Second Challenge — Winter 2025

The second edition of the Hydrogen Grand Challenge will once again ask University of Michigan students to develop innovative business cases for Michigan-centered, regional deployment of hydrogen technology in key sectors such as transportation and industrial applications.

Competition Structure

Teams will compete for a share of the $10,000 prize pool, with the first-place team receiving $5,000, the first runner-up awarded $3,000, and the second runner-up receiving $2,000.

The second challenge consists of two phases:

1. Workshop Training Phase (January–March 2025): Participants will engage in workshops, access expert resources, and receive mentorship to refine their ideas and develop a strong business case.
2. Final Pitch (April 10, 2025): Teams will present their business cases to a panel of judges, simulating a real-world pitch for venture capital funding. Winners will be selected based on the strength of their idea, technical analysis, and go-to-market strategy.

Workshop Schedule

(Workshops are from 5–7pm. Registration is required.)

• Preview Event: H2 Edge Introduction To Hydrogen And Competition Announcement
  (January 7, 4:30–7:30pm, Phoenix 2000A)
• Workshop #1: Prize Competition Kickoff (January 15, Lane Hall 2239 OR January 16, Phoenix 2000A)
• Workshop #2: Understanding a Problem (January 30, Lane Hall 2239)
• Workshop #3: Identifying Viable Opportunities (February 12, Phoenix 2000A)
• Workshop #4: Presenting Your Draft Business Case (February 27, Lane Hall 2239)
• Workshop #5: Team Report Out (March 12, Phoenix 2000A)

Meet the Experts

Throughout the competition, you’ll have access to a network of esteemed faculty, industry leaders, and subject matter experts who will provide guidance and feedback. These mentors and advisors are here to help you bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Lead Instructor:

• Tim Slusser, City of Detroit, Office of Mobility Innovation

Team Mentors:

• David Ingram, Fortescue
• Vinay N D Krishnamurthy, Bosch
• Thomas McKenney, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, University of Michigan
• Vismita Sonagra, Bosch
• Tim Wallington, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan 

Subject Matter Experts

• Richard Greeley, Innovation Partnerships, University of Michigan (Emerging Technologies)
• Matthew Collette, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, University of Michigan (Marine Eesign)
• Tim Miller, Consumers Energy (Hydrogen combustion and energy)
• Krystal York, ERPI (hydrogen technology, material science, power systems, environmental justice and community engagement in low-carbon fuels)
• Devon Washington, Consumers Energy (Electrolyzers)