“This achievement reflects our commitment to implementing the Handipact policy aimed at including all people with disabilities,” said Christophe Robino, Minister of Social Affairs and Health. “This application will enable the movement of people with reduced mobility, whether they are residents, employees or visitors.”

The project represents a collaborative effort between the Department of Social Affairs and Health, the direction des services numeriques, and local disability associations, particularly the Association Monegasque Handicapes Moteurs.

Lionel Galfré, technical adviser and disability delegate, highlighted the importance of mobility for social inclusion. “People with disabilities who have mobility difficulties tend to stay at home due to the inadequacy of the world around them,” he said. “The more you stay at home, the more you become desocialised. Enabling people to go out means socialising, being autonomous.”

The development follows the principle of “nothing about us without us”, with people with disabilities placed at the heart of the design process rather than simply being consulted. This approach may have taken additional time but ensured the app would truly work for people’s daily needs.

Tackling Monaco’s unique terrain

Arthur Alba, co-founder of Street Nav, praised Monaco’s commitment despite the territory’s unique difficulties. “If someone had asked me which would be the last city to take on this challenge, I would have said Monaco before meeting you,” he admitted during the conference. “You have what I think is the most difficult territory.”

He describes mapping Monaco’s multi-level infrastructure as “an incredible technical and technological challenge,” with underground pedestrian passages, lifts connecting different street levels, and complex vertical connections requiring precise digital mapping to ensure accessibility information was accurate.

The app works alongside Street Co, a companion application that allows trained local ambassadors and residents to report obstacles in real time. This data feeds directly into Street Nav, ensuring route information remains current.

What is truly remarkable about the app, is that it adapts to individual users’ needs. Rather than simply avoiding obstacles by default, it displays them and allows users to describe whether they can navigate them based on their specific circumstances.

The application also features strong digital accessibility, with simplified interfaces for users with cognitive disabilities and support for blind and visually impaired users through audio guidance and a compass function that vibrates when users face the correct direction.

The app is free to download and requires no account creation or personal information. Additionally, it automatically translates into users’ phone language and currently supports five languages, with more to be added soon.

According to Alba, users of Street Nav typically report going out one additional day per week, which translates to more than 50 extra days per year for people who may otherwise rarely leave home.

Monaco’s adoption has already inspired neighbouring cities in the Alpes-Maritimes region, with Cannes, Beausoleil and Le Cannet deploying the technology soon.

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Main photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Direction de la Communication

The 2025 Blue Wake Awards were announced on Wednesday evening in Monaco, marking a defining moment in the show’s growing commitment to environmental responsibility.

More than 400 guests, including Monegasque officials, private clients, key exhibitors and yachting industry leaders, gathered to celebrate companies pushing boundaries in green technology, design, and materials.

The Blue Wake Awards are the flagship of the Monaco Yacht Show’s sustainability programme, developed in collaboration with the Water Revolution Foundation and supported by Siemens Energy. This year’s winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process backed by data and third-party verification — ensuring only solutions with real-world impact were honoured.

The 2025 Blue Wake Award winners

TYKUN – Tenders & Water Toys
TYKUN’s H1 hydrogen propulsion system impressed the jury for its performance, innovation, and environmental value. Designed in Italy and ready for production, it offers a high-efficiency, low-impact solution for future-proofed water toys and tenders.

TAI PING – Luxury Products & Services
Tai Ping was awarded for its Biophilic Programme — a range of biodegradable, undyed rugs made from natural fibres such as wool and flax. The collection significantly reduces water, energy use and carbon emissions, offering a luxurious yet eco-responsible alternative.

DEASYL – Nautical Supplier
Deasyl received recognition for its next-generation Sustainable Yachting Fuel. Produced using green chemistry with low energy input, the fuel cuts CO₂ emissions by up to 93%, setting a new benchmark for clean marine energy.

SANLORENZO – Refit / Builder Shipyard
Sanlorenzo made history with the world’s first superyacht equipped with Reformer Fuel Cell technology, in collaboration with Siemens Energy. Using hydrogen extracted from green methanol, the system delivers up to 100 kW of clean electricity at anchor, reducing annual emissions by 20–30%.

REDUCE – Special Jury Award
Silver Yachts’ Reduce catamaran, designed by Espen Øino International, took home the Special Jury Award. Built in recyclable aluminium with a low-resistance hull and exceptional fuel efficiency, the vessel sets a new standard for eco-conscious yacht design.

