Sustainable innovation will again take centre stage at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026.
Organisers are bringing back the Innovation Route and has launched the second edition of its Innovation Route Awards.
The initiative will identify and highlight the most innovative and sustainable solutions presented by exhibitors, through a dedicated route across the Vieux Port and Port Canto, alongside the awards.
The awards are open to all exhibitors and will recognise the industry’s most outstanding projects.
Organisers say a structured response is required to showcase the ‘profound transformation’ that is taking place across the marine industry.
While electric and hybrid propulsion systems still account for less than 8% of the global market, they are among the main growth drivers identified by industry stakeholders.
International benchmark
Show organisers point out that each year in France, nearly 90,000 boating licences are issued, while new uses, such as boat clubs, soft nautical mobility and coastal tourism are broadening the base of boating enthusiasts.
The Innovation Route is intended to position Cannes Yachting Festival as an international benchmark platform for energy transition and innovation in the boating sector.
Award winners will be chosen across four categories by an international jury:
Best equipment improving navigation
Best sustainable product
Best innovative boat
Best CSR initiative
A special jury prize may also be awarded.
The 2026 jury will consist of Guillaume Arnaud des Lyons, deputy managing director of FIN, Thierry Berest, maritime expert, Boat & Sea Consulting, Rachel Goult, managing director, Yacht Carbon Offset, Jean-Christophe Guillaumin, journalist, Figaro Nautisme, Geoffroy Langlade, journalist and entrepreneur, Elena Patriarca, director, Adzurra.
Sustainable innovation
“Sustainable innovation is no longer an option, it is the future of our industry,” explained Rachel Goult, managing director, Yacht Carbon Offset.
“I am joining this jury to assess practical solutions that address climate challenges while preserving the excellence of yachting.”
“This programme both guides visitors in discovering the sector’s new solutions and offers enhanced visibility to exhibitors committed to this transformation,” said Constance Brément, festival director.
“Beyond its role as a showcase for the French and international boating industry, the Cannes Yachting Festival affirms its commitment to supporting the sector’s sustainable transition.”
In its first edition, the Innovation Route Awards recognised five projects selected from 40 innovations: Watchkeeper, the AI-powered anti-collision system by SEA.AI; the 100% electric catamaran MODX 70; the autonomous electro-solar catamaran by Millikan; the 95% recyclable sailing yacht VAAN R5; and Benetti’s B.YOND 37M hybrid superyacht, capable of reducing NOx emissions by 85%.
The Cannes Yachting Festival takes place from September 8 – 13 2026.
