CHICAGO (April 29, 2023) – Horizon Educational joined forces with the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC) and members of the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2) on Saturday to host the inaugural Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix Midwest race (H2GP) on Chicago’s west side at Charles A. Prosser Career Academy. The race brought together 50 students from across the Midwest to race their hydrogen-powered cars over a 2-hour “endurance race.” The winning team is now advancing on to the Hydrogen Grand Prix World Final, scheduled for September 11^th-14^th in Las Vegas, NV.

The Horizon H2GP is a global school-based science and engineering program that provides students with hands-on experience in designing, engineering, and racing remote-controlled fuel cell electric vehicles powered by hydrogen. Students taking part gain employable skills in science and technology while also developing competence in critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork.

“We created H2GP seven years ago with the intention of training the next generation of global renewable energy innovators,” said Kamil Jelinek, CEO of Horizon Educational. “While today these students are designing and engineering their 1:10-scale hydrogen-powered cars, tomorrow they’ll be leading innovation, creating the electrolyzers, solar panels and wind turbines that will power the Midwest for decades to come.”

Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC) supported student racers convening from across the region.

"ISTC Education's mission is to not only impact the next generation of innovators and bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience, but to be an access point to STEM experiences for historically excluded populations of students," said Rebecca Goldberg, Director of ISTC Education." By supporting H2GP, we are empowering our students to see themselves in the energy solutions of our future."

The inaugural competition is made possible by Horizon Educational’s partnership with MachH2 members BayoTech Hydrogen, Constellation, GTI Energy, Nicor Gas & University of Michigan, as well as support from the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition and Chicago Public Schools.

“BayoