Monaco Energy Boat Challenge

INNOBOAT BIZKAIA

Bilbao School of Engineering, University of the Basque Country
innoboat

TEAM

InnoBoat Bizkaia is a project formed by a multidisciplinary team from the Bilbao School of Engineering (EIB) that integrates the experience and knowledge of different fields of engineering. This team is dedicated to developing innovative projects in the field of nautical engineering and maritime sustainability. Our goal is to design and build a state-of-the-art sustainable boat, which will be evaluated by international experts at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. The lines of action are marked by the Sustainable Development Goals.

Project

Building on our 9th place finish in the previous edition, our focus for the 2026 season has shifted from hardware replacement to system intelligence and high-level optimisation. A core innovation is our Route Planning system, which integrates real-time oceanographic data from Copernicus Marine to calculate ‘current-favoured’ paths, maximising energy efficiency through environmental data. To assist the pilot without compromising safety, we developed a Conversational AI Assistant (RAG). Our primary objective for this year is the full development and integration of a high-performance Lithium-ion battery system. This includes the design and management of both the main battery bank for propulsion and the secondary system for auxiliary components. We are focused on the custom design and manufacturing of our own cockpit and chassis. By developing these structural elements in-house, we aim to optimise ergonomics, reduce total weight, and ensure perfect integration with our technical systems.