A future defined by responsibility

“With the Blue Wake Awards, we are sending a clear message: environmental sustainability is not a side topic — it’s becoming central to innovation in yachting,” said Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show.

Robert van Tol, Executive Director of the Water Revolution Foundation, added:
“The winners have not only met the highest standards of evaluation, but set a benchmark for what meaningful progress in our industry looks like.”

The international jury featured leaders from across the superyacht and sustainability sectors, including representatives from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Boat International, SuperYacht Times, Siemens Energy and the Blue Marine Foundation.

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]]> https://monacolife.net/port-hercule-dazzles-as-monaco-yacht-show-2025-showcases-next-gen-superyachts/ Wed, 24 Sep 2025 19:31:05 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=113653 The Monaco Yacht Show 2025 officially kicked off on Wednesday, turning Port Hercule into a stunning showcase of luxury yachts, superior technology,

More than 120 superyachts have sailed into Monaco’s harbour, creating an impressive floating display that stretches across the Mediterranean. From sleek racing yachts to towering multi-deck giants, the collection shows off the very best of modern boat building.

Throughout the day, visitors are wandering in awe, admiring the elegant lines and craftsmanship of these floating palaces. Each yacht tells a story of cutting-edge design, where traditional luxury meets modern technology.

But this year’s show is different. Sustainability has taken centre stage like never before. The new Blue Wake programme is highlighting companies that are making yachting more environmentally friendly. These aren’t just pretty promises; they’re real solutions, from cleaner engines to eco-friendly paints and coatings that protect our oceans.

The programme works with the Water Revolution Foundation to make sure only the most genuine green innovations get the spotlight. It shows that the yachting industry is serious about protecting the seas that these vessels get to call home.

Away from the water, the Adventure Area is buzzing with excitement. Polished luxury cars and helicopters sit ready for their next adventure, all forming part of the complete super yacht lifestyle, where every journey can be an expedition.

In the business areas, deals are being struck and partnerships formed. Yacht builders chat with potential owners and designers share their latest concepts as the industry’s future takes shape.

Today’s opening was for VIP guests and yacht clients, but on Thursday the gates open to everyone. The show runs until Saturday 27th September.

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life

The 20th edition of Ever Monaco will take place from October 15th to 16th at One Monte-Carlo, featuring a new format that prioritises future-facing conferences and a start-up competition worth €20,000 in prizes.

“At 20 years, we are becoming adults,” said Sébastien Lubert, President of Ever Monaco, during a press conference on Tuesday morning. “We have the foundations, but now we must put them into practice and continue learning everyday.”

The event has evolved significantly from its origins. In previous years, it used to showcase prototype electric vehicles. However, today’s market reality, where sustainable transport options are commercially available everywhere, has pushed organisers to focus on innovation rather than traditional exhibitions.

“For the past 20 years, Ever featured prototypes and vehicles that didn’t exist,” explained Ariane Favaloro, the event’s General Commissioner, speaking to Monaco Life. “Now we see cars that you can find in dealerships. People don’t need to come to Ever to try cars that are sold at dealers. Our goal is to show innovation.”

Start-up competition to take the spotlight

The forum’s headline feature is a start-up competition showcasing 15 selected companies working on green technologies. The competition offers an €8,000 first prize as part of a total prize pool of €20,000, alongside legal advice and business support.

Selected start-ups are developing technologies including systems to transform CO2 into valuable molecules, mobile solar power stations installed on railway lines, high-performance electric boats with foils, and electric skis for sustainable winter sports. The judging panel compromises eight members from Monaco’s business community.

Three key conferences are also set to take place to address questions about energy and mobility’s future. The first, ‘When luxury meets CSR,’ represents a partnership with Monte-Carlo SBM exploring how corporate social responsibility is transforming the luxury sector. Virginie Cotta, Secretary General of Monte-Carlo SBM, will participate in this discussion.

The second conference, ‘What energy and vehicles for the coming decades?’, will examine future mobility solutions and renewable energy developments, concluding with remarks from Prince Albert II on Wednesday from 2:15pm to 3:15pm.

The third conference offers a retrospective titled ’20 years of mobility in Monaco,’ featuring key industry figures reviewing the principality’s achievements in sustainable transport.

Traditional roundtable discussions will also take place under the theme ‘Electromobility and renewable energy supporting climate and society’. These sessions brings together academic experts, local authorities, and industry leaders to share experiences.

