Hydrogen Grand Challenge

The Hydrogen Grand Challenge is back for a second year—and with it, a renewed commitment to accelerating the regional deployment of clean hydrogen in Michigan. Organized by MI Hydrogen and sponsored by Fortescue, the competition challenges University of Michigan students to develop compelling business cases for hydrogen-based solutions in key sectors such as transportation and industrial applications.

This year’s competition, known as Hydrogen Grand Challenge 2.0, invites interdisciplinary teams to explore how hydrogen can play a critical role in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors while advancing Michigan’s clean energy economy. With support from expert mentors and faculty, students will move from idea to pitch over the course of the Winter 2025 semester, competing for a share of a $10,000 prize pool.

The competition unfolds in two phases. From January to March, many of the student participants engaged in hands-on workshops, receiving personalized mentorship, and access to a network of technical and business experts to develop their ideas into well-researched business cases. This year’s lead instructor, Tim Slusser from the City of Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation, guided students through each workshop.

On April 10 at 3pm, teams will pitch their business cases to a panel of judges, simulating a real-world venture capital pitch. Judges will evaluate each proposal’s innovation, technical rigor, and go-to-market strategy. Each of the eleven teams—comprising more than 35 U-M students—has been paired with a mentor to provide individualized support. The student participants represent Michigan Engineering, the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), the Ross School of Business, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). First-place winners will receive $5,000, with $3,000 going to the first runner-up and $2,000 to the second runner-up.

The first Hydrogen Grand Challenge brought together more than 50 students across 13 teams. Participants proposed hydrogen solutions for aviation, steelmaking, heavy-duty transportation, and more. The winning team, H2Blue, pitched a subscription-based model that would give Michigan residents access to hydrogen cylinders during power outages.

Todd Allen, MI Hydrogen co-director and Chair of the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, sees the competition as a powerful tool for both education and innovation.

“We’re excited to once again see Michigan students take on the real-world challenges of a clean energy transition,” said Allen. “Hydrogen has enormous potential, and this competition equips our students with the skills and insight to bring that potential to life.” 

As interest in hydrogen continues to grow—both in Michigan and globally—the Hydrogen Grand Challenge provides a launchpad for the next generation of clean energy leaders. Students not only compete for funding but also gain invaluable experience navigating the intersection of science, policy, and entrepreneurship. MI Hydrogen is a joint venture between the Office of the Vice President for Research, Michigan Engineering, and the School for Environment and Sustainability. Its mission is to accelerate the deployment of a hydrogen economy that is equitable, affordable, clean, and secure. Learn more at research.umich.edu/mi-hydrogen.