1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups that aim to develop and scale up breakthrough technologies. The program primarily focuses on deep tech innovations that can significantly impact their respective industries and contribute to Europe’s sustainable development goals.Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator offers a dual funding mechanism consisting of grants and equity investments. The grant component provides up to €2.5 million, aimed at covering the costs of technology development, testing, and commercialization. This grant is especially valuable for companies that require substantial financial backing to bring their innovations to market while minimizing their financial risk.
In addition to the grant, the EIC Accelerator also provides equity funding, which has undergone changes in recent years. Initially, companies could receive up to €15 million in equity until 2024. However, starting in 2025, this amount will be capped at €10 million. The equity funding is designed to help companies secure additional resources needed for scaling operations, enhancing product development, and expanding market reach. The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in bridging the funding gap that many innovative companies face in their growth phases, especially in the deep tech sector where investment is often challenging to secure.
Purpose and Impact
The EIC Accelerator is pivotal in fostering innovation within the European deep tech ecosystem. By providing substantial financial support, the program not only aids individual companies but also stimulates economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement across Europe. The emphasis on deep tech innovation aligns with broader EU objectives, including sustainability, climate action, and digital transformation.
Moreover, the EIC Accelerator serves as a catalyst for attracting private sector investment. By offering initial funding, it helps startups and SMEs demonstrate their viability and potential, thereby making them more attractive to private investors. This co-funding model encourages a collaborative approach to innovation, where public and private sectors work together to support groundbreaking technologies.
Case Study: H2GO Power Ltd. and the H2Genx Project
H2GO Power Ltd., a UK-based company, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator with its innovative project, H2Genx. This project focuses on developing a cutting-edge Plug&Play hydrogen-based green energy storage system aimed at providing zero-emission, safe, and reliable power supply. The proposal was submitted on October 6, 2021, during the Step 2 phase of the EIC Accelerator process, and subsequently secured funding after a successful Step 3 interview.
Technology Basics and Background
H2GO Power’s H2Genx project is grounded in the principles of hydrogen energy storage, a technology that has gained traction as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. The core of H2Genx is its ability to convert excess renewable energy into hydrogen through electrolysis. This process involves splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind or solar power. The hydrogen produced can then be stored and later converted back into electricity when needed, providing an efficient means of energy storage and distribution.
The technology is particularly significant in addressing the challenges associated with renewable energy intermittency. By storing energy in hydrogen form, H2Genx enables a more stable and reliable power supply, which is crucial for both residential and industrial applications. The Plug&Play design of the system enhances its accessibility, allowing users to easily integrate it into existing energy infrastructures without extensive modifications.
The safety features embedded in the H2Genx system further underscore its reliability. With rigorous safety protocols and advanced monitoring systems, H2GO Power ensures that the hydrogen storage and conversion processes adhere to the highest safety standards, making it a viable option for various applications.
In summary, the EIC Accelerator program plays a vital role in supporting transformative innovations such as H2GO Power's H2Genx project. By providing financial backing and facilitating connections to private investors, the EIC Accelerator not only enhances the prospects of individual companies but also contributes to the sustainable advancement of the European deep tech ecosystem.
2 The Funding Rounds
H2GO Power Ltd. Overview
H2GO Power Ltd., a UK-based company, specializes in developing safe and low-cost hydrogen production and storage technologies. The company has gained recognition for its innovative approaches to solid-state hydrogen storage solutions.
Funding Rounds and Amounts
H2GO Power has raised a total of $9.03 million over four funding rounds:
In addition to these rounds, in March 2021, H2GO Power raised approximately £2.3 million through Crowdcube for research and development.
Investor Information
H2GO Power's investors include:
- Encubator: Participated in the Incubator/Accelerator funding round.
- UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy: Contributed through a government grant.
- Crowdcube: Provided equity crowdfunding support.
- University of Cambridge: The company has ties with the university, though specific investment details are not mentioned.
Timing and Additional Funding Events
H2GO Power submitted its Step 2 proposal for the EIC Accelerator in October 2021 and successfully passed the Step 3 interview. However, there is no specific mention of receiving EIC Accelerator funding in the available data.
Company Valuations
There is no publicly available information on H2GO Power's company valuations or specific exit events.
Additional Funding History
Prior to the mentioned funding rounds, H2GO Power received grants from Innovate UK in July 2018 (£180k) and January 2020 (£460k).
