In a significant step towards advancing the UK’s hydrogen technology, Digital Catapult, the country’s authority on advanced digital technology, has unveiled its pioneering Hydrogen Sensor Accelerator Programme. This first-of-its-kind eight-week initiative aims to propel the development of sensor products, contributing to the sustainable growth of the UK’s hydrogen energy sector. The programme is a pivotal component of the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative (HII), supported by Innovate UK and the Industrial Advisory Board, with a vision to establish hydrogen technology as a cornerstone of the UK’s industrial landscape.
The Hydrogen Sensor Accelerator will play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and innovation within the industry, bringing together five carefully selected businesses. These enterprises will receive support from Digital Catapult as they navigate the competitive investment landscape, securing funding to establish a robust market presence. The program aligns with the broader objectives of the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative, which counts the Catapult Network, the Aerospace Technology Institute, the Net Zero Technology Centre, and the National Physical Laboratory among its partners.
The participating companies will benefit from tailored support from industry mentors and experts at Digital Catapult to optimize and develop their sensor products. Access to state-of-the-art facilities will further accelerate their market readiness, contributing to the sharpening of the UK’s competitive edge in hydrogen innovation.
The increasing demand from UK businesses considering hydrogen as a key element of their sustainability strategies is a driving force behind the Hydrogen Sensor Accelerator. These businesses require effective mechanisms for producing, storing, and using hydrogen safely and responsibly. Sensors, a critical tool in achieving these objectives, will be developed through the program to ensure safety in hydrogen plants, optimize efficiency, maintain quality, monitor infrastructure, and support the overall growth of hydrogen as a reliable energy source in the UK.
Geraldina Iraheta, Chief Commercial Officer at Digital Catapult, expressed excitement about the groundbreaking program, stating, “We’re thrilled to launch this groundbreaking programme to accelerate the development of sensor products in hydrogen, a catalyst for clean energy innovation.”
Tom Knight, Managing Director at Bohr, one of the companies selected for the program, shared his enthusiasm, saying, “Bohr was formed with a mission to develop sensor technology to enable the increased and accelerated adoption of green gas. We are hugely excited to have the opportunity to utilize the support offered by Digital Catapult’s Hydrogen Sensor Accelerator programme to take our technology to the next level.”
Neill Ricketts, Chair at Gas Sensing Solutions, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Gas Sensing Solutions is excited to be joining the accelerator to develop a new product line and be a key part of the development of a growing hydrogen sector.”
The five companies joining the Hydrogen Sensor Accelerator Programme are:
eLansys: eLansys solutions enable intelligent places through effective understanding and automation, offering deep insights into the interactions within a space.
Hy-Met: A deep-tech instrumentation startup based in Birmingham, focusing on cost-effective fluid flow/property measurement for hydrogen and other future energy gases.
Bohr: Established in 2021, Bohr is dedicated to bringing fresh ideas and enabling technology to the emerging renewable gases market, with a focus on green energy solutions.
DefProc Engineering: A Liverpool-based innovation partner specializing in R&D, design for manufacturing, and small-run production, with a focus on IoT devices and sensor networks.
Gas Sensing Solutions: Based in Cumbernauld, UK, this pioneering company develops innovative solid-state sensing technologies for optimized, high-performance, ultra-low-power gas detection and monitoring.
The Hydrogen Sensor Accelerator Programme is poised to make a significant impact on the advancement of hydrogen technology, fostering innovation and collaboration among UK businesses, and propelling the nation towards a more sustainable future.
