First Challenge

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 competed 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)