Hydrogen offers a compelling pathway towards decarbonisation. By strengthening the UK’s hydrogen industry we will build national energy resilience, deliver green jobs and ensure that future net zero targets can be met. With Scotland’s universities at the forefront of hydrogen research, our new limited-edition Hydrogen Challenge is open to university innovators working in disciplines related to materials development in hydrogen.
Hydrogen Challenge
Scotland’s Universities are centres of excellence for hydrogen research and Converge is partnering with the Royce Hydrogen Accelerator, part of the Henry Royce Institute, to launch a limited-edition programme for academics developing hydrogen projects with commercialisation potential.
What’s in it for you?
Participating in this Challenge will give you the opportunity to take the first steps towards developing the commercial potential and real-world impact of your hydrogen innovation.
Network
Connect, learn, growBy joining our cohort, you'll connect with a select group of peers from across Scotland's University sector and benefit from direct mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and experts from the Royce Hydrogen Accelerator.
Training
Bespoke business trainingAll successful applicants will attend a bespoke business training programme designed and delivered by the experienced team at Entrepreneur Business School.
£20k
Prize fundIn addition to the training programme, successful applicants will have the opportunity to compete for a prize fund of £20k in equity-free cash to help get your business started.
Plus
Alumni network and supportOnce you've completed our programme, you'll join a thriving and diverse community of Converge alumni spearheading breakthrough businesses across all sectors and at all stages.
Who can apply?
Applicants to the programme will be staff, students or recent graduates of Scottish Universities working in disciplines related to materials development in hydrogen. For many, participation in this programme will be a first step towards commercialisation, designed to test and validate ideas and equip you for the realities of entrepreneurship.
Here are the types of projects at all stages of the hydrogen supply chain that are eligible to apply:
Production: catalysts, membranes and coatings to improve performance and reduce costs of electrolysis
Storage: robust, corrosion-resistant materials for hydrogen storage at scale for fixed and mobile applications
Distribution: materials capable of handing low-temperature liquid hydrogen and high-temperature industrial processes
End use: compressor materials for moving hydrogen through existing gas networks and membranes to purify hydrogen for fuel cells
Monitoring: smart materials for real-time monitoring of critical infrastructure and the ability to report, mitigate or resolve problems before they arise
Members of staff from all Scottish universities are welcome to apply including early-career researchers, academic and professional staff.
We welcome applications from postgraduate and undergraduate students from all Scottish universities.
Recent graduates (up to 36 months after graduation from the initial application date) from all Scottish universities are eligible to apply.
Team and joint applications are welcome provided one member of the team is a staff member, student or recent graduate from a Scottish university.
Applicants must plan to have their business headquartered in Scotland.
Active participation in all training sessions and events is mandatory for the lead applicant. For key dates, see the 'What's involved' section on this web page.
You must either own or have the right to use and commercially exploit all Intellectual Property Rights related to your business idea.
This challenge is aimed at early-stage projects that have the potential to become high-growth businesses. Applicants need to demonstrate feasibility and early market research.
If you do have an existing company, it must be dormant, non-trading or trading for no longer than 24 months with a secured income not higher than £200,000 (including but not limited to grants, investment, loans, revenue, prizes).
Technology readiness levels (TRLs) are a scale used to measure the maturity of a technology during its development. To apply for this challenge, we recommend TRL 2-5.
Judging criteria
Hydrogen Challenge applications will be judged on the clarity of the market strategy and the viability of the business model. We're looking for individuals and teams who have what it takes to build sustainable, successful businesses.
Innovation
Demonstration of market need
Understanding of your market and customers
Clarity of product/service development plan
Viability of proposed business model
What’s involved?
If you're successful, you'll be invited to attend a two-day in-person training session held at Heriot-Watt University in June. You'll then be invited to put forward a business case, financial projections and a video pitch for your idea. Finalists will be notified in September and the winner of the prize will be announced at our annual Awards ceremony on 2 October.
- Application deadline
30 April - In-person training
17 & 18 June (tbc) - Business case submission
18 August - Awards (finalists only)
2 October
Take part in this Challenge
This limited-edition Challenge is now open for applications!
Book a workshop
Our Enterprise team are hosting an online application and information session tailored for the Hydrogen Challenge. Book here.
Book a 1-2-1 meeting
For support with your application, book time with one of our Enterprise team here.
Apply now
The process and deadline for applying is different from our other Challenge categories.
The deadline is 30 April (12 noon) and the application form is available here.