Innovate
Gaïarta Innovations
We believe that nature holds the blueprint for our shared desirable future. Through integral biomimicry, we don’t just take inspiration from the living world, we embed its forms, deep wisdom and beauty into our innovations. Our regenerative design approach ensures that every solution we develop doesn’t just solve a problem but actively contributes to a thriving system.
We operate within an innovation-driven virtuous cycle:
Develop → Prototype → Test in real-life scenarios → Learn and Rapidly Improve.
This agile, feedback-rich process accelerates breakthroughs, ensuring that each iteration is more resilient, efficient, and impactful.
As we evolve and re-design the system Chandeleur, we developed our first innovation on the core subject: energy.
Our boats have been crossing the world since the age of time, with just the energy of the wind, but today our needs have changed and our boats and other means of transport have lost their sails to other energies, mostly fossil fuels.
“We need to regenerate the concept of sails.”
SolariSails
SolariSails
First integral solar sail
We therefore imagined « SolariSails », a concept of a regenerative solar sail, working now with twined renewable energy. Combining modern wind propulsion and the integration of the newest generation of photovoltaic film into an integral membrane Sail. “SolariSails” offer a powerful and elegant alternative to fossil energies.
Inspired by organisms that perform photosynthesis and dragonfly wings (structure, generation, process, aesthetics.) The SolariSails, our platinum free, green hydrogen generating solar sail, will propel the ship, provide energy on board and to the coastal communities we will visit around the globe. These sails are designed to be regenerative through positive impact during their life cycle and the ecosystem services they provide and help to develop. These ecosystem services are provided to the rest of the ship, which itself provides them to the ecosystems in which we navigate and live (energy generation, water recovery and storage, contribution to the alkalinization of the oceans, etc.)
Flagship of the regenerative concept, SolariSails is an effective support for research, development and pedagogy towards a regenerative design system.
The electrical energy generated by this sail will eventually power a hydrogen generator by electrolysis, a major missing link for sustainable and inclusive mobility through which we can develop real solutions, particularly for maritime transport, in order to navigate healthily and sustainably.
SolariSails Phase 1
Technical presentation
SolariSails
SOLARISAILS TECHNICALLY IN [Phase 1]
SolariSails, 1st integral solar sail, is a system for integrating a photovoltaic support in the construction of a membrane sail. This System incorporates battens for structuring and protecting the photovoltaic films as well as the anti-breakage system of dragonfly wings: the “ Nodus” ; Curvilinear triangle without film and battens, the Nodus creates a space allowing for bending and twisting. It
therefore facilitates the installation of the sail and ensures the protection of the films during strong winds.
A second network of reinforcing fiber in the manner of dragonfly wings, this wireframe taking up the Blueprint of dragonfly wing structures is applied and this also serves as a guide for the application of photovoltaic surfaces cut beforehand at points-keys, in order to keep the general structural cohesion of the sail in “membrane to membrane” fusion. Electrical connections are also optimized by following this Blueprint.
Translucency of the materials allows the mutualization of light from one sail to another. The great flexibility and ability of these films to perform well in a very wide range of light, makes it possible to generate energy in a great variety of sailing conditions.
The advantage of this system in production is that it is incremented to the current process of manufacturing membrane sails. No crucial modifications in the development phases of the membrane sails or in the materials used are necessary.
Areas of impact - Phase 1
1
Existing sailboats
A - SolariSails can be installed on existing sailing vessels as a renewable electrical power system designed to significantly reduce, or fully eliminate, the use of fossil-fuel generators. When combined with an onboard hydrogen fuel cell, the system provides enhanced safety and comfort by delivering reliable, silent and emission-free power for all onboard needs, without dependence on traditional fuel-based auxiliary power units.
B- In retrofit applications, the solution additionally enables the removal of the diesel propulsion engine, allowing the vessel to be upgraded to hybrid or fully electric propulsion. This transforms an existing yacht into a modern, low-carbon platform while extending its operational life, reducing maintenance requirements, and aligning with the accelerating shift in maritime regulations toward electric and low-emission technologies.
2
New sailboats
A - The Solar Sails are installed on board, replacing the conventional fossil-fuel generator and eliminating the need for carbon-based power production. This solution enables fully decarbonized living at anchor, providing silent, renewable and autonomous onboard energy with zero emissions and no operating fuel cost.
