Four marine companies have been recognised for their innovative solutions and most promising projects.
The Innovation Route Awards were presented at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 as part of a new initiative from the boat show which builds on the Innovation Route which was established in 2024.
The awards aim to recognise those who are reinventing recreational boating by offering concrete solutions for more responsible, smarter, and more inspiring navigation.
“Innovation in yachting is no longer a promise, it is a concrete reality,” explained Sylvie Ernoult, director of the Cannes Yachting Festival.
Innovation in yachting is no longer a promise, it is a concrete reality.
Sylvie Ernoult
“The winners of the first Innovation Route Awards embody this ongoing revolution: artificial intelligence, hybrid propulsion systems, recycled or circular materials are becoming the norm for safer, cleaner and ever more inspiring sailing.”
After a selection process by a jury, four winners were chosen, embodying the momentum of a sector undergoing rapid transformation.
The winners were: –
- Improved navigation experience: Watchkeeper from SEA.AI
The intelligent system combines thermal imaging, machine vision, and artificial intelligence to detect floating objects and prevent collisions automatically.
The system has been developed to provide a major advance for safer, more predictable, and more secure navigation.
- Sustainable and responsible technologies: MODX 70 from MODX Catamarans
The 100% electric 70-foot catamaran combines Aeroforce inflatable wings, electric propulsion, hydrogeneration, and 70sqm of solar panels for unlimited zero-emission navigation.
- Propulsion systems or alternative energies: M.10 Millikan Boats
The autonomous electro-solar catamaran produces up to 35kWh per day, for smooth, silent, and emission-free sailing.
- Processes or products with low environmental impact: VAAN R5 from Vaan Yachts
The 49-foot sailboat has been designed using recycled aluminum and circular materials. The craft is 95% recyclable and embodies the Dutch shipyard’s ‘Sail the Planet’ philosophy, combining performance and responsibility.
- Special Jury Prize: B.YOND 37M from Benetti Yachts
The 37-meter superyacht is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system developed with Siemens Energy and an SCR system, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 24% and NOX emissions by up to 85%.
The superyyacht has four navigation modes including a zero-emission mode.
“I would like to warmly thank the members of the jury for their expertise and commitment to this demanding selection process: Guillaume Arnaud des Lyons, Thierry Berest, Jean-Christophe Guillaumin, Geoffroy Langlade, Elena Patriarca, and Craig Ritchie,” added Sylvie Ernoult.
“Their keen eye has helped to highlight the most visionary and promising projects for the future of boating.”
