Kumaraguru Institutions unveiled YALI 4.0, the latest version of India’s pioneering student-built energy boat, on Thursday, marking a significant leap in sustainable marine innovation.

Designed and developed by Team Sea Sakthi (TSS), an interdisciplinary student team from Kumaraguru, YALI 4.0 is set to represent India once again at the prestigious Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (MEBC), for the fourth consecutive year. The team will take part in MEBC which is scheduled between 02 - 05 July 2025 at Monaco.

YALI 4.0 represents the team’s most ambitious and sustainable creation to date. Constructed entirely from balsa wood and flax fiber composites, this edition eliminates carbon fiber altogether, aligning with global calls for eco-friendly design. The structure blends traditional Tamil heritage — inspired by the mythical Yali — with futuristic marine technology, creating a visually striking and hydrodynamically efficient vessel.

Technologically, YALI 4.0 is equipped with Yacht OS 2.0, the upgraded smart system for real-time navigation and analytics. For the first time, the boat also features Augmented Reality (AR) glasses for the pilot, providing live environmental and performance data, ensuring both safety and precision.  

Another innovation by the students of Kumaraguru College and the introduction of robotic technology devices that will participate in an international robotics competition took place on the college campus.

These two innovations were unveiled at the event by special guest Commodore Balasundaram of the Indian Navy. He stated that in the future, as sea and river-based transportation in India is expected to double, there will be an increased demand for port operations, shipbuilding, and maintenance.

For this, the central government has currently allocated Rs.10,000 crore in funding. Commodore Balasundaram also emphasized that student innovation like these, which do not harm the environment or cause pollution, are essential for the Navy.