effortlessly carries guests from long lunches into sunset cocktails and DJ-fuelled evenings.

New season dishes arrive at Nikki Beach Monte Carlo

This year’s menu introduces several standout additions under the direction of Corporate Executive Chef Alessandro Pizza, whose approach combines Mediterranean ingredients with globally inspired flavours. Among the highlights are the delicate tataki tuna, a vibrant fattoush salad and two new pasta dishes that are made for Riviera afternoons: pasta al gamberi and mezze maniche with zucchini cream and Sorrento lemon confit.

Classic favourites remain firmly in place, including the ever-popular Crispy Sea Bream Tacos and Nikki Beach’s signature Sexy Salad, alongside an extensive cocktail menu designed for poolside afternoons overlooking Monaco’s coastline.

Nikki Beach Monte-Carlo is now open for the season. 

Dessert, cocktails and sunset views over Mareterra

Desserts continue the light, summery mood. New additions include the yuzu lemon cloud served with yuzu sorbet, fresh mango and mango coulis, as well as a raspberry coconut panna cotta that is perfectly suited to warmer evenings. Returning favourites include the theatrical tableside tiramisu and the indulgent Chocolate Lover dessert.

But Nikki Beach has always been about more than the food alone. Plush daybeds surrounding the rooftop pool, Champagne service, sea breezes and Mediterranean views create the unmistakable atmosphere that has made the brand a summer institution across the Riviera. As the afternoon drifts into evening, the soundtrack shifts with it, as resident DJs bring the energy up just in time for sunset over the harbour.

Monaco’s rooftop summer destination returns

The reopening also arrives as Monaco’s social calendar begins accelerating into its busiest months, with Nikki Beach once again expected to become one of the season’s central gathering spots for both visitors and locals.

Between the new menu, live entertainment lineup and rooftop setting high above the Principality, Nikki Beach Monte Carlo feels once again exactly where summer in Monaco begins.

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Photos source: Nikki Beach