References:
app.dealroom.co cbinsights.com i3connect.com helsinki.dealroom.co startupportugal.dealroom.co crowdcube.eu startup-city-winterthur.ch find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk3 The Press Releases
H2GO Power Ltd., a UK-based clean-tech company, has made significant strides since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. The company specializes in innovative hydrogen energy storage solutions combining proprietary solid-state hydrogen storage technology with AI-driven software to optimize energy generation, storage, and use. Their flagship product, H2Gen+, is a plug-and-play hydrogen-based green energy system designed for safe, zero-emission, affordable, and efficient long-duration power supply across various commercial applications.Key Press Releases and Announcements
Partnerships
- EMEC Collaboration: H2GO Power partnered with the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) and Imperial College London on the HyAI (Hydrogen Artificial Intelligence) project. Funded by Innovate UK and Sustainable Innovation Fund, this collaboration integrates AI software with hydrogen hardware to optimize renewable energy usage on the UK grid. EMEC’s Hydrogen Production Plant in Orkney supplies data allowing real-time intelligent management of power costs and demand forecasts via AI algorithms developed partly by Imperial College’s Computer Science Department. This partnership also includes a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to pilot an unpressurised solid-state hydrogen storage unit coupled with their AI platform at EMEC’s site.
- RWE Partnership: In October 2023, H2GO Power announced a strategic partnership with RWE UK to apply its proprietary HyAI™ platform—an AI-enabled software management system tailored for hydrogen markets—on an RWE renewable energy site (an onshore wind farm in Scotland). This project named HyAI4RES aims at overcoming green hydrogen deployment barriers using advanced optimization algorithms that forecast production rates alongside environmental impacts. The initiative is supported by £130k funding from the UK's Department for Energy Security & Net Zero's Innovation Portfolio.
- Baxi Collaboration: H2GO Power joined forces with boiler manufacturer Baxi to demonstrate an industrial-scale carbon-neutral heating solution combining Baxi’s pure-hydrogen boilers integrated through H2GO’s automation and software systems managing production and storage of green hydrogen. This collaboration received over £3 million government support aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependency in heating sectors while enhancing domestic energy security.
Technology Advancements
- The core innovation lies in their solid-state chemical sponge framework that safely stores hydrogen under ambient conditions through chemical bonds rather than compressed gas or liquid forms—significantly improving safety and cost-efficiency.
- Their HyAI™ platform leverages artificial intelligence predictive algorithms which dynamically integrate multiple data sources such as weather forecasts, electricity prices, grid demands to optimize when stored renewable electricity is converted into usable power or fed back into grids economically while minimizing carbon footprint.
- Early trials demonstrated that integrating AI-enhanced control can reduce costs of producing green hydrogen from excess renewables while easing grid stresses—a critical enabler for higher renewables penetration toward net-zero goals.
Team Updates
While specific team member updates are not detailed publicly beyond leadership mentions such as Dr Enass Abo-Hamed serving as founder & CEO driving technological vision; partnerships notably involve academic collaborators like Imperial College London contributing expertise particularly around data modelling supporting software developments.Patents or Intellectual Property
No explicit details about patents were found directly; however:Summary
Since winning EIC Accelerator funding late 2021, H2GO Power has advanced its innovative zero-emission green energy solutions focusing on safe long-duration hydrogen storage integrated with cutting-edge artificial intelligence. They have formed impactful partnerships including:| Partner | Purpose | Funding Info |
|---|---|---|
| EMEC | Pilot demonstration of solid-state unpressurized H₂ + AI control | Innovate UK & Sustainable Innovation Fund |
| RWE | Deploy HyAI™ platform for large-scale renewable site optimization | £130k from Dept Energy Security & Net Zero |
| Baxi | Industrial scale carbon-neutral heating systems integrating pure-H₂ boilers + smart control | Over £3 million government grant |
These collaborations position them strongly within UK's growing low-carbon economy landscape targeting widespread adoption across power generation grids and industrial heating sectors using scalable clean tech innovations.
Sources: 1. offshore-energy.biz - EMEC & H2GO
6.imperial.ac.uk news - Baxi Heating Partnership4 The Technology Advancements
H2GO Power Ltd., a UK-based cleantech company specializing in hydrogen storage and energy systems, has significantly advanced its technology and market presence since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on October 6, 2021.Current Capabilities
H2GO Power develops innovative hydrogen storage technologies focused on safe, low-pressure solid-state hydrogen storage coupled with AI-driven asset management software. Their product portfolio includes:
- Patent-pending solid-state hydrogen storage reactors capable of storing hydrogen at ambient conditions safely and efficiently.
