- As a major technological partner over the next three years, Sopra Steria will harness the full power of its expertise in artificial intelligence and digital innovation to support The Famous Project CIC in its sporting, scientific and environmental challenges.
- Using advanced data engineering, predictive modelling and real-time analysis technologies, Sopra Steria will contribute to the collection, aggregation and enhancement of oceanographic data to feed global scientific databases.
- Thanks to on-board sensors and AI, key navigation, performance and health indicators will be generated in real time to help the crew make decisions and offer the public a unique immersive experience.
Paris, 24 June 2025 - Sopra Steria, a major player in European technology, announces its exclusive technological partnership with The Famous Project CIC. This unprecedented nautical challenge will bring together an international crew of 100% women to attempt the Jules Verne Trophy: a non-stop round-the-world race without assistance, with the aim of setting a female reference time. Over the next three years, Sopra Steria will develop tailor-made digital solutions incorporating AI to optimise the crew's performance, guarantee their safety and maximise the scientific impact of the project.
Data innovation and AI for science, collective performance and safety
"By combining software engineering, AI, data visualisation and the design of intuitive and immersive digital interfaces, we are developing solutions that help to secure, optimise and share an extraordinary adventure. The Famous Project CIC is a veritable open-air laboratory where technological innovation meets human excellence", emphasises Mohammed Sijelmassi, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Sopra Steria.
The technology partnership has three main focuses:
- Modelling oceanographic data: Using sensors placed on the mast and on board the boat, Sopra Steria will call on its expertise in AI and data modelling to analyse and exploit meteorological, oceanographic and salinity data directly at sea. This data will then be fed into global scientific databases, promoting advances in oceanographic and climate research.
- Safety and detection of floating obstacles: Thanks to the integration of 3D mapping systems, satellite imagery and automated AI processing, Sopra Steria will enable the crew to detect and avoid marine hazards (icebergs, unidentified floating objects - UFOs - marine animals), thereby enhancing the safety of female sailors while limiting the risk of impact on biodiversity.
- Monitoring performance and conditions in real time: Sopra Steria will develop intelligent dashboards, fed in real time by the boat's data streams. These strategic management tools will enable the ground team to optimise performance and ensure the safety of the crew. At the same time, an immersive digital platform - on mobile application and website - will offer the general public simplified and enhanced access to race tracking, navigation data and the athletes' performances, so that they can dive right into the heart of the race and follow this unprecedented performance attempt as closely as possible.
A partnership that brings meaning, progress and excellence
This partnership reflects Sopra Steria's commitment to supporting projects that are in line with its values: collective spirit, innovation, excellence and respect.
Béatrice Mandine, Group Communications Director, said: "At Sopra Steria, we believe that technology really comes into its own when it supports progress and collective performance. This partnership illustrates our ability to put AI and digital innovation at the service of an ambitious project, driven by the values of a sport of excellence. We are keen to involve all our employees in this collective challenge, which combines technological performance, innovation and social commitment."
Founded by yachtswoman Alexia Barrier, The Famous Project CIC marks the historic return of female athletes to the Jules Verne Trophy course, more than twenty-five years after Tracy Edwards' attempt.
Alexia Barrier, skipper of the trimaran, is delighted with this collaboration: "Having Sopra Steria as a technological partner means that we can benefit from cutting-edge support to better anticipate conditions at sea, optimise our decision-making and share our progress in real time with the shore team and as many people as possible. This support is essential if we are to manage the technical challenges of a non-stop round the world race and remain fully focused on our sporting objective."