From Monaco Energy Boat Challenge to Monaco Tech: The Story of Nemo

A Conversation with Maëlle Truchement, CEO & Co-founder of NEMO

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The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge has become far more than a competition for alternative propulsion. It has evolved into one of Europe's leading platforms where young engineers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders come together to shape the future of maritime mobility.

Among this year's most promising participants is NEMO, a Monaco-based startup and MonacoTech 2026 finalist, founded by three young entrepreneurs (Maëlle Truchement, Simon Dorthe and Marc Guynot) who transformed an engineering project developed for the Challenge into a growing technology company. Their onboard data platform helps measure energy performance, optimise vessel operations and reduce emissions through real-time monitoring and predictive analytics.

During the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, Ad Astra Journal spoke with Maëlle Truchement, CEO and Co-founder of NEMO, about entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, sustainability and why data may become one of the most valuable resources in tomorrow's maritime industry.

Interview by Anastasiia Lutcenko

Ad Astra Journal: NEMO is now becoming a recognised company, but everything started as a small project. When did you realise this adventure was becoming something much bigger?

Maëlle Truchement: It all started during the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. At the time, there was a need for more accurate race monitoring and GPS tracking for the Energy Class boats. Marc and Simon began developing our first onboard data logger, and over the following months they started speaking with larger players in the maritime sector.

That was the turning point. They realised this technology could have applications far beyond the competition itself.

When I finished my studies, they invited me to join them. I had an entrepreneurial and management background, while they were exceptional engineers. I simply thought: we only have one life. So we built NEMO together.

Ad Astra Journal: What has been the greatest challenge since launching the company?

Maëlle Truchement: Without hesitation, building everything in such a short time. We had less than a year to design and manufacture more than fifty onboard devices for the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. The engineering work was enormous, but I knew I could trust my co-founders completely. My role became developing the business, the strategy, partnerships and long-term vision.

Ad Astra Journal: What comes next for NEMO?

Maëlle Truchement: Today we're focusing on racing and yachting, but our ambition is much broader.

We want to create an intelligent ecosystem connecting boats, marinas, port infrastructure and certification bodies through real-time data. Ultimately, it's not just about monitoring one yacht. It's about optimising the entire maritime ecosystem.

Ad Astra Journal: How can data make maritime transport more sustainable?

Maëlle Truchement: For me, the answer is simple: We cannot act on what we cannot measure.

Data allows us to understand exactly where energy is consumed and where improvements can be made.

In one project, we identified annual savings of around 50,000 litres of fuel, representing more than 100 tonnes of CO₂and approximately €80,000 in operating costs for a single yacht. When you can measure performance, you can improve it.

Ad Astra Journal: Artificial intelligence is everywhere today. Where do you see its greatest potential in the maritime industry?

Maëlle Truchement: Predictive maintenance. A boat that is unexpectedly out of service represents lost time and significant financial costs.

Artificial intelligence allows us to detect potential failures before they happen and optimise maintenance, making operations much more efficient.

Ad Astra Journal: What is the biggest misconception about sustainable yachting?

Maëlle Truchement: That talking about sustainability is enough. There is still a lot of greenwashing. Our goal is to provide real data and measurable proof so that sustainability becomes something concrete rather than simply a communication message. 

Ad Astra Journal: Among all the innovations presented this week, which do you believe will transform the industry over the next decade?

Maëlle Truchement:

There isn't a single technology. The future belongs to the combination of innovations.

Data, alternative energy, artificial intelligence, new vessel design — together they will define the maritime industry of tomorrow.

Ad Astra Journal: What advice would you give a young entrepreneur with an idea but unsure whether it can become a business?

Maëlle Truchement: Surround yourself with the right people.

Be ambitious, but also remain humble enough to learn. Every major project starts with a first step. Step by step.

Ad Astra Journal: Engineering and maritime industries have traditionally been male-dominated. Have things changed for women?

Maëlle Truchement: I believe the biggest barriers are often psychological. Of course the sector can be challenging, but I've never wanted to define myself by that. I prefer to focus on my skills, my work and my ambition. More and more women are finding their place in engineering and entrepreneurship, and that's encouraging.

Ad Astra Journal: Why has Monaco become such an important centre for maritime innovation?

Maëlle Truchement: Because Monaco has a clear long-term vision.

With the support of HSH Prince Albert II, strong institutions, incubators like MonacoTech and initiatives such as the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, an entire innovation ecosystem has been built over time.

Today, when people talk about maritime innovation, they naturally think of Monaco.

Ad Astra Journal: Finally, how would you like NEMO to be remembered ten years from now?

Maëlle Truchement: Not simply as a successful company. I hope people remember that we stayed true to our values. That we remained authentic. That a team of three people managed to build something meaningful without ever forgetting where it all began.