A new partnership between the Henry Royce Institute (Royce) and Converge, Scotland’s leading innovation facilitator, is shining a light on both hydrogen technology and the exceptional research talent developing it.
Although applications have now closed for this year’s Converge Hydrogen Challenge, the story is just beginning for the nine individuals who make up its inaugural cohort. Over the coming months, they will receive tailored training and support designed to build their hydrogen research and ideas into viable commercial ventures.
This pilot initiative is borne out of the Royce Hydrogen Accelerator (RHA) programme – part of Royce’s commitment to driving forward the UK’s materials response to the hydrogen economy. By working with Converge, the RHA aims to identify promising researchers and innovators based in Scotland and support them to navigate the path from academic research to real-world impact.
Fostering New Collaborations in Scotland
Scotland has rapidly become a key location for hydrogen research and development, with its universities and institutions playing a central role in building a greener, net-zero future. Therefore, there are ample collaboration opportunities, and Royce is well placed to offer its support and facilities access to researchers and spinouts in the country.
This new collaboration with Converge directly addresses that. By embedding Royce into an established Scottish innovation programme, the RHA has increased awareness of its mission and created opportunities to build stronger connections with researchers working at the forefront of hydrogen materials science.
Supporting Researchers in Hydrogen Innovation
The 2025 Converge Hydrogen Challenge, now underway, offers participants the following programme and support:
- A two-day in-person business training programme at the University of Strathclyde (June 2025)
- Opportunities to receive support from industry mentors and commercialisation experts from the Royce Hydrogen Accelerator
- A structured five-page business case submission (August)
- Final pitch to judges (September)
- Winners announced at the Converge Awards in Edinburgh (2 October 2025)
Crucially, this year’s cohort will also be eligible for a share of a £20,000 Royce-sponsored cash prize, awarded at the discretion of the judging panel.
These awards are designed not just to recognise technical excellence, but to provide a path for innovation – with potential to access Royce’s state-of-the-art facilities via its existing access schemes.
A Platform for Future Growth
This pilot partnership is already yielding valuable insights into how the Royce Hydrogen Accelerator can engage regional innovation networks more deeply. Through participation in the judging and awards process, and by amplifying the work of finalists in the lead-up to the October awards, Royce is laying the groundwork for future collaborations – in Scotland and beyond.
Adam Kosterka, Executive Director of Converge commented:
“Converge exists to empower innovation-driven enterprise, and the rapid development of hydrogen-based technologies is a great example of where the brilliant work emerging from our Universities has the potential to deliver real-world impact. We are very grateful for the support from the Henry Royce Institute which will help accelerate the commercialisation of these innovations to market-readiness and illustrates perfectly the power of collaboration between the University sector and the wider ecosystem in the UK.”
Prof David Knowles, Royce CEO, said:
“I’m delighted that we have launched our inaugural collaboration between Converge and the Royce Hydrogen Accelerator, thus widening our reach in the North of the UK and offering access to our fantastic research support and facilities.
“As the UK ramps up its commitment to net-zero and clean energy, materials innovation will play a crucial role. Through partnerships with initiatives like Converge, Royce is ensuring that the UK’s most promising hydrogen researchers are supported, connected, and ready to take their ideas to the next level.”
Learn more about Converge at https://www.convergechallenge.com/
Learn more about the Royce Hydrogen Accelerator here.
Image Credit: Henry Royce Institute
