MEBC Mentoring Program

#Energyboatchallenge

providing guidance to the teams from industry experts

Set up to strengthen links between the yachting industry and the university teams competing, so experts in the sector can give the latter bespoke targeted advice on their projects and objectives. The Mentor ensures students get the best possible feedback on their boat, helping them to innovate even more and focus on the design.

Who can be a mentor.

Mentorship is open to seasoned professionals and experts eager to share their knowledge and experience

What are the benefits.

Mentors contribute to the industry’s growth, and inspire the next generation of innovators.

What are the obligations

The mentor should support the team in achieving their goals for the challenge with an open and non-judgmental approach.

Mentors in 2025/26

Thomas GROSJEAN

Marine fuel cell Engineer manager - HELION

Louis DE MORO

Head of Testing - Alstom Hydrogène SAS

Christine FUNCK

Managing Director - LBST

Márk Kecskés

IT Consultant & Energy Boat Alumni - Netcompany

Daniele MALINCONICO

Project Manager - Palumbo Superyachts

Luigi Minerva

Senior Project Manager - Maritime Research Institut Netherlands

Thorsten Irgang

Managing Director - PureVolt GbR

Simon Schofield

Chief Technical Officer - BAR Technologies Ltd

Claire Ferandier Sicard

CEO - ETYC

Carl-Magnus Midtbø

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Evoy AS

Karl Manfredi

CEO - HYDROCELL

David Gray

Marine Zero Ltd

Thierry SCHAEFFER

SBM OFFSHORE

patrick ferri

SBM OFFSHORE

Giangiacomo Minak

University of Bologna - Faculty Advisor

Jesper Anthonisen

Everllence - Naval Architect

Thomas GROSJEAN

Marine fuel cell Engineer manager - HELION

Louis DE MORO

Head of Testing - Alstom Hydrogène SAS

Christine FUNCK

Managing Director - LBST

Márk Kecskés

IT Consultant & Energy Boat Alumni - Netcompany

Daniele MALINCONICO

Project Manager - Palumbo Superyachts

Luigi Minerva

Senior Project Manager - Maritime Research Institut Netherlands

Thorsten Irgang

Managing Director - PureVolt GbR

Simon Schofield

Chief Technical Officer - BAR Technologies Ltd

Claire Ferandier Sicard

CEO - ETYC

Carl-Magnus Midtbø

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Evoy AS

Karl Manfredi

CEO - HYDROCELL

David Gray

Marine Zero Ltd

Thierry SCHAEFFER

SBM OFFSHORE

patrick ferri

SBM OFFSHORE

Giangiacomo Minak

University of Bologna - Faculty Advisor

Jesper Anthonisen

Everllence - Naval Architect

Paolo Schito

Politecnico di Milano - Associate Professor

Robin Amacher

EPFL - DLL-MAT Operation Manager

JOINING THE MENTORING PROGRAM

step 1

step 2

An initial discussion will help determine which university team would benefit most from your mentoring support.

step 3

You will be introduced to your mentee team in October to start the 10 month Mentoring Program.

Who can be a mentor

A professional from an organisation in the maritime and yachting sector possessing the technical knowledge to be able to support teams in the development of their projects.
The mentor should understand the rules of the challenge to be able to assist the team with their application & project. (otice of Challenge and Technical Rules)
Alternative Propulsion Systems, Research & Development, Energy Efficiency, Sustainability, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, CDF, Ship Design, Ship Building, Hydrogen, LCA, New Materials, Project Management, Marketing & Sponsorship, etc.

MENTOR BENEFITS

Strengthen your organisation’s link with a talented pool of university students, the future engineers of the industry.
Talent discovery, with the possibility of offering the most promising students an internship with your organisation.
Exposure to new ideas & new perspectives
The mentoring experience fosters personal and professional growth for the mentor.
Inclusive culture.
Invitations to the Opening & Closing Ceremony.
Communication benefits, including visibility on the official website and social media channels.
Take part in shaping the yachting of tomorrow.

What are the obligations

The mentor should meet (remotely or in person) at least once a month with the team they are assigned to
The mentor should assist the team in their goal to succeed in the challenge without judgement.
The mentor and mentee should agree on a mentoring planning & communication procedure
The mentee team should participate in the program with an open mind and strive to make the most of the professional advice offered.
The mentor is there to guide and advise, but the mentee team is responsible for carrying out the work.
If the mentor or the mentee team feels that the mentoring program is not proceeding appropriately at any time, the matter must be reported in writing to
Both the mentor and mentee team will receive a final feedback questionnaire to evaluate their experience and contribute to the continuous improvement of the mentoring program.