SMEG to showcase energy chain evolution

SMEG will demonstrate its expanding role across the entire energy spectrum. Laurence Garnatini from SMEG highlighted the company’s evolution to encompass renewable energy, urban heating systems, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

“We are one of the rare operators in the world present in the entire energy chain,” she notes, highlighting SMEG’S charging network which now operates 2,300 charging points in Monaco and 2,600 across France.

The event has also welcomed a partnership with the Rally Aïcha des Gazelles, specifically through their E-Gazelles category featuring electric competition vehicles. Meanwhile, it continues to enjoy support from the Prince Albert II Foundation of Monaco, SMEG, and the Monaco government.

Lastly, supporting the forum’s innovation is the Riviera Electric Challenge, co-organised with the city of Cagnes-sur-Mer. Alain Gaggero, deputy mayor of the city, explained that this 11th edition brings together around twenty electric vehicles from local authorities and companies over two days, with the prize-giving ceremony taking place at the Place du Palais on October 10th.

Despite the format evolution towards a more business focused event, organisers maintain their commitment to public engagement. “It’s open to the public. They participate, they come to listen,” Favaloro confirmed, nothing that audience questions during conferences are actively encouraged.

The event runs with free admission from 9:30am to 6pm on October 15th and 9:30am to 5pm on October 16th.

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Main photo provided.

The facility, inaugurated on September 15th, recreates a realistic home environment within the hospital’s geriatric service. The two-room setup includes essential living spaces – bedroom, kitchen and bathroom – all fitted with furniture equipment specially destined for patients with motor and sensory impairments.

“The idea is really to adapt to patients and their lifestyle habits at home,” explained Dr Ingrid Laurent, psychologist at CHPG who spoke to Monaco Life about the new facility. “Whatever the pathology, we can help patients maintain their living habits while adapting their accommodation.”

The simulator features motorised furniture that can be adjusted to individual needs, grab rails that fold away when not required, and smart lighting systems that respond to movement or emergency calls. For patients with hearing difficulties, the system uses coloured lights to indicate when someone is at the door.

In the kitchen, sinks can be raised or lowered electronically, while the bathroom includes a shower chair that retracts when not needed and grab rails that fold away. The toilet can be adjusted to the optimal height for each user, and there’s a transfer chair similar to the bath tub. Voice-activated controls allow patients to operate lights and blinds using simple commands.

Psychological benefits

Beyond practical training, the apartment serves a crucial psychological function. “If a patient can no longer envisage returning home, they easily become depressed,” Laurent notes. “But if they can see it’s possible because it resembles their home and they can do things again by adapting to their current vulnerability, they can reimagine a possible life.”

The apartment simulator represents the latest chapter in Sir Stelios’s longstanding support for the hospital. During the Covid-19 pandemic, his foundation distributed €2,000 worth of shopping vouchers to healthcare workers, and has previously funded cutting-edge medical equipment including ultrasound scanners, robotic surgery systems, and cardiac treatment technology.

Dr Sandrine Louchart de La Chapelle, head of the geriatric service, and hospital director Benoîte Rousseau de Sevelinges demonstrated the facility to Sir Stelios in the presence of Monaco’s Health Minister Christophe Robino and hospital board president Caroline Rougaignon-Vernin.

For many patients, the facility offers hope and confidence in their ability to adapt and thrive in their own homes, supported by technology that makes daily tasks more manageable.

See more in Kyriaki Topalidou’s reel below…

 

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From 15th September, outgoing mail servers that do not comply with international security standards will be permanently shut down. This move comes amid rising phishing attacks, with Monaco Telecom strengthening its infrastructure to safeguard users against risks such as identity theft, password breaches and banking fraud.

How to check and update settings

All users who access their mailbox through software such as Outlook, Apple Mail or Thunderbird must ensure their accounts are configured with Monaco Telecom’s secure servers across every device they use. A dedicated support page – monaco-telecom.mc/config – provides video tutorials and a ‘Check’ tool that allows users to confirm their settings with a single test email.

Support for customers

Since June, more than 1,300 clients have sought assistance either via Monaco Telecom’s customer service or at the Maison du Numérique. Users can book an appointment with an advisor (+377 92 26 92 26), contact customer service directly (+377 99 66 33 00), or consult the operator’s virtual assistant through its website or WhatsApp (+377 377 10 000). Customers who use Monaco Telecom’s Webmail exclusively do not need to take any action.

