Monaco Energy Boat Challenge showcases cutting-edge marine innovation

Monaco’s marina has once again transformed into a testing ground for next-generation marine technologies, with the 12th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. The event brought together innovators, researchers and young engineers from across the globe.

The three-day challenge, organised by Yacht Club de Monaco with support from the Prince Albert II Foundation, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, has attracted 42 teams from 20 countries, all focused on developing real-world solutions for cleaner yachting.

“There’s a feeling that the projects are of a maturity that we’ve not seen before,” Bernard d’Alessandri, General Director of Yacht Club de Monaco said. “Schools, universities and the industry are really committed. It’s an excellent sign for the sector and future of young people embarking on these career paths.”

Electric revolution transforms Formula 4 racing

Among the most striking innovations on display was a fully electric Formula 4 racing boat, the result of collaboration between Team Tech Out Racing, Molabo, Kaiser Bootsmanufaktur, and Protenergies. The project represents a shift for the traditionally noisy world of powerboat racing.

“Team Tech Out reached out to us. They are a Formula 4 racing team, and they wanted to electrify the boat because they saw that there was less attention in Formula 4 because it’s loud, and because there’s a lot of pollution,”  explained Lena Honsberg, Molabo’s marketing manager, during an exclusive interview with Monaco Life.

The electric F4 boat, powered by Molabo’s ARIES 50 kW low-voltage drive system, offers revolutionary possibilities beyond clean propulsion. “One advantage of electric power is that there’s no pollution and no noise,” Honsberg noted. “But we can also reduce the power output, which makes it suitable for training younger drivers. Additionally, in racing, we can implement power reduction penalties for mistakes—something not easily done with traditional combustion engines.”

The boat features modular batteries totalling 12 kilowatt-hours across eight modules, each weighing approximately 10 kilograms. “You can easily take it out and just switch it, or charge it, so it’s very easy and handy,” Honsberg demonstrated, showcasing the practical advantages of the design.

A key breakthrough is the use of 48-volt “safe to touch” technology, eliminating dangerous high-voltage systems. “This motor is very special because it is the world’s most powerful electric drive at safe-to-touch voltages,” Honsberg said. “You don’t have any high voltage safety measures or qualified personnel to work on the boat if they need some adaption or to maintain or integrate it.”

The electric Formula 4 racing boat, photo credit: Adrian Knauf

Major technological developments

This year’s competition has revealed three major technological developments among teams in the Energy Class. Notably, 50% of teams have developed toroidal propellers, which not only boost efficiency but significantly reduce underwater noice.

Artificial intelligence integration in battery management systems has emerged as another game-changer, with teams using AI to optimise individual cell performance, maximising both power output and energy autonomy at sea.

Hydrogen solutions continue to advance, with once prototype featuring an internal hydrogen-powered combustion engine.

The competition culminates with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Sustainable Yachting Technology Award worth €25,000. It will recognise the team with the most significant quantifiable impact in energy efficiency and emissions reduction.

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life.

 

International artists converge in Monaco for ‘Elevated’ exhibition

The Fusion Art Gallery’s ‘Elevated: The Art of Prestige’ exhibition has transformed Espace 22 into a global showcase, bringing together 33 artists from across continents.

Running through to 6th July, the exhibition explores how modern creators are redefining prestige through bold innovation, with each artists offering its distinct perspective.

One of the exhibition’s highlights is Thomas Bambini’s approach to oil painting. The French artist spent 50 hours creating a Medusa that merges Caravaggio’s legendary shield painting with Bernini’s sculptural mastery—two Renaissance giants who never collaborated in life but find unity on his canvas.

The result carries unexpected emotional weight. While classical depictions of Medusa highlight a mix of fear and sadness, Bambini’s interpretation leans even more into vulnerability. “I think my Medusa is sadder because of the way I drew the eyes. It looks like he’s about to cry,” he told Monaco Life.

His second piece presents an even bolder cultural collision: a Renaissance princess bearing a traditional Japanese yakuza tattoo. “My aim was to blend the visual language of the Japanese Mafia with the image of a classical princess,” says Bambini. The work creates a deliberate visual trick—viewers first admire the elegant period dress before discovering the hidden tattoos underneath.

Thomas Bambini and his artwork, photo by Monaco Life.

Formula 1’s fallen champion

Canadian artist ML Sund created what may be the exhibition’s most touching tribute. His paintings honour Jules Bianchi, whose death nearly a decade ago has left an undeniable mark in Formula 1’s history.

“This painting honours Jules Bianchi, depicting his race in Monaco back in 2014.” The work gains particular resonance in Monaco, since “the only points he ever scored were in this race in Monaco,” ML Sund told Monaco Life.

