U-M student teams compete in Hydrogen Grand Challenge
The inaugural Hydrogen Grand Challenge competition, Michigan Hydrogen Horizon, brought together seven interdisciplinary student teams from the University of Michigan, tasking them with crafting business pitches centered around the regional deployment of hydrogen. The journey, which commenced in October 2023 and culminated in the Final Pitch Competition on April 11, 2024, showcased not only the ingenuity of the participating teams but also the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
From the outset, the Hydrogen Grand Challenge aimed to spark creativity and practicality in addressing pressing energy needs. The initial phases saw teams engaging in workshops and refining their product proposals under the guidance of over 20 mentors and subject matter experts from various industries. Organized by MI Hydrogen and sponsored by Fortescue, the challenge provided a platform for students to delve into real-world energy issues and propose viable solutions.
“The inaugural Hydrogen Grand Challenge was a great success.,” said MI Hydrogen co-director Dr. Todd Allen. “We had seven innovative ideas from a diverse group of motivated students. “MI Hydrogen looks forward to further growth in the use of hydrogen, catalyzed by innovators such as these teams.”
“It has been great to work with the student teams and watch their innovative hydrogen concepts evolve,” said Dr. Aaron Crumm of the U-M Center for Entrepreneurship. Crumm facilitated several hydrogen workshops leading up to the Final Pitch Competition. Students who participated in the competition are encouraged to reach out to him if they’re interested in pursuing their ideas further.
“Through their innovative business pitches, the student teams demonstrated a keen understanding of hydrogen’s pivotal role in combating global warming,” said Soraya Kim Larkin, a judge in the competition. “Their ideas not only showcased the importance of hydrogen as a clean energy source but also presented strong, innovative solutions capable of advancing the targets set in the United States’ National Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap. It’s inspiring to see such creative approaches that align with the urgency of our times.”
At the heart of the competition were three standout teams that captured the essence of innovation and sustainability in their business pitches.
H2Blue: Pioneering Household Resilience
Claiming first place, H2Blue captivated judges with a comprehensive business pitch that advocated for the widespread adoption of hydrogen as a backup energy solution for households in Michigan. Led by Ting-Kai Chou, Chi-Hsiang Yi, and Po-Yu Kung, H2Blue proposed a subscription-based model offering access to hydrogen cylinders specifically designed for use during power outages. By emphasizing the growing frequency and duration of outages in areas like Michigan, H2Blue positioned hydrogen-powered generators as a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional backup sources, such as gas generators or batteries.
Integral to their pitch was a strong emphasis on safety protocols. H2Blue meticulously detailed their adherence to stringent regulations governing the handling, shipping, and storage of hydrogen cylinders, underscoring their commitment to ensuring the well-being of both customers and communities. Moreover, they conducted a thorough profitability analysis, demonstrating the viability of their business model even in scenarios where hydrogen prices remained relatively high, projecting a sustainable path toward financial success.
In terms of expansion strategy, H2Blue strategically targeted Southeast Michigan, leveraging future infrastructure like hydrogen production factories to jumpstart their operations. This region, characterized by both the highest household density and most significant impact during an outage, served as an ideal launching pad for their venture. Looking ahead, H2Blue envisioned a future where hydrogen technology transcends its role as a mere backup power source, envisioning applications in vehicle fueling, heating, cooking, and beyond. Their overarching mission, to democratize access to hydrogen and provide seamless energy solutions to households in need, encapsulates their commitment to sustainability and innovation in the energy sector. In summary, H2Blue’s pitch outlined not only a practical and scalable solution for leveraging hydrogen technology but also a vision for a greener, more resilient energy landscape.
“In exploring the potential of hydrogen, we confronted the current realities: hydrogen gas is not only difficult to purchase but also expensive, said Chou. “Meanwhile, we learned that the demand for backup power supplies is soaring. Our initial question was whether hydrogen could be a viable solution for backup power and, if so, how people could access the hydrogen they need. As our research continued, the guidance and insights provided by our mentors, who are experts in the hydrogen industry, were invaluable. Regular meetings with them allowed us to refine and enhance our initial business model based on their feedback. Through these discussions, we gained the ability to peer behind the scenes, enabling us to develop a more robust model with accurate data that better reflects the realities of the industry. Our following calculations suggest that hydrogen-powered generators could be a feasible way, as the price of hydrogen and fuel cells continues to decrease, for people to adopt cleaner and greener energy sources, representing a significant leap forward in utilizing cleaner energy and solving electricity outages at the same time. While our project may not represent a technological breakthrough per se, we strongly believe that our proposed business model offers a significant opportunity to harness the potential of hydrogen within our community.”
H2YOU: Greening the Food Supply Chain
Securing second place, H2You presented a compelling case for greener produce transportation powered by hydrogen fuel cell trucks. Rachel Silcox, Jenna Stolzman, Marisa de Souza, Fernando Villavicencio, Rebecca Lentz, and Matthew Gerber showcased how leveraging existing infrastructure and partnerships could revolutionize the agricultural sector, aligning with consumer demand for sustainable food options. They emphasized the environmental impact of conventional transportation methods, particularly in the context of the agricultural sector, where even organic produce can contribute to carbon emissions through diesel truck transport. With a growing consumer interest in sustainability, especially among younger generations, there’s a clear market demand for greener alternatives in the food supply chain.
Their strategy involved utilizing existing infrastructure, such as green hydrogen production facilities operated by the Flint Mass Transportation Authority, to power hydrogen fuel cell trucks. By partnering with companies like Bosch for instrumentation and setting up fueling stations at strategic locations, they aimed to offer a viable solution for low-emission produce transportation. This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also aligns with the preferences of eco-conscious consumers who are willing to pay a premium for sustainably sourced food products.
In addition to outlining their technical and operational plans, H2YOU presented detailed financial projections, market positioning strategies, and regulatory considerations. They demonstrated a deep understanding of their target market, which includes both consumers seeking eco-friendly options and local farmers looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Despite potential competition from electrification, they argued that hydrogen-powered trucks offer distinct advantages, such as longer range and suitability for cold weather operations, making them a compelling choice for produce transport in the region. Overall, H2YOU’s pitch showcased a well-researched and promising business model that addresses both environmental concerns and market demand.
“It was exciting to realize we did not have to invent a new technology to make a difference, but instead, we could make green transportation a reality by identifying a niche market that would be willing to pay for it,” said Silcox. “By giving the end-consumer a choice in their fuel, we can enable anyone to make a difference with clean fuels and grow the hydrogen economy. We don’t have to wait for the government or big transportation companies to change; we have the technology and we can do it now.”
VisionH2: Transforming Waste into Energy
Taking third place, VisionH2 proposed a solution to two pressing issues: plastic waste pollution and the costs of hydrogen production. Sarah Waldman, Bhumanyu Singh, Rakesh Ramesh, Abhishek Pandey, and Francesco Rossi introduced a process that converts plastic waste into hydrogen and graphene simultaneously, offering both environmental and economic benefits. This approach not only tackles environmental concerns but also offers a cost-effective method for producing hydrogen, with a target selling price of $1 per kilogram.
The innovative aspect of VisionH2’s solution lies in its ability to produce hydrogen and graphene simultaneously from plastic waste, a process known as “flash joule heating.” By leveraging this technology, VisionH2 aims to tap into the growing demand for hydrogen across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and sustainable transportation. Moreover, the company plans to collaborate with recycling facilities in Michigan to source plastic waste, thereby contributing to efforts aimed at cleaning up the Great Lakes.
In terms of scalability and sustainability, VisionH2 envisions a long-term strategy that involves continuous research and development, as well as strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders and government agencies. By providing affordable hydrogen and contributing to the circular economy, VisionH2 seeks to not only drive economic growth in Michigan but also pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
“First of all, special thanks to our mentors Levi and Vismita and to Dr. Kevin Wyss whose research we heavily relied on,” said Waldman. “We definitely took a risk with our pitch, as our primary form of generating revenue is through the sale of graphene, not hydrogen. We weren’t sure what the judges would think about that. However, meeting the DOE’s $1 per kg hydrogen goal is going to take some innovative thinking that you wouldn’t necessarily expect when talking about hydrogen. And that means looking to see how you can take one problem and use it to solve another. For me personally, I’ve always been interested in leveraging the plastic waste problem. I’m glad that my interests were able to converge in this way and we had a great team believing in the mission.”
Collectively, these teams exemplify the spirit of innovation and collaboration driving the Hydrogen Grand Challenge forward. Their pitches showcased the versatility of hydrogen technology and highlighted its potential to address diverse energy needs while promoting sustainability.
All Participants
A2H2
Jared Jenkins, Architecture
Harshada Suryawanshi, Materials Science and Engineering
Arianna Contaldi, Mechanical Engineering
Joshua Bruno, Mechanical Engineering
Carolina Janicke, Science of Information
Mentors: Rohini Bala Chandran, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan; Tim Wallington, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan
Energia Fresca
Cinthya Aros-Caballero, Materials Science and Engineering
Yuliana Garcia, Mechanical Engineering
Mentor: Genan Harissa, Bosch
Fueling Change: Unleashing Hydrogen Possibilities
Mona Vakil, Chemical Engineering
Jean PollAlva Araujo, Environment and Sustainability
Lokesh Lahoti, Mechanical Engineering
Mentor: David Ingram, Fortescue
HELIOS Aeronautics Inc.
QiYuan (William) Zhang, CSE
Ryan Kaelle, Electrical Engineering
Eric Gavizon, Mechanical Engineering
Mentors: Mirko Gamba, Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan; Thomas McKenney, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, University of Michigan
H2Blue
Chi-Hsiang Yi, Data Science
Po-Yu Kung, Materials Science and Engineering
Ting-Kai Chou, Systems Engineering and Design
Mentors: Kwangwoo Jeong, Bosch; Tim Slusser, City of Detroit, Office of Mobility Innovation
H2YOU
Marisa de Souza, Business, Mechanical Engineering
Rebecca Lentz, Electrical Engineering
Matthew Gerber, Environmental Public Policy
Fernando Villavicencio, Mechanical Engineering
Jenna Stolzman, Mechanical Engineering
Rachel Silcox, Mechanical Engineering
Mentors: Nadia Abunasser, Michigan Economic Development Corporation; Matthew J. Fairlie, Next Hydrogen
VisionH2
Sarah Waldman, Aerospace Engineering
Bhumanyu Singh, Automotive Engineering
Francesco Rossi, Automotive Engineering
Rakesh Ramesh, Automotive Engineering
Abhishek Pandey, Design Science
Mentors: Levi Larsen, Idaho National Laboratory; Vismita Sonagra, Bosch