B - In navigation, SolariSails support hybrid propulsion from the outset and can also enable fully electric propulsion from launch. Full electric capability is achieved through an integrated energy-security reserve based on a dedicated hydrogen storage tank. When required, a hydrogen fuel cell delivers the propulsion power needed to ensure vessel and crew safety, or to carry out rescue operations, providing a true fossil-free redundancy system.
This architecture positions SolariSails at the forefront of new maritime technologies, directly aligned with ongoing regulatory evolution in favor of electrification in the sector. These changes represent strategic opportunities for early adopters, as SolariSails provide a robust, scalable and future-compliant propulsion and energy solution for next-generation sailing vessels.
3
Maritime transport
The revival of wind-powered maritime transport is accelerating, with numerous projects now moving from concept to commercial deployment. This renewed sector represents a rapidly expanding market focused on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency and meeting emerging regulatory requirements for low-carbon shipping.
Within this context, SolariSails offers a uniquely differentiated proposition by combining modern wind propulsion with onboard solar energy generation, delivering continuous carbon-free auxiliary power without impacting cargo capacity. The system provides renewable electrical production during navigation and at anchor, enabling fuel savings, reduced engine hours, and lower maintenance costs across commercial operations.
By supplying clean electrical energy directly from the sails, SolariSails can significantly reduce fuel consumption while supporting hybrid or fully decarbonized power architectures. The solution enables existing or new cargo vessels to meet current and future environmental performance targets while enhancing operational autonomy and reducing total cost of ownership.
SolariSails Phase 2
Self sufficient Hydrogen System for the maritime sector
SolariSails
SOLARISAILS TECHNICALLY IN [Phase 2]
In conjunction with various experts in the fields of chemistry, bio-mimicry and engineering, we are working in parallel on the development of phase 2 of SolariSails.
In a systemic vision, the SolariSails will supply the energy necessary for a green hydrogen generator without platinum, which will produce hydrogen on board the boat by electrolysis (The energy provided by the SolariSails will make it possible to take sea water, desalinate it, transform it into hydrogen and then compress it in dedicated hydrogen tanks )...
This development makes it possible to achieve virtuous and clean energy self-sufficiency, both for life on board and the propulsion of small to large vessels. The SolariSails have a fantastic potential not only for leisure boats, but even more in the process of relaunching Maritime transport by Sails.
We are opening the doors to a new era, that of not only sustainable mobility, but soon of regenerative mobility, that can be shared with a greater number of people !
Areas of impact - Phase 2
In Phase 2, the SolariSails are coupled with a next-generation green hydrogen generator, developed in collaboration with CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research). This system enables fully autonomous production of green hydrogen without platinum, delivering a completely self-sufficient and sustainable solution for the entire propulsion and life on board our vessels.
Hydrogen is a key enabler of true zero-emission mobility: it stores energy efficiently, can be used on demand for propulsion as well as all onboard services, ensuring continuous autonomy at sea. The growing global emphasis on green hydrogen as a clean energy vector represents a strategic opportunity for maritime innovation, enabling early adoption of technologies aligned with international decarbonization targets and evolving regulatory frameworks.
Modern hydrogen storage and fuel cell technologies have advanced significantly, making them safe, reliable, and compact enough for onboard applications, with integrated safety systems ensuring secure handling even in harsh marine environments. By leveraging this combination, SolariSails positions vessels at the forefront of resilient, emission-free maritime energy, offering both environmental and operational advantages.
Importantly, this Phase 2 solution is fully compatible with all three SolariSails segments—existing sailing boats, new builds, and wind-powered maritime transport—with units scaled to the vessel’s size and energy needs, ensuring optimal performance, autonomy, and safety across every application.
Inspired by nature, driven by innovation
A multifaceted project
SolariSails
SolariSails - the artwork
Originally designed by Christophe Sachs and developed in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, SolariSails is a work that carries a message of hope and an invitation to brighter horizons. The sails are a symbol of what leads us forwards towards the discovery of others and our world but are also ambassadors of our colours and our values. Having populated our world for 300 million years, the dragonfly has represented the energy of transformation and adaptivity through the ages ... Its appearance spreading these majestic wings indicates that it is time to get out of our chrysalis, to emerge from the waters of immaturity and to consciously reveal our true nature.