His separate painting of the 1964 Le Mans race also captures Bianchi’s grandfather, who competed that year.

ML Sund artist and his Jules Bianchi art, photo by Monaco Life.

Stones as spiritual metaphors

Aydin Aghababazadeh, the Persian-Iranian artist, also stands out for transforming geological formations into profound meditations on personal growth.

His featured work, ‘Soul depth’, uses colour as emotional cartography.

“The deep blue is the inner self and the white is the limit of our life,” Aghababazadeh explains. “And when you reach the connection between these two, you will see how bright your life would be.”

Drawing inspiration from “geodes, stones, and natural orificies,” his art philosophy centres on bridging internal and external worlds.

Aydin Aghababazadeh and his artwork, photo by Monaco Life.

‘Elevated’ challenges traditional notions of artistic prestige by celebrating innovation over imitation. The exhibition demonstrates how artists are forging new territories while maintaining respect for their predecessors.

The six day programme continues with events designed to showcase different facets of modern artistic expression, each reinforcing the exhibition’s thesis that true prestige emerges from fearless creativity.

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Main photo of Irina Machneva Mota and Johan Grundin, organisers of ‘Elevated: The Art of Prestige’, by Monaco Life.

 

Italian workers’ association ACLI launches in Monaco

The stunning Équivoque bar overlooking Port Hercules provided the perfect location for the official inauguration of Monaco’s newest cultural organisation on Monday. ACLI – The Association Chrétienne des Travailleurs Italiens – Principauté de Monaco, aims to strengthen ties within the Italian community while promoting sustainable development in the Principality. 

The association celebrated its launch on 1st July with champagne, gourmet canapés, and ambitious plans for the Italian community. President Ginevra de Masi welcomed guests to the elegant venue, outlining the organisation’s mission to promote Italian heritage.

ACLI, which received official government recognition on 18th March 2025, operates under the umbrella of ACLI Terra (Associazioni Cristiane Lavoratori Italiani), with national President Nicola Tavoletta of ACLI Terra attending the inaugural ceremony.

Made in Italy focus

De Masi highlighted the organisation’s track record in promoting Italian excellence across multiple territories.

“Since 2023, we have been organising events to promote Made in Italy agro-food products,” she explained to Monaco Life. “The success of these events has made us more collaborative and active, leading to this expanded programme.”

The Monaco association has already secured an exciting collaboration for November with the Italian Embassy, coinciding with the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World.

Unique positioning 

De Masi also highlighted the Principality’s special significance. “Nobody has thought to create something like this before. We had established presence in France, in Marseille, and throughout Italy, but Monaco represents something special for our community.”

The association’s headquarters at Les Mélèzes, 9 rue Plati, will serve as a hub for cultural activities, environmental education, and professional networking.

ACLI Monaco aims to promote work culture, social integration and environmental sustainability, particularly in territories with significant Italian communities.

The organisation plans to offer seminars, conferences, forums, and cultural performances. After the official presentations wrapped up, guests continued networking over cocktails whilst enjoying spectacular views of Monaco.

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Main photo by Monaco Life.

 

Where to catch the best fireworks on the French Riviera and Monaco this summer

The French Riviera is about to explode with colour this summer as the region prepares for its most dazzling fireworks season. Cities around the coast are prepping for charming village celebrations and world-class pyrotechnic competitions. 

Two spectacular fireworks evenings are on Monaco’s calendar this season. The first celebration on 26th July promises to be a complete family affair, kicking off with bouncy castles before the sky erupts in brilliant colours, followed by DJ sets and pop-rock music that will keep the party going well into the night.

The second show is scheduled for August 9th with an entirely new show format, enhanced family entertainment, and pop-rock concerts.

Beyond these two spectacular firework shows, Monaco’s Quai Albert 1er will host a full summer animation program from July 18th to August 24th. The programme will feature go-karting, basketball courts, duck fishing, carousels, trampolines, mini boat rides temporary tattoo stands, a ninja warrior course, asm kids tour activities, and four food stands – all with free access throughout the summer season.

Celebrations spread throughout the French Riviera

Cannes presents perhaps the most sophisticated programme with its Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique, running from 4th July to 24th August. This international competition showcases pyrotechnic companies from Sweden, Spain, Italy, Germany, Japan, and France, each presenting themed displays lasting 20-25 minutes. The displays begin at 22:00, fired from barges across a 500-metre maritime frontage.

The Festival pyromélodique in Antibes represents one of the region’s most established traditions, attracting over 10,000 spectators annually to the Bay of Juan-les-Pins and Fort-Carré beach. Running from 13th July to 24th August, the festival includes Bastille Day celebrations in both Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, followed by Thursday evening displays throughout August. All events offer free access, making them particularly popular with families.

