Resilience and Innovation: Néréides Team at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 

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Today’s story is written by my colleague, Valerie Lécolle, SOLIDWORKS EDU Expert.

As proud sponsors, we had the privilege of supporting the French Néréides student team, from University of Technology of Troyes UTT, in their remarkable -and at times challenging- journey during the 12th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. This unique event celebrates innovation and sustainability in marine engineering, challenging students to design and build next-generation boats. Participants are encouraged to explore cutting-edge technologies, alternative propulsion systems, and eco-friendly materials, all while pushing the limits of nautical performance with minimal environmental impact.

The Néréides team rose to this challenge with determination, creativity, and technical excellence, and we’re excited to share highlights from their inspiring experience because, this year’s competition was a true testament to their resilience, ingenuity, and determination.

Turning Setbacks into Opportunities
Just before their departure, the team faced a major setback: a fire during testing severely damaged critical systems. Yet, instead of giving up, they made the bold decision to rebuild in just one day. They redesigned telemetry, installed a backup battery, sourced a motor controller overnight, and created a protective composite box—all while maintaining their focus on the competition ahead.

Innovation Under Pressure
Arriving in Monaco with limited time, the team encountered another challenge: their smaller battery caused safety shutdowns. Their quick thinking led to an innovative pre-charging system, allowing them to pass technical inspections just in time.

Competing Against the Odds
Despite their battery’s limitations, the team’s strategic approach during the endurance race earned them 11th place out of 23 teams and the title of 2nd best French team. Their close finish in the Championship Race, just 20 centimeters behind a more powerful competitor, highlighted the exceptional design and optimization of their boat.

A Shared Vision for the Future
This year’s highlights, including a flax fiber cockpit and a dual counter-rotating propeller system, reflect the team’s commitment to sustainable innovation. As sponsors, we are inspired by their ambition to influence greener practices in naval engineering and their drive to push boundaries in future competitions.

We are immensely proud to support such a talented and determined group of students. Their journey this year was not just about racing, it was about proving what’s possible through creativity, teamwork, and perseverance. Congratulations to all the team!

Thank you Valerie and thank you Team Néréides UTT, for sharing with the SOLIDWORKS Community.

Student teams! Click here to find out more about the SOLIDWORKS Student Team Sponsorship program.

Design well.  Marie

Marie Planchard

Marie Planchard

Senior Director, Early Engagement, 3DEXPERIENCE Works at Dassault Systemes
Marie Planchard is an education and engineering advocate. As Senior Director of Education & Early Engagement, SOLIDWORKS, she is responsible for global development of content and social outreach across all levels of learning.
Marie Planchard

@marieplanchard1