The Hydronautes — a citizen-science project that almost capsized over a boat theft
France 3 covers BIUTOPIC's citizen-science project and the theft that nearly derailed it.
Press
They're talking about us.
Articles published about L'Hydronaute, BIUTOPIC and the solar-electric exoskeleton project.
The press first covered the boat's theft and its recovery by the river community. The project grew from there: turning a rescued hull into a floating laboratory.
Fact sheet
- BIUTOPIC
- BIUTOPIC SAS, Nantes. Founded March 2026. Social and solidarity economy (ESS) company, ESUS-accredited. APE 74.90B.
- EXO
- Retrofit system under development, designed to add electric propulsion, solar energy and sensors to existing boats from the outside, removably.
- EXO-01
- First demonstrator. Aluminium frame 4.95 × 4.55 m built with La Mutine (Nantes), finished. First public outings aimed from March 2027.
- L'Hydronaute
- Restored 1987 Renaud 8000 barge; first host boat. In preparation, subject to authorisations.
- HYDRO-01
- Remotely supervised surface platform, tested at sea in the Faroe Islands in 2026.
- Contact
- hydronaute@biutopic.com
Press
Coverage
3 articles
Stargate — boat behind a science project — stolen, then recovered after an improvised chase on the Erdre
The Nantes river community mobilises — L'Hydronaute and Elven Villecourt at the centre of the action.
The “Stargate”, boat stolen in Nantes, recovered 24 hours later thanks to broad mobilisation
A look back at the collective effort and the river community's role in cracking the case.
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Presentation
The 2026 presentation deck.
Ten pages: the need, the three platforms, the EXO architecture, the rates and the crew.
Read online Also available in Français.
Press contact
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