The goal is to create an open innovation and startup ecosystem connecting the northern German and European regions to the global hydrogen economy. The platform, initially to be operated out of Hamburg, will serve as the interface between research, industry, and other institutions and represent a homeport for the inception and development of startups and their technologies.
The platform will be supported by the Fraunhofer Institutes for Solar Energy Systems ISE and Open Communication Systems FOKUS in the field of hydrogen technologies and energy transition, digital transformation, and innovation management. The main task of the science partners is to conduct an in-depth assessment of submitted business ideas including the identification and closing of technology gaps within the pilot projects with partners.
On April 8, 2022, the first batch was kicked off with initiating partners Shell and Electric Power Research Institute, or EPRI, along with the founding members City of Hamburg and Phillips 66/JET.
Experienced industry players will be an instrumental pillar of the platform. In addition to their industrial know-how, corporations will provide access to the necessary infrastructure to test, pilot, and scale new technologies in the following areas:
- H2-fuelled combustion
- Fuel cell applications
- Storage
- Carbon capture
- Compression
- Production
- Solid oxide electrolysis
- Alkaline electrolysers, and more
Plug and Play will act as the operator of the platform and serve as a bridge to international innovation, venture capital, and startup ecosystems around the globe. To join the program or for more information visit www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/h2startup.