SolariSails - the flagship for regenerative design
SolariSails is an ambassador of the vision and reflections towards
" a regenerative future ". From the work of l’Archipel des Écoles Françaises du Biomimétisme, SolariSails embodies a case study for the development of positive impact biomimicry. It promotes the creation of educational materials that can be shared with students and the general public. Finally, its aesthetics and history raise awareness of the integration of technology with biology, a world more integrated into the living.
SolariSails – the bio-inspired innovation with twined energies
A bio-inspired innovation thus combining wind power for propulsion and solar power for life on board the Chandeleur ecosystem, the supply of energy to coastal communities during our missions as well as the electric propulsion of the ship.
SolariSails is also an energy generator to produce green hydrogen without platinum through another bio-inspired process developed with the CNRS of Marseille.
SolariSails
Momentum
Finalists in the “Cap au Sud” innovation competition - “Impact project” mention
(https://www.regionsudinvestissement.com/actualites/concours-cap-au-sud/)
SolariSail is the flagship and pedagogical support towards regenerative design for INSA students
Exhibition of SolariSails to the general public at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie;
Presentation at Paris City Hall and official announcement of the next phase of development of the SolariSails prototype.
Projet Gaïarta 2022 : Gaïarta Face Camera by NewCorp Conseil
Workshop with EIGSI in La Rochelle on the theme of scientific research with a biomimetic twist, the aim of which is to expose these students to research and innovation through the prism of regenerative design, of which SolariSails are a flagship.
SolariSails presented at Biom'mobility as one of the most promising disruptive bio-inspired technologies for new mobility.
Biomi’expo 2024 and launching :
“As the Sea we Rise”
The biomimicry community response to Sea level rising !
we can transform the tide of rising sea level into a wave of positive change
that harnesses our individual strengths and collective vision.
https://sumus.community/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Programme-V.2-English-.pdf
Competition "Cap au Sud"
Animation of educational workshop
Biomim'Expo 2021
Workshop EIGSI SolariSails
regenerative design
Expo Biom'mobilité
Festival Aquamour Veneza
Biomi’expo '24 and launching:
“As the Sea we Rise”
The biomimicry community response to Sea level rising !
we can transform the tide of rising sea level into a wave of positive change that harnesses our individual strengths and collective vision
Lumexplore Festival
& Biomim'expo 2025
Validation of the patent SolariSails
yet to do.......
yet to do.......
Biomim'Week
Biomim’Challenge
2020
Intervention in the Round Table during Biomim’Week 2020;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lijzW23HlSQ
Biomim-Challenge 2020 finalists (Bio-inspired innovations competition)
https://biomimexpo.com/laureats-et-finalistes-biomimchallenge-2020/
Media Communication
RFI, “le biomimétisme sauvera-t-il la planète ?” ;
Maddy Keynote, “Le biomimétisme à la rescousse” (avec le groupe Engie);
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZevccak_tM&list=PL34uK2ASYXqFXklAiEHnlhHMTunswEPCg&index=5
Prototype development & Biomim'Expo 2022
Development of the SolariSails prototype and ergonomic validation.
Gaïarta and the 8e Pirogue introducing SolariSails, first integral solar sails
Exhibition of SolariSails to the general public at Biomim Expo 2022 in Paris.
2 major announcements in Venice
20.11.2024 With Sumus, at the Forum of possibilities in Venice, Gaïarta announced :
- 15 March 2025: first presentation of the SolariSails Prototype scale 1/1 at Aquamour festival Venice
- 25 March 2027: Departure of the "Children of the tide" mission, 1st Biomimicry world tour, dedicated to sea level rising.
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Dec 2020 to Sept 2021
Sept 2021 to
Nov 2021
Nov 2021 to
May 2022
May 2022 to
Feb 2023
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Oct 2023 to
June 2024
Oct 2023
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March 2025
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May 2024 to March 2025
Lumexplore is the science and environment exploration film festival of the French Explorers Society. Presenting our 2027 Children of The Tide world tour for sea level rising. https://lumexplore.fr/
Biomim’expo 2025 in the Palais du Pharo Marseille
“L’appel du Pharo” is a collective call for action launched by the Biomim’Expo community.
Gaïarta is honored to answer it — taking this call across the oceans through a collective around-the-world challenge proving that biomimicry can deliver real, scalable solutions for a desirable future.
https://biomimexpo.com/lappel-du-pharo-tribune-collective/
https://biomimexpo.com/le-catalogue-des-solutions/#jp-carousel-40835
Launching "As the Sea, we Rise" at the Biomim'expo Paris
