Lineup confirmed for Innovation session at Mediterranean Superyacht Forum

Yachting Ventures and the Balearic Marine Cluster (BMC) have unveiled the speaker panel and participating companies for the forthcoming Innovation Exchange Session, set to take place on 28 April during the Mediterranean Superyacht Forum (MSF) in Palma.

Launching in 2026, the Innovation Exchange Session is a new addition to the MSF programme, aimed at highlighting the technologies and ideas shaping the future of the superyacht sector. The session will focus on four core themes: AI and digitalisation, onshore operations, offshore operations, and sustainability.

The Innovation Exchange Session will take place in the main auditorium at MSF and is open to both forum delegates and external attendees. The session will conclude with a networking reception on the terrace, creating a more informal setting for attendees to connect directly.

Session agenda

15:00 – 15:30 | Panel discussion

A high-level conversation exploring where meaningful innovation is happening across the superyacht sector, the challenges still to be solved, and how collaboration between emerging companies and industry is evolving.

15:30 – 17:00 | Live pitch showcase
Companies present their solutions in a fast-paced format (five minutes each), covering key areas including AI & digitalisation, onshore and offshore operations, and sustainability.

17:00 onwards | Networking on the terrace
An informal networking reception bringing together founders, investors, and industry stakeholders for direct conversations following the session.

Panel Speakers

This opening panel discussion on ‘The Role of Innovation in The Future of Yachting‘ is designed to set the strategic framework for the pitches that follow. Confirmed speakers include:

• Lucia Mingot, head of quality & innovation at Astilleros de Mallorca, working at the forefront of refit operations and closely involved in the implementation of new technologies on active superyacht projects.

• Fernando Larunbe Martínez, exited founder of Fanautic, now focused on expanding access to boating through platform-driven models.

• José Antonio González Fernández, investor actively backing innovation across the marine and maritime sector.
  
• Lyam Last, sales manager at Heesen Yachts and co-founder of Nauticare, an AI-driven yacht management platform, working across new build, yacht operations, and digital innovation in the superyacht industry.

The panel will be moderated by Gabriella Richardson, founder of Yachting Ventures.

Pitching companies

Companies have been shortlisted from a strong pool of applicants to take to the stage and present their solutions.

Each offers a distinct perspective on how technology is being applied across superyacht operations, infrastructure, and user experience.

• Marine Weather: A marine forecasting platform delivering high-resolution, real-time weather insights to support safer and more efficient yacht operations

• TowPro: The leading provider of tracking and monitoring solutions for chase boats, tenders, and water toys, now expanding into crew and guest safety.

• IDOSY: The world’s first open digital marketplace for superyacht charter, sale and investment

• Sarno Industries: A next-generation propulsion system improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and lowering operating costs without requiring new infrastructure.

• Zeafarer: A digital platform streamlining operations, compliance, and customer experience across charter, yacht management, commercial fleets, and marine services.

• Sertec Marine: Helping superyachts reduce lightning-related electrical failures and costly downtime through specialist surge protection, system testing, and post-strike diagnostics.

• YachtMind: An AI infrastructure platform enabling intelligent automation, interoperable systems, and dedicated models for both onboard and onshore yacht operations.

As part of its broader platform, Yachting Ventures continues to build structured opportunities for companies to access capital and industry, with the Innovation Exchange forming part of its ongoing effort to create more consistent visibility and meaningful connections across the sector.

Tickets for the Innovation Exchange Session are priced at €30 and can be secured online.