Beyond the major cities, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat hosts its Grande Nuit Vénitienne on 2nd August, combining Venetian-themed entertainment with a grand fireworks display at 22:30. The evening features traditional costumes and masks, flag throwers, street performances, and a ballet of illuminated boats before the pyrotechnic finale.

Practical information

Most displays across the region begin between 22:00 and 23:00, with the majority offering free access. Public transport operates extended hours during major celebrations, and many municipalities implement temporary road closures to accommodate crowds.

The 2025 season promises to be particularly breathtaking, with international competitors bringing innovative technologies and creative themes to traditional pyrotechnic artistry

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Main photo by Monaco Life.

 

Princess Grace Hospital Centre unveils five-year strategic plan

The Princess Grace Hospital Centre (CHPG) has unveiled its ambitious plan for the next five years promising to transform healthcare delivery in Monaco.

The ‘Project d’Etablissement 2025-2030’ was presented on Friday 27th June, bringing together Health Minister Christophe Robino, Medical Commission President Dr Mathieu Liberatore, and Head of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department Dr Valérie Bernard alongside healthcare teams and partners.

The four pillar transformation

The comprehensive plan is built around four key ambitions that will guide CHPG’S development through 2030.

‘Acting to improve population health’ is the first pillar, addressing demographic challenges, particularly the ageing population. Dr Mathieu Liberatore noted that the second building at Cap Fleury is scheduled to open in 2028, and that 17 beds for SMR (soins de médecine et de réadaptation – medical care and rehabilitation) have recently been opened at the Résidence Inquiétudeine.

‘Innovation and pursuing excellence in care’ forms the second pillar. Dr Valérie Bernard described this ambition: “If I had to summarise CHPG’s DNA in one word, I would choose excellence without hesitation, but not static excellence. A living, human excellence in movement, driven by innovation, nourished by pathways, anchored in the reality of each patient.”

She outlined three structural lines of force: developing personalised and pathway medicine, integrating diagnostic and therapeutic innovation, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and professional cooperation with a global vision and the patient pathway.

“The opening of the first phase of the new building offers us a historic opportunity to modernise our working tools and above all to make it a lever to transform our way of caring.” Bernard explained.

The New Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, photo by Monaco Life

‘Distinguishing ourselves through quality of experience for our patients and professionals’ represents the third ambition. More than 100 professionals contributed to this project.

Dr Bernard highlighted the collaborative approach: “We wanted to cross perspectives, hear experiences, welcome aspirations, because it is together that we make the hospital of today and tomorrow. Patient experience collection has been a precious guide for us, as much as feedback from teams in the field.”

‘Affirming our societal and environmental commitment’ completes the strategic framework. Since 2010, CHPG has been engaged in a ‘green hospital’ approach. Dr Bernard noted that whilst the new building demonstrates structural commitment, “beyond the tool, it’s a cultural change that must be engaged” involving eco-responsibility and patient involvement.

Dr Bernard concluded: “May our path be demanding without being austere, bold without being risky, and always carried by the joy of working together. Because this is CHPG, we also care about taking care of you.

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life

 

Princely family looks on from above at Saint-Jean opening ceremony in Palace square

Monaco’s cherished Saint-Jean festivities officially began on Monday evening, with Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and their children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella witnessing the ceremony from the palace’s balcony.

The century-old celebration took place at Place du Palais. The square, filled with locals and tourists alike at 9p.m., buzzed with anticipation for the dramatic ‘batafoegu’ – the traditional lighting of the bonfire that marks the beginning of the two-day Saint-Jean’s festivities and Monaco’s tribute to the summer solstice.

The ceremony began with a solemn blessing by a priest, who invoked the ancient symbolism of light conquering darkness. As the fire ignited, the crowd observed in collective awe, the flames reaching higher by the second.

Princely family during Saint Jean’s festivities, photo by Monaco Life

Following the lighting of the bonfire, La Palladienne dancers took to the floor, performing beloved folkloric dances in front of the Princely family, who clapped graciously and offered congratulations after each performance. Before the evening concluded, the dancers made their way to the towering bonfire, gracefully dancing around it, with spectators closely following their every move.

Municipal councillors and flag bearers were also in attendance, alongside Mayor Georges Marsan, representing La Mairie which organised the evening’s festivities. Everything appeared meticulously coordinated — from the safe positioning of spectators and the timing of the ceremony to the fire department’s presence near the bonfire, standing by as a precaution.

The second day of celebration will take part on Tuesday at Place de Moulins, where the Saint-Jean traditions will continue, beginning at 7p.m.

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Main photo by Monaco Life