Team H2ONICS, with the idea of developing powerful ultraviolet radiation sources to produce hydrogen more efficiently and cost-effectively, won the international Hydrogen X Future Hackathon organized at the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL).
The main goal of the Hydrogen X Future Hackathon was, together with leading Latvian companies and organizations, to highlight hydrogen and other renewable energy sources as alternative, high-potential energy sources to existing ones, thus promoting a carbon-neutral course in Latvia, Europe, and the world.
The importance of this topic was demonstrated by the dozens of highly motivated hackathon participants who worked hard for three days on innovative and future-oriented ideas, finding potential solutions, gaining valuable knowledge, and expanding their network of contacts thanks to experienced mentors and industry professionals - experts representing hackathon partners.
During the three days of the event, a total of 10 teams competed, presented ideas concerning hydrogen and future energy topics, and offered solutions to the challenges set by the event partners – Latvenergo AS, Riga International Airport, Freeport of Riga Authority, Green and Smart Technologies Cluster (Green-Tech Cluster).
In addition to the main prize of €3000, which was awarded to the Hydrogen X Future Hackathon winners, the event partners presented special prizes to their favorite teams at the end of the event. The hackathon organizers provided souvenirs to all other teams, as everyone who participated in the hackathon deserved recognition for their active involvement and hard work.
Two warm-up events preceded the hackathon: on 25 September, the networking and experience exchange event World Turns Deep Tech was held at the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, where participants - students, scientists and other interested parties - had the opportunity to network with presenters, idea generators and implementers in an informal atmosphere, building a creative and innovative ecosystem for the circulation of ideas.
On 29 September, the partners of the Hydrogen X Future Hackathon met on the premises of the Latvenergo AS company and presented the challenges set for the hackathon participants. Partners jointly created the platform for discussions about the problems of hydrogen and environmentally friendly energy in Latvia and beyond.
The Hydrogen X Future Hackathon was organized by the ISSP UL and the ISSP UL Foundation.
Partners of the hackathon: Latvenergo AS, Technology Business Center of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, SJSC Riga International Airport, Freeport of Riga Authority, membership association Green and Smart Technology Cluster (project “BalticSeaH2”).