Operators stress shared responsibility

“Securing our clients’ data is one of our top priorities. Cyberattacks are now the leading threat facing email users,” said Martin Péronnet, Director General of Monaco Telecom. “We are reinforcing our infrastructure while supporting clients through this transition.”

Frédéric Fautrier, Director of Monaco’s Digital Security Agency, added: “The risks posed by malicious emails are significant, from stolen personal data to compromised banking details. Vigilance is essential, but it is equally important for operators to implement robust measures to protect their users.”

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Photo credit: Brett Jordan, Unsplash

]]> https://monacolife.net/mbappe-adds-sparkle-to-diamond-encrusted-headphone-reveal-at-monaco-yacht-club/ Fri, 29 Aug 2025 08:45:26 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=112831 The Monaco Yacht Club set the stage on Wednesday night for what may well be the most extravagant product launch of 2025. Aboard the sleek Loewe Yacht, luxury electronics house Loewe and haute horlogerie icon Jacob & Co. unveiled an exclusive collection of diamond- and sapphire-encrusted, limited-edition headphones — creations as dazzling and rare as the setting in which they were revealed.

The collaboration has produced just 10 pairs of headphones split into two different designs: the Noir Rainbow, adorned with 15.97 carats of multicoloured sapphires set in 14k rose gold – priced at €99,000, and the Ice Diamond, featuring 12.47 carats of white diamonds in 14k white gold, priced at €119,000. With only five pairs of each design available worldwide, these aren’t merely headphones, they’re luxurious jewellery pieces that conveniently happen to deliver exceptional sound.

“When we first decided to put this project together, the concept was really to create something that is both technical, high performance, and luxury,” explained Aslan Khabliev, CEO and Owner of Loewe Technology.

Star-studded guest list

The highlight of the evening came when Kylian Mbappé, the French football superstar, stepped onto the luxurious yacht. VIP guests gathered to meet him, with the player taking photos and signing autographs before entering the parlour to try on the headphones for himself.

“By far” the best he’d ever experienced, Mbappé told Monaco Life enthusiastically, before adding that the collaboration represents a big opportunity for him too.

The exclusive guest list also included Tom Claeren, Jeetendr Sehdev, Zarina Yeva, Victoria Silvstedt, and Bianca Bonomi, creating an intimate gathering of influencers and luxury enthusiasts.

Blind listening test puts headphones to the test

Beyond the obvious visual spectacle, the evening included a blind listening test, proving the headphones’s technical credentials. Six different pairs of high-end headphones from various manufactures were covered in velvet and presented to guests anonymously.

Remarkably, attendees easily identified the Loewe x Jacob & Co model, suggesting the audio performance truly lives up to the test and matches its luxurious aesthetics.

The American audio engineer behind the technological development brought 25 years of industry experience to the project. The devices feature active noice cancellation, AI-driven intelligence, real-time translation capabilities, and an impressive 65-hour battery life.

As champagne flowed throughout the event, guests were able to observe the impressive headphones up close and admire the precision craftsmanship.

See more in Kyriaki Topalidou’s video below…

 

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On 2nd July, the European Commission presented its new Quantum Strategy, a comprehensive initiative designed to build a robust and sovereign quantum ecosystem in Europe by 2030. The plan sets out to harness cutting-edge science, expand Europe’s industrial competitiveness, and reduce dependence on non-European technologies in a domain expected to exceed €155 billion in global value by 2040.

A blueprint for leadership

The strategy focuses on five pillars: research and innovation, infrastructure development, ecosystem growth, dual-use and space applications, and skills development. Together, these elements will underpin the EU’s vision of a self-reliant, resilient quantum sector.

“Europe has always been at the forefront of quantum science, with a strong record of innovation and discovery,” said Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy. “As the global quantum race intensifies and moves from lab to real-world application, Europe must maintain its leadership.”

Key actions under the strategy include launching the Quantum Europe Research and Innovation Initiative, co-funded with Member States, to support foundational research and application development in both public and private sectors. A quantum design facility and six pilot production lines for quantum chips—backed by €50 million in public funding—will be established to help transform prototypes into market-ready technologies.

Infrastructure and skills for the next frontier

Europe’s ambitions also extend into secure communications and strategic autonomy, with the launch of a pilot facility for a European Quantum Internet and collaboration with the European Space Agency on a Quantum Technology Roadmap in Space. The sector’s dual-use potential, particularly in defence and critical infrastructure, is expected to grow in strategic importance.

