Cannes to spotlight the companies shaping marine’s future as Innovation Route returns

Sustainability and innovation are taking centre stage at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival, with organisers relaunching the Innovation Route and its associated awards programme. As the marine industry faces growing pressure to decarbonise and adapt to changing habits and legislation, the initiative aims to spotlight the technologies and business practices shaping sustainable in leisure marine.

For its 49th edition (8 to 13 September 2026), the festival says that the initiative will identify and highlight the most innovative and sustainable solutions presented by exhibitors.

Sustainable innovation moves centre stage

The boating industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Electric and hybrid propulsion systems still account for less than 8 per cent of the global market, but they are among the main growth drivers identified by industry stakeholders, says organisers. 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.

In response to these changes, the Innovation Route is aiming to position Cannes Yachting Festival as an international benchmark platform for energy transition and innovation in the boating sector.

Four categories open to all exhibitors

With this in mind, the awards will recognise the industry’s most outstanding projects and are open to all exhibitors across four categories . . . namely, best equipment improving navigation; best sustainable product; best innovative boat; and best CSR initiative.

A special jury prize may – or may not – also be awarded.

“Sustainable innovation is no longer an option, it is the future of our industry. I am joining this jury to assess practical solutions that address climate challenges while preserving the excellence of yachting,” says Rachel Goult, MD, Yacht Carbon Offset, and one of the judges.

Applications open until July deadline

Applications for the Innovation Route 2026 must be submitted by 17 July 2026, with winners to be announced at the show.

“With the Innovation Route, the Cannes Yachting Festival shines a spotlight on the innovations shaping the future of boating,” says Constance Brément, director of Cannes Yachting Festival. “This programme both guides visitors in discovering the sector’s new solutions and offers enhanced visibility to exhibitors committed to this transformation.

“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. I strongly encourage our exhibitors to submit their entries.”

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 per cent electric catamaran Modx 70; the autonomous electro-solar catamaran by Millikan; the 95 per cent recyclable sailing yacht Vaan R5; and Benetti’s B.Yong 37m hybrid superyacht, said to be capable of reducing NOx emissions by 85 per cent.