On 14–15 November, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) will host Hydraton 2025, a technical hackathon organised by the TalTech Hydrogen Organisation (TiVo). The goal is to develop the concept of Estonia’s first hydrogen-powered racing boat and form a strong team to take the project to the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge.
Hydraton brings together students, young engineers, lecturers, mentors and companies to co-create the marine technologies of the future. Participants will form teams focusing on the boat’s hull and structure, propulsion systems, electrical and hydrogen energy circulation, and project management.
Hydraton marks the first step of TiVo’s ambitious new initiative HydroRacer, which aims to build Estonia’s first hydrogen-powered racing boat. The ideas and know-how developed during the hackathon will lay a solid foundation for the construction of the actual vessel in 2026 and participation in the international Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in 2027.
Why it matters
Over two intensive days, participants will produce the boat’s technical schematics, system designs and concept, gaining valuable and highly practical experience in hydrogen and marine engineering.
The broader goal of the HydroRacer initiative is to advance Estonia’s green technology and engineering excellence, nurturing a new generation of environmentally conscious specialists and offering them hands-on experience in a cutting-edge engineering project. The project’s vision is to place TalTech and Estonia on the international hydrogen innovation map.
The road to Monaco
The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is the world’s leading green technology competition, organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco in cooperation with the International Powerboating Federation (UIM) and the Prince Albert II Foundation. Each year, the event brings together over 40 teams from more than 25 countries, including universities such as TU Delft, Politecnico di Milano and ETH Zürich.
The HydroRacer team plans to design a boat featuring a safe and innovative hydrogen storage method that eliminates the need for high-pressure tanks and to develop a hydrofoil system that reduces water resistance and improves efficiency. “This project combines green technology, marine engineering and students — exactly the kind of synergy needed to take Estonia’s hydrogen innovation to the next level,”
says project lead Erik-Rennes Pihlak.
Registration is required to participate in Hydraton 2025.