Plug and Play launches accelerator for hydrogen start-ups

The aim of the new program is to develop an innovative hydrogen ecosystem in Europe and beyond.

Plug and Play has announced the "H2 StartUp Accelerator Program", a new initiative focused entirely on hydrogen. The US investment platform has chosen Hamburg as the location for the program. The program is to be launched with the help of Fraunhofer ISE and Fraunhofer Fokus. Shell, The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and Phillips 66 as well as the City of Hamburg are also supporting the project.

The development of the new hydrogen economy is picking up speed worldwide. The development and scaling of the value chain would require coordination between political decision-makers, companies and investors. The "H2 StartUp Accelerator Program" is intended to promote the necessary dialogue and cooperation between these players in order to accelerate the development of a hydrogen ecosystem in Europe and other regions.

"Green hydrogen in particular is one of the most exciting areas of research at the moment and will be one of the main pillars for a carbon-free economy," says Henrik Czernomoriez, Head of Innovation Management at Fraunhofer Fokus. "That's why we are convinced that this innovative program will open up great opportunities for start-ups, companies and society."