The Cannes Yachting Festival has announced the winners of its first Innovation Route Awards. The Innovation Route, launched in 2024, highlights technological and ecological advances in the nautical sector.
This year, the awards were presented to projects selected from 40 entries, recognising developments that provide practical solutions for navigation efficiency and environmental responsibility.
A jury of experts evaluated the submissions and selected four winners across key categories, and awarded one special jury prize.
- Improved navigation experience: Watchkeeper (Sea.AI)
The system integrates thermal imaging, machine vision and artificial intelligence to detect floating objects and assist in collision prevention. - Sustainable and responsible technologies: MODX 70 (MODX Catamarans)
This 100 per cent electric 70ft catamaran uses Aeroforce inflatable wings, electric propulsion, hydrogeneration and 70sqm of solar panels to operate without emissions. - Propulsion systems or alternative energies: M.10 (Millikan Boats)
The autonomous electro-solar catamaran generates up to 35 kWh per day, allowing silent and emission-free operation continuously. - Processes or products with low environmental impact: Vaan R5 (Vaan Yachts)
A 49ft sailboat constructed with recycled aluminium and circular materials, 95 per cent of which is recyclable. - Special Jury Prize: B.Yond 37M (Benetti Yachts)
A 37m superyacht with a hybrid propulsion system developed with Siemens Energy and an SCR system, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 24 per cent and NOₓ emissions by up to 85 per cent. The vessel features four navigation modes, including zero-emission mode, allowing access to protected marine areas and quiet operation at anchor.
“Innovation in yachting is no longer a promise, it is a concrete reality,” says Sylvie Ernoult, director of the Cannes Yachting Festival. “The winners of the first Innovation Route Awards embody this ongoing revolution: artificial intelligence, hybrid propulsion systems, recycled or circular materials are becoming the norm for safer, cleaner and ever more inspiring sailing.
“I would like to warmly thank the members of the jury for their expertise and commitment to this demanding selection process: Guillaume Arnaud des Lyons, Thierry Berest, Jean-Christophe Guillaumin, Geoffroy Langlade, Elena Patriarca and Craig Ritchie. Their keen eye has helped to highlight the most visionary and promising projects for the future of boating.”
These projects are all being displayed at the Cannes Yachting Festival until 14 September 2025.
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