Balearic Marine Cluster, in collaboration with Yachting Ventures, will organise a new Innovation Exchange Session during the upcoming edition of the Mediterranean Superyacht Forum (MSF) in Palma
The session will take place on 28 April 2026, one day before the Palma International Boat Show (PIBS), positioning the Forum as a key meeting point for professionals and investors looking to connect ahead of one of the most important weeks in the Mediterranean yachting calendar.
Designed as an open and accessible industry gathering, the Innovation Exchange Session will start at 15:30 in the main auditorium, with capacity for up to 300 attendees, including professionals who do not hold a ticket for the main conference. The aim is to broaden participation and foster collaboration across the Mediterranean superyacht ecosystem.
The session will be hosted and moderated by Gabbi Richardson, Founder of Yachting Ventures, and will explore how emerging technologies and new business models are transforming the future of the superyacht sector.
An afternoon exploring the future of the sector
The session will open with a panel discussion titled “The Role of Innovation in the Future of Yachting”, bringing together leading industry voices to explore how innovation is redefining competitiveness, operational efficiency and sustainability in the superyacht industry.
This will be followed by a live pitch showcase, where 8 selected companies will present scalable solutions for the superyacht market (yachts above 24 metres) across four strategic categories:
- AI & Digitalisation: technologies that enhance efficiency, predictive maintenance, data-driven decision-making and smarter vessel management.
- Onshore Operations: innovations that optimise shipyard performance, refit coordination, supply chain management and marina infrastructure.
- Offshore Operations: solutions designed to improve onboard performance, crew efficiency, safety and operational reliability at sea.
- Sustainability: scalable approaches addressing emissions, energy optimisation, alternative materials, waste management and environmental compliance.
The session will conclude with networking drinks on the MSF terrace overlooking the marina, offering attendees the opportunity to continue conversations, make new connections and build relationships ahead of the Palma International Boat Show.
Expanding the concept of innovation beyond startups
Startups, scaleups and established companies are invited to apply to pitch at the Innovation Exchange Session across the four categories.
Importantly, the session is not designed as a simple showcase of ideas, but as a focused exchange aimed at accelerating implementation, unlocking collaboration and driving tangible progress across the superyacht sector.
While Yachting Ventures has traditionally focused on early-stage startups, this collaboration recognises that innovation in the yachting sector is increasingly being driven by scaleups and established companies investing in technology to remain competitive.
“Startups continue to play a critical role, but innovation in yachting today is increasingly coming from multiple directions,” said Gabbi Richardson, Founder of Yachting Ventures.
“To reflect this, we are expanding our focus beyond early-stage startups to also support more established ventures, and the Mediterranean Superyacht Forum is the perfect platform to begin these conversations.”
Pedro Suasi, Director of Balearic Marine Cluster, added: “The yachting industry is undergoing significant changes, and innovation driven by emerging companies has the potential to become a real game changer. At Balearic Marine Cluster, we actively foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the sector, and we believe that the Mediterranean Superyacht Forum, bringing together some of the industry’s leading voices, provides an excellent platform to showcase the technologies shaping the future of the industry.”
How to participate
Companies developing solutions ready to enter or scale within the superyacht market can apply to participate in the pitch session. Applications will be reviewed to ensure selected companies represent high-quality, innovative solutions relevant to the superyacht sector.
The application deadline is 25 March 2026.
Industry professionals including shipyards, management companies, suppliers, investors and institutional stakeholders are also invited to attend the session to discover emerging technologies and connect directly with the teams behind them.
Tickets for the Innovation Exchange Session are priced at €30, while access is included for Mediterranean Superyacht Forum attendees.
More information HERE