- Utility-scale “plug & play” stationary power units that store renewable energy as hydrogen for long durations.
- Compact hydrogen storage modules designed for UAVs/drones that reportedly triple flight times compared to lithium-ion batteries.
- AI-enabled software platform (HyAI) that optimizes production, storage, and release of green hydrogen to maximize operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding
Technology Improvements & New Features
- The company has enhanced its proprietary HyAI platform integrating artificial intelligence with hardware to optimize real-time management of renewable energy through predictive algorithms based on weather data, electricity prices, and grid demands.
- H2GO’s patented solid-state reactor technology achieves volumetric hydrogen densities up to 50–100 gH₂/L at ambient temperature/pressure. This represents a safer, more space-efficient alternative to traditional compressed or liquefied gas methods while eliminating many regulatory burdens associated with high-pressure systems.
Demonstrations & Market Validation
- H2GO successfully demonstrated powering drone flights using their compact solid-state hydrogen systems showcasing clean energy applications for UAVs.
- They have partnered with major industry players such as RWE (UK's leading power generator) in the HyAI4RES project focusing on applying AI technology across large-scale green hydrogen generation facilities. This collaboration aims to overcome barriers in scaling green hydrogen economically.
- A pilot demonstration is ongoing at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney where H2GO is trialing its HyAI system integrated with their low-pressure solid-state reactor using real-world data from EMEC’s renewable-powered electrolyzer plant. Initial results indicate improved cost-effectiveness and grid stabilization benefits through intelligent operation of the system.
Partnerships & Commercial Initiatives
Patents & Publications
- H2GO Power holds around 26 global patents related primarily to their unique low-pressure solid-state storage technologies; over 73% remain active. Recent patent filings cover innovations in reactors, vehicles incorporating their tech, and power supply devices—all filed predominantly within the UK but also including Europe and US jurisdictions.
- Scientific articles detail how their reversible chemical bonding method allows repeated safe charging/discharging cycles under mild conditions—a significant departure from conventional pressurized or cryogenic methods—supporting both stationary and mobility use cases through robust hardware combined with AI-enhanced control software.
Summary Table of Key Progress Since October 2021 Funding
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Core Technology | Solid-state low-pressure reversible chemical bond-based H₂ storage; smart AI optimization |
| New Features | Integration of HyAI predictive analytics software managing supply-demand dynamically |
| Demonstrations | Drone powered by stored H₂; pilot trials at EMEC Orkney site |
| Market Collaborations | RWE partnership for large-scale green H₂ projects; Baxi partnership for industrial boilers |
| Patents | ~26 patents globally filed/granted related to reactors/storage/vehicles |
| Commercial Scale Pilots | Modular containerized reactor pilot being built/testing under government funding schemes |
In conclusion, since securing EIC Accelerator funding in late 2021, H2GO Power has substantially matured its innovative technology by advancing both hardware capabilities (solid state reactors) and complementary smart software platforms (HyAI). They have moved beyond lab scale into multiple real-world pilots—including drone demonstrations—and established strategic partnerships positioning them well toward commercial scaling within diverse sectors such as utility-scale energy storage and industrial heating solutions.
Sources:
https://uk.rwe.com/press-and-news/2023-10-10-h2go-power-and-rwe-join-forces-for-innovative-hydrogen-ai/
https://unreasonablegroup.com/ventures/h2go-power
https://uk.rwe.com/-/media/RWE/RWE...pdf (RWE-HyAI collaboration PDF)
https://sp-edge.com/companies/423280
https://hydrogen-innovation.co.uk/h2go-power-to-trial-ai-hydrogen...
https://www.offshore-energy.biz/emec-and-h2go-power-test-ai-green...
https://insights.greyb.com/h2go-power-patents
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8436120
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/...low-carbon...
5 The Partnerships and Customers
H2GO Power Ltd., a UK-based innovator in hydrogen energy storage and AI-driven hydrogen management solutions, has established significant partnerships and customer relationships since winning the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. These collaborations enhance its market positioning, technological advancements, and scaling potential.Key Partnerships and Customers
1. RWE (UK's Leading Power Generator)
- Partnership: In October 2023, H2GO Power entered into a strategic partnership with RWE under the project named HyAI4RES to deploy its proprietary AI-enabled software platform, HyAI™, on a renewable energy site developed by RWE.
