Sea Further, a startup incubated at MonacoTech, has reached a significant milestone after being selected for an industrialisation project supported by Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship programme for research and innovation…
The company becomes the first MonacoTech startup to receive this distinction, awarded through the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Chosen from hundreds of applications across EU member states, the project recognises several years of research and development led by Sea Further founder Valentino Iakimov. His work focuses on bio-optimised carbon produced through a patented biological process that uses marine micro-organisms.
The Monaco-based startup is developing environmentally responsible materials, including modified graphene derived from marine biology. The technology has the potential to significantly improve the performance of hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and energy storage systems, while reducing reliance on rare metals often required in advanced energy technologies.
This recognition also highlights Monaco’s commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. The Princely Government, particularly the Department of Finance and Economy and the Directorate of Economic Development, played an active role in assisting Sea Further during the application process and in co-financing the research phase.
MonacoTech, the Principality’s startup incubator, hailed the award as a major success for the local innovation ecosystem, demonstrating the growing ability of Monaco-based companies to compete and collaborate at the highest level of European research and technology development.
Image: Sea Further