To meet future workforce demands, the Commission will establish a European Quantum Skills Academy in 2026 and expand the existing network of Quantum Competence Clusters. These initiatives aim to address a major skills gap and create thousands of highly specialised jobs across the EU.

Growing private investment and startup scale

With European quantum startups currently attracting only around 5% of global private investment, the strategy includes measures to stimulate funding and scale-up opportunities. This includes promoting industrial uptake of quantum solutions developed within the EU and encouraging collaboration between academia, industry, and innovators.

The Commission also plans to propose a Quantum Act in 2026 to support the industrialisation of quantum technologies through coordinated EU and national investments, particularly in pilot production and large-scale facilities.

Strategic oversight

A High-Level Advisory Board composed of leading scientists, including Nobel Prize laureates, will guide implementation of the strategy and ensure alignment with Europe’s long-term sovereignty and innovation goals.

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Against the cinematic backdrop of the Palais des Festivals, EthCC[8] convened from 30th June to 3rd July, alongside a full week of side‑events, workshops and networking under the summer sun. With AI, privacy, DeFi, security and cross‑chain interoperability on the agenda, Ethereum Founder Vitalik Buterin’s keynote on Day three offered a visceral reminder: technological sophistication alone won’t guarantee a decentralised future.

Vitalik charts a course for meaningful decentralisation

Vitalik Buterin urged the community to abandon superficial decentralisation in favour of concrete user guarantees: the “walk‑away” test (can users retain assets if developers disappear?), the “insider attack” test and scrutinising the trusted computing base. He warned that many Layer‑2s and DeFi systems hide centralised controls, upgrade keys or privacy vulnerabilities. Privacy must be default, not optional, and code should be simpler to resist systemic fragility

Web3’s next chapter hinges on trust and resilience

Marking 10 years since Ethereum’s genesis block, Buterin’s message was clear: the ecosystem stands at an inflection point. He implored builders to confront centralisation vectors—from hidden backdoors to opaque bridges—and build systems that “create openness, freedom, and fair, permissionless access”. Without this reckoning, Ethereum risks becoming “a generational thing… [that] passes like a lot of other things” .

Cannes showcases the full spectrum of Ethereum innovation

Away from Buterin’s keynote, EthCC featured a rich programme of technical deep dives: AI‑powered developer tools, blockchain indexing with Kafka, MEV mitigation, cross‑chain liquidity, zero‑knowledge legal frameworks and transparent signing protocols. Sessions ranged from Gwen Martin’s exploration of AI coding assistants to Charles Guillemet’s Ledger-backed user safeguards. These sessions underscore Ethereum’s multidimensional growth.

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Photo of Ethereum Founder Vitalik Buterin speaking at the EthCC event, credit Nico Timmermans

]]> https://monacolife.net/energy-observer-docks-in-monaco-after-seven-year-global-voyage/ Mon, 07 Jul 2025 12:32:51 +0000 https://monacolife.net/?p=111434 The Monaco Yacht Club welcomed a remarkable vessel to its marina during the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge—the Energy Observer, the world’s first vessel to complete a round-the-world voyage in total energy autonomy. After seven years at sea, covering 68,000 nautical miles, it arrived in Monaco to demonstrate the possibilities of maritime decarbonisation. 

Speaking to Monaco Life, Nolwenn Guenan, the vessel’s 360 Communication Manager, explained the groundbreaking technology that powers the boat. “Energy Observer is a boat operating with a mix of renewable energies and hydrogen on board,” she said.

The technology that powered the global voyage

The boat stands as an example in marine propulsion, operating entirely on a low-carbon energy mix combining solar panels, wind turbines, hydropower, and crucially, hydrogen produced on board from seawater electrolysis.

The Energy Observer’s seven year voyage has taken it to more than 50 countries, making 101 stopovers across the globe. “The objective is to experiment, decrypt, and raise awareness about energy transition.” Guenan explained.

Next-generation vessel to push boundaries even further

The success of the original Energy Observer has paved the way for an even more ambitious successor. EO3, currently under development, represents the next generation of low carbon vessels, designed from the outset as a commercial ship meeting international standards.

This new vessel will feature an innovative energy system integrating multiple complementary technologies: a 180-square-metre solar array, four wing sails for propulsion assistance, and a revolutionary ammonia-based fuel system.

The Energy Observer’s presence at the Monaco Boat Energy Challenge gave visitors and contestants a glimpse into the future of zero-emission maritime transport.

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Main photo by Monaco Life.