- Nature & Purpose: The collaboration focuses on applying AI technologies to optimize large-scale green hydrogen production facilities. It aims to overcome deployment barriers by forecasting and scheduling system operations for cost-efficiency and environmental benefits.
- Impact: This partnership positions H2GO as a key player in integrating AI with renewable hydrogen generation at scale, enhancing the economic viability of hydrogen projects while supporting RWE’s £15 billion sustainable energy investment plan by 2030. It advances H2GO’s technology through real-world testing on substantial renewable projects.
2. Baxi (Heating Solutions Provider)
- Partnership: In February 2023, H2GO Power signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Baxi to co-develop innovative green hydrogen-based heating technology. They are delivering the world’s first-ever decarbonized pure hydrogen boiler ("Heat-in-a-Box") targeted at commercial applications such as cement industry heating processes.
- Nature & Purpose: This collaboration is aimed at heat decarbonization using pure hydrogen boilers that reduce costs compared to conventional systems while lowering carbon emissions.
- Impact: By collaborating with an established heating solutions company like Baxi, H2GO expands its market reach into industrial heating sectors where decarbonization demand is growing rapidly. This relationship accelerates product commercialization and broadens application scope.
3. SSE Renewables and Equinor (Engineering Consultancy Roles)
- Customer Role: As of late 2023/early 2024, H2GO was appointed an engineering consultant alongside another firm for value chain optimization of large-scale green hydrogen development at Dogger Bank offshore wind complex led by SSE Renewables (UK) and Equinor (Norway).
- Purpose & Impact: Assisting in optimizing green hydrogen supply chains aligns with scaling up utility-scale projects where efficient integration is critical—strengthening H2GO’s credentials among major European renewables players.
How These Relationships Position H2GO Power Ltd.
These partnerships place H2GO Power prominently within both the renewable energy generation sector (via RWE) and industrial heat decarbonization markets (via Baxi), alongside consultancy roles supporting major offshore wind-hydrogen projects. The relationships showcase:
- Market Leadership: Working with leading utilities like RWE situates them at forefronts of UK’s net-zero plans targeting 10GW low-carbon hydrogen capacity.
- Technological Advancement: Real-world application of their HyAI™ platform helps refine proprietary AI algorithms for optimizing complex multi-objective systems including intermittency management.
- Scaling Potential: Collaborations open diverse channels—from power generation sites to industrial boilers—facilitating expansion across multiple sectors dependent on clean hydrogen solutions.
Contribution Toward Technology Advancements & Scaling
The adoption of their HyAI™ software platform within large-scale operational environments enables continuous learning from live data streams improving performance predictions over time. Partnering with prominent companies allows shared expertise exchange accelerating innovation cycles:
| Relationship | Technological Contribution | Scaling Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| RWE | Deployment/testing of advanced AI optimization for system efficiency; integration into existing renewables infrastructure | Access to large-scale sites; credibility boost; pathway toward mass deployment |
| Baxi | Joint development of novel pure-hydrogen boiler technology reducing costs; expanding product portfolio beyond storage | Entry into commercial heat markets; diversification beyond power storage |
| SSE/Equinor Consulting | Value chain optimization insights influencing design improvements for utility scale projects | Strengthened reputation among industry leaders facilitating further contracts |
In summary, since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, H2GO Power Ltd has forged impactful partnerships primarily with RWE for deploying innovative AI-driven green hydrogen solutions and Baxi for pioneering low-cost commercial pure-hydrogen boilers. These strategic alliances not only bolster its position as an advanced clean tech innovator but also accelerate technological maturity enabling broader market penetration across electricity generation and industrial heat sectors.
Sources
- H2GO Power and RWE join forces
- Baxi-H2Go MoU
- H20 Go-BAXI Decarbonised Boiler News
- SPEEDA Edge Profile on H20 Go
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
H2GO Power Ltd: Team Growth and Development
H2GO Power Ltd, a UK-based company, was a winner of the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. Since then, the company has experienced significant developments in its team and operations.
