Y-H2O (Shenzhen) Technology Co., Ltd.
Y-H2O (Shenzhen) Technology Co., Ltd. founded in Shenzhen in July 2025 and incubated by the Shenzhen INNOX, develops high-performance smart hydrofoils for consumer and industrial vessels. By combining advanced hardware with proprietary control algorithms, the team enables autonomous route perception and real-time posture stabilization to improve efficiency and reduce energy use. Led by founder and CEO Wu Guan (educated at the University of Genoa and Polytechnic University of Milan, with further doctoral studies at the University of Kuala Lumpur), the team brings 10+ years of experience spanning vessel design, composites, and intelligent control.
Alaqua is a next-generation smart hydrofoil vessel that redefines efficiency and comfort in maritime transport. Built on Y-H2O’s proven hydrofoil platform, the three-seat Alaqua achieves a top speed of 33 knots (approximately 66 km/h) while significantly reducing drag and energy consumption. By leveraging fluid dynamics to lift the hull above the water, Alaqua cuts resistance, doubles endurance in real-world use conditions, and delivers an exceptionally smooth ride that minimizes motion sickness.
Engineered for versatility, Alaqua seamlessly transitions across multiple scenarios, from family outings and leisure cruising to short-distance coastal commuting. The vessel integrates intelligent control systems that enable autonomous route perception and real-time posture stabilization, ensuring both safety and performance in diverse maritime conditions. In July 2026, the Alaqua will represent China at the 13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, competing alongside 43 teams from 21 nations in the SeaLab Class, a dedicated platform for emerging energy architectures and floating laboratories for future maritime technologies.
University of Glasgow
Hydrogen Fuel Racing is a multidisciplinary student team from the University of Glasgow, bringing over 90 students competing across several competitions. We work on a range of projects spanning multiple divisions, all with a shared purpose: to develop cutting-edge vessels and shape the next generation of innovators to drive the change.
The ‘Vital Spark’ race craft is the University of Glasgow Hydrogen Fuel Racing Team’s entry for the 2026 MEBC, developed in collaboration with Plus Zero and the Hydrogen Scotland Network. Substantially rebuilt since its last campaign, the vessel now features a solid-state hydrogen-electric powertrain. Designed as a hydrofoil with safety and scalability at its core, Vital Spark represents a major step forward in sustainable marine technology. We are excited to see her compete for the first time this year.
H2-Watt is a team of multi-disciplinary engineering students from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, bringing together a team of over 25 students. The team works on the ‘Experiment of Leith H2’ project, repurposing an old speedboat hull into a new, fully electric boat. Through the incredible support of our industrial partners and academics at our university, we aim to provide a learning opportunity to the students involved through real hands-on engineering.
Our project is the ‘Experiment of Leith H2’, inspired by the legendary 18th century Scottish catamaran. By repurposing this 30-year-old hull, we aim to make the project as sustainable as possible. Instead of building a new vessel, we are transforming an existing one by converting it to a fully electric propulsion system. The project aims to show that repurposing existing marine structures and electrifying them is a practical path towards low emission marine applications. Alongside this, we are developing a battery recharging system powered by solid-state hydrogen technology, aiming to show the power of new hydrogen tech and pave the way for a greener future in the maritime industry.
We are a student team consisting of 21 enthusiastic students from many different study backgrounds and coming from both the University of Twente and the Saxion university of applied sciences. Since 2016 we have designed, produced, and raced with solar powered boats, but this year marks a change in course for Surge Methanol Foiling Team Twente. We will transition to a boat powered by a methanol fuel cell. This transition creates exciting new opportunities for innovation, technical advancement, and the development of creative sustainable solutions in the maritime industry. This complies with our vision, guiding us since the creation of the team: Challenge and inspire students to develop and implement technical innovations that push the maritime sector toward greater sustainability. Not only on technical aspects will we transition, but our brand identity also changes.
Our goal this year is to achieve a proof of concept of a methanol- and battery-powered boat capable of both sailing and foiling, that will serve as a foundation for future teams to build upon. As a result of the ambitious scope of the project, we place less emphasis on being competitive this year. Instead, our focus is on demonstrating progress, innovation, and teamwork by showing the capabilities of the boat in showcasing events, primarily in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. This allows us to demonstrate what the boat developed this year can achieve in a remarkably short time, while inspiring others and proving the potential for a sustainable maritime industry. We also aim to create brand recognition for our new identity, building and maintaining strong partnerships with companies and inspiring and educating students.
