2024 Competition
Michigan Hydrogen Horizon
Interdisciplinary student teams were challenged to create a business case for a Michigan-centered, regional deployment of hydrogen. Their business cases should demonstrate where clean hydrogen can add value to specific sectors and technology applications.
The competition kicked off in October 2023 with initial team formation, a series of Workshops, and the development of initial product proposals. The deadline to register a team was January 31, 2024. The Final Pitch Competition was held on April 11, 2024 at the Lurie Engineering Center.
Teams competied for a share of the $10,000 prize. A $5,000 prize was awarded to the first-place team. The first runner-up was awarded $3,000, and the second runner-up was awarded $2,000.
Workshop Schedule
Preview Event: H2 Edge Introduction to Hydrogen and Competition Announcement
October 10, 5pm
Watch Recording
Workshop #1: Prize Competition Kickoff Workshop
October 30, 5pm
Central Campus, 2239 Lane Hall
November 1, 5pm
North Campus, 2000A Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project
Workshop #2: Understanding a Problem
November 20, 5pm
Central Campus, 2239 Lane Hall
Workshop #3: Identifying Viable and Scalable Opportunities
December 4, 5pm
North Campus, 2000A Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project
Workshop #4: Presenting Your Draft Business Case
January 16, 5pm
Central Campus, 2239 Lane Hall
Workshop #5: Team Report Out
January 29, 5pm
North Campus, 2000A Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project
Expert Advisors
A group of outstanding faculty and business leaders provided critical guidance and expertise to students throughout the competition. Students were strongly encouraged to engage with these experts throughout the development of their proposals, especially in areas where teams may have a gap in expertise. Students had several opportunities throughout the competition to request and receive expert feedback on their proposals.
Lead Instructor
Aaron Crumm, Center for Entrepreneurship, University of Michigan
Team Mentors
Nadia Abunasser, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Rajendra Prasad Bandi, Bosch
Rohini Bala Chandran, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan
Matthew J. Fairlie, Next Hydrogen
Liz Galea, Mitsubishi Power
Mirko Gamba, Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan
Genan Harissa, Bosch
David Ingram, Fortescue
Kwangwoo Jeong, Bosch
John Koposz, Argonne National Laboratory (Fuel Cells and Hydrogen)
Vinay N D Krishnamurthy, Bosch
Tony Lancione, Noble Gas Systems
Levi Larsen, Idaho National Laboratory
Thomas McKenney, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, University of Michigan
Tim Slusser, City of Detroit, Office of Mobility Innovation
Vismita Sonagra, Bosch
Tim Wallington, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan
Elizabeth Worsham, Idaho National Laboratory
Subject Matter Experts
Rajendra Prasad Bandi, Bosch (Fuel cell & Hydrogen storage controls, Safety)
Matt Collette, Navel Architecture and Marine Engineering, University of Michigan
Amgad Elgowainy, Argonne National Laboratory (Energy Systems Modeling)
Aaron Epiney, Idaho National Laboratory (Techno-economics Modeling & Simulation)
Richard Greeley, Innovation Partnerships, University of Michigan (Emerging Technologies)
Troy Kantola, Tenneco (Transportation, Synthetic Fuels, Upgrading oil/biomass)
Ted Krause, Argonne National Laboratory (Catalysis and Fuel Cells)
Vinay N D Krishnamurthy, Bosch (Hydrogen storage controls software)
Tim Miller, Consumers Energy (Hydrogen combustion and energy)
Sam Patel, Consumers Energy (Hydrogen pipelines, safety, storage, transport)
Terra Sztain, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan (biochemistry / hydrogenase enzymes)
Matt Thorington, Bosch (Hydrogen Stacks and Systems, PEM Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers, Leadership)
Krystal York, ERPI (hydrogen technology, economics, energy systems cost, energy systems life cycle analysis, energy systems policy, technical communications, decision science, design science, social acceptance of technology)
Devon Washington, Consumers Energy (Electrolyzers)