Current Headcount and Team Size
The current headcount and team size of H2GO Power Ltd are not explicitly stated in available sources. However, the company's profile lists three officers: Dr. Enass Abo Hamed, Luke Sperrin, and Jonathon David Blackburn.Hiring and Growth
There is no recent information on whether H2GO Power Ltd is currently hiring. However, the company's involvement with the EIC Accelerator indicates significant growth potential. The funding received likely facilitated the expansion of their team to support their innovative projects in hydrogen technology.Recent Hires and Key Positions
Specific details about recent hires or key positions are not available. However, the presence of experienced leadership, including a CEO and CTO, suggests a strong foundation for future team expansion.Impact on Future Growth
New team members would be crucial for H2GO Power Ltd as they scale and grow, particularly in advancing their hydrogen technology solutions. Additional talent would help in developing and implementing new projects, enhancing the company's market presence, and leveraging the EIC Accelerator funding for further innovation.Management and Founding Team Changes
There are no reported major changes in the management or founding team since the EIC Accelerator funding. Dr. Enass Abo Hamed remains a key figure as CEO and Director, with Luke Sperrin serving as CTO.Company Status
As of recent updates, H2GO Power Ltd is in administration and has changed its registered office address. This situation may impact their hiring and growth strategies moving forward.Sources:
- H2GO Power Ltd - Company Profile - Endole
- H2GO Power company information, funding & investors - Dealroom.co
- H2GO Power company information, funding & investors
7 The Media Features and Publications
Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, H2GO Power Ltd., a UK-based hydrogen energy storage company, has attracted significant media attention and participated actively in industry events and collaborations.Media Features and Publications
H2GO Power has been featured in multiple reputable publications highlighting its innovative hydrogen storage technology:
- The Times & The Sunday Times (June 2023) ran a feature discussing why hydrogen could be the green fuel of the future, profiling H2GO Power’s development of safe and reliable hydrogen storage systems for net-zero energy solutions. The CEO was interviewed as part of this coverage on net zero leaders.
- The Independent (February 2023) mentioned H2GO Power among green start-ups developing disruptive smart technologies for hydrogen storage during a visit by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Bill Gates that launched a new cleantech coalition.
- Renewable Energy Magazine (February 2023) reported on H2GO Power’s partnership with Baxi to deliver the world’s first decarbonised pure hydrogen boiler aimed at lowering industrial heating costs across sectors like cement manufacturing.
- Other media have covered the company’s pioneering 'hydrogen sponge' nanomaterial technology that stores solid-state hydrogen safely at low pressure for power on demand, as well as its AI-driven analytics platform HyAI to optimize hydrogen production and use.
Podcasts and Interviews
H2GO Power CEO Dr. Enass Abo-Hamed appeared on the podcast Climate Transformed (June 2022), where she discussed how combining artificial intelligence with advanced hydrogen storage can create an ultimate energy solution. This interview detailed their innovative approach to integrating AI with hardware to maximize renewable energy usage through stored green hydrogen.
Conference Participation and Presentations
While specific conference presentations by H2GO Power related directly to their post-EIC activities are limited in publicly available records, they are known participants in key industry forums:
- They were involved in cleantech coalitions launched at Imperial College London alongside high-profile figures like Bill Gates and UK government officials, indicating engagement with major innovation events promoting clean energy technologies.
- Their leadership team likely participates regularly in relevant clean energy conferences such as CABE 2025; although direct mentions of their participation there are not confirmed from available sources, companies operating at their level typically engage actively at these gatherings supporting networking and knowledge exchange within sustainable tech sectors.
Partnerships & Event Involvement
H2GO Power has formed strategic partnerships demonstrating active involvement beyond just product development:
- In October 2023 they announced collaboration with RWE UK—one of Britain’s largest power generators—to integrate cutting-edge AI into scalable green hydrogen projects aiming for economic viability while optimizing renewable generation integration. This partnership was framed as part of broader efforts toward achieving ambitious national low carbon targets by 2030 through innovative technology deployment.
- Their £4.3 million funded project SHyLO aims to develop scalable solid-state green hydrogen storage systems supported by BEIS (UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy). This project involves consortium partners including European Marine Energy Centre Ltd., Autodesk, Manufacturing Technology Centre among others—highlighting multi-stakeholder event participation linked directly to governmental innovation initiatives supporting decarbonization goals across Scotland's Orkney Islands region since mid-2022.
In summary, since winning EIC Accelerator funding late 2021, H2GO Power Ltd. has gained notable press coverage from leading newspapers like The Times & The Sunday Times and The Independent; participated prominently in interviews such as Climate Transformed podcast; engaged actively through partnerships exemplified by collaboration with RWE UK; contributed expertise within government-backed programs like SHyLO; all underscoring its role advancing commercial-scale solid-state green hydrogen storage technologies.
Sources
- Unreasonable Group - H2Go Power
- SPEEDA Edge - Company Profile
- Climate Transformed Podcast Interview
- RWE Press Release - Partnership Announcement
- PR Newswire - £4.3 Million Funding Announcement
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