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AI Class participants 2025

#Energyboatchallenge

new class: innovation in the yachting sector

Adria Innovamare Association of Applied Technical Sciences
AGH Solar Boat Team AGH University of Krakow
BME Solar Boat Team Budapesti Műszaki és Gazdaságtudományi Egyetem

Itaewon Yacht Club Itaewon Yacht Club
Pannon Solar Boat Team University of Pannonia
PowerGoats Poznan University of Technology

SiyaHamba AI Boat Durban University of Technology
TU Yildiz Solar Boat Team Yıldız Technical University
UAntwerp Solar Boat Team University of Antwerp

Association of Applied Technical Sciences

team

Our team consists of multidisciplinary experts united by a shared passion for advancing autonomous maritime systems. Electronics specialists focus on hardware integration, ensuring seamless communication between sensors and systems. Mechanical engineers design robust and efficient propulsion mechanisms while optimizing structural integrity and hydrodynamics. Programmers bring cutting-edge artificial intelligence and autonomy solutions, enhancing navigation, decision-making, and system reliability. Together, we tackle complex challenges, fostering innovation in the maritime industry. By combining our expertise, we aim to revolutionize vessel autonomy and promote sustainable marine technologies, positioning ourselves as leaders in developing environmentally conscious solutions for diverse maritime applications and operations.

PROJECT

Our project focuses on developing an eco-friendly autonomous vessel designed to advance marine research, environmental monitoring, and ecosystem conservation. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, including artificial intelligence, LIDAR, and real-time data systems, the vessel can navigate complex maritime environments independently. It features renewable energy solutions and efficient propulsion systems to minimize its environmental footprint. By integrating innovative features, the project addresses critical challenges like ocean pollution, resource management, and climate change impact. Our goal is to create a sustainable and versatile platform that supports scientific research, commercial applications, and environmental preservation while showcasing the potential of cutting-edge maritime technology.

AGH University of Krakow

team

The AGH Solar Boat project is an innovative initiative focused on designing and building a solar-powered boat. Combining cutting-edge renewable energy solutions with advanced engineering, the project aims to create an efficient, eco-friendly vessel capable of competing in international solar boat races. The main characteristics include lightweight materials, optimized solar panel integration, and an efficient propulsion system. The objectives are to advance sustainable energy technologies, promote environmental awareness, and showcase the capabilities of solar power in maritime applications.

PROJECT

Budapesti Műszaki és Gazdaságtudományi Egyetem

TEAM

The Solar Boat Team of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics is dedicated to constructing a racing boat powered solely by solar energy. Our aim is to provide students with challenging opportunities to put their knowledge into practice. At the same time, we strive to raise awareness about environmental consciousness and highlight this innovative and underutilized aspect of environmental protection… Since then, over 100 enthusiastic students have contributed to raising awareness of the importance of sustainable technologies in Hungary. Our second-generation boat, Lana, has proven its capabilities internationally over the years, competing in locations such as Monaco, Germany, and Lake Balaton.

PROJECT

Our team is set to compete in AI Class, which is a very exciting challenge for us. We are enhancing Lana, our second generation solar boat. Our aim is to elevate racing to a new level with building the boat to be fully autonomous, operating without any external intervention from the pilot. We are also redesigning our drivetrain in order to better suit the characteristics of our electric motor, aiming to improve its efficiency and reliability. Gaining experience through this new competition is also very important to us, ensuring that our future developments are both progressive and successful.

Itaewon Yacht Club

TEAM

Itaewon Yacht Club is a dynamic team of students and passionate sailors from South Korea. Our members include a blend of current students and graduates from the country’s leading educational institutions, bringing together diverse backgrounds and expertise. Our shared passion for innovation and technology drives us to push boundaries. By combining technical skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and a love for sailing, we are proud to represent South Korea at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. Guided by a commitment to sustainability, teamwork, and camaraderie, Itaewon Yacht Club is excited to showcase our innovative boat design and compete alongside like-minded teams dedicated to shaping the future of eco-friendly maritime travel.

PROJECT

Our boat is called Beam Project. Our team has a strong background in programming and robotics, which has driven our focus on implementing advanced control systems for hydrofoils, navigation, automated foil control, and energy management. Our primary goal is to develop an automated foil control system capable of adjusting for the weight of one or two people while ensuring a steady and reliable boat lift.

University of Pannonia

TEAM

Let us introduce the Pannon Solar Boat Team, an innovative project led by students from the University of Pannonia. Our goal is to develop a solar-powered boat that reflects our commitment to environmentally friendly technologies while offering our team members the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges in engineering, IT, economics, and management. Our team has proudly participated twice in the Balaton Solar Boat Challenge, an international competition where our solar-powered boat, Sparky, represents sustainable innovation. This project not only focuses on technological advancement but also serves as a platform for students to test their knowledge and gain valuable experience as the engineers of tomorrow.

PROJECT

Our boat, Sparky, is a single-seat trimaran racing vessel crafted from carbon composite, powered by an electric motor, and recharged using solar panels installed on its deck. Beyond its innovative design, we are currently focusing on developing autonomous navigation features and refining its hydrofoil system to enhance performance. Additionally, we are working on creating a digital twin of Sparky, which will provide valuable insights into the boat’s performance and characteristics. This digital model will help us better understand our vessel and devise optimal race strategies, taking our innovation to the next level. At the Pannon Solar Boat Team, we aim to combine cutting-edge technology with sustainability, preparing for a future of smart and eco-friendly transportation solutions.

Poznan University of Technology

TEAM

PowerGoats is a team of POWERboat designers from the PUT Powertrain Interfaculty Scientific Club. We conduct research every day and the design of alternative drive systems used in various means of transport. We deal with three main activities within the Science Club projects, including constructing a dynamometer for an unmanned aircraft, organizing the Motorboat Technology Symposium, and being an engineer of the future by constructing a solar-hydrogen boat.

PROJECT

Solar boat – POWERboat. This is our flagship project for 2024/2025, featuring a key boat icon that combines with photovoltaic panels and fuel cells. A floating unit, then advanced solutions for energy management, storage and conversion, which participate in the key Monaco Energy Challenge. In developing solutions for all our circles (mechanics, electronics, IT, products, marketing and sales products). The design of POWERboat is based on hydrodynamic resistance through the use of hydrofoil and a hidden cockpit made of basalt material, which in the future may be available throughout the boat. It also introduces energy over time and adaptive powertrain operating modes that optimize energy performance. A photovoltaic system with active cells monitors energy production, detecting irregularities both in port and during the cruise. Our goal is to show ourselves as engineers of the future. People who want to do something more for themselves, their personal development and modern transport systems.

Durban University of Technology

TEAM

The SiyaHamba AI Boat team combines expertise from academia and students to develop and demonstrate a state-of-the-art AI powered vessel. Our mission is to showcase South Africa’s potential in eco-friendly marine innovation by competing in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. This project offers students the opportunity to exercise their creativity and engineering skills, providing a high degree of freedom to design and develop a hands-on project from conceptions to completion. We’re excited to participate in Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2025, showcasing our cutting-edge design.

PROJECT

SiyaHamba AI boat is based on our Solar boat that participated in MEBC 2024. Changes to the deck and cockpit will be made to accommodate the required AI technology and infrastructure. Goal: to develop a fully functional AI operated boat. Which will be a first for DUT. Objectives: invite and encourage students and staff to partake in this exciting field; delivering a racing boat that can compete and complete every race of MEBC. The boat will contain two GPS systems, four LIDAR sensors (2 on the bow and 2 on the stern), two position sensors (one front and one back), one positioning actuator, 2 speed sensors (one back and one front). All will be linked to an AI-navigation and management system which will communicate to a PLC drive unit via a RS485 Bus, controlling a positioning and speed actuator. All linked to an HMI, LED Dashboard & a wireless data link module.

Yıldız Technical University

TEAM

“TU Yıldız Solar Boat Team” is a university club formed by students from various engineering departments, including Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Mechatronics, Mathematics, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering. Established in 2012, the team has participated in the Dutch Solar Challenge four times, in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018. Additionally, the team successfully represented Turkey at the Energy Boat Challenge 2023 in Monaco and the Sardinia Innovative Boat Week in Italy in October 2024.

PROJECT

Turkey’s first Hydrofoil Solar Boat has been developed and launched with the engineering expertise of Yıldız Technical University. The boat utilizes solar energy and hydrofoil technology to enhance speed and stability. This project aims to promote environmentally friendly energy solutions and embraces sustainability principles. With this innovative step, Yıldız Technical University showcases Turkey’s strength in engineering and takes the lead in pioneering cutting-edge projects on an international level.

University of Antwerp

TEAM

Climate change is real, and everyone is aware of it. All sectors, including shipping, must go green. As a team of 15 student engineers, we believe in better solutions. We advance the green transition by developing our own green solutions. To encourage this transition, we conduct fundamental material research to be pioneers in sustainable boat building. Each academic year, new students work on developing our sustainable, solar-powered boat. Thus contributing to the development of sustainable solutions for the maritime industry, and to their own individual skillsets as engineers.

PROJECT

This year, we are upgrading the Torpedo MK.II to compete in the AI-class, transforming it from its original solar-class design. Our team is divided into specialized sub-teams—perception, navigation, steering, structural, and electrical—working collaboratively to ensure seamless integration of all innovations. Key developments include: • Perception: Environment mapping using stereovision. • Navigation: AI algorithms for object detection and efficient navigation. • Steering: Steer-by-wire system and intelligent throttle control for autonomous operation. • Structural: Mounting sensors, modules, and adding a bow thruster for better maneuverability. • Electrical: Integrating and optimizing new systems with the existing setup. These advancements aim to enhance the boat’s performance and autonomy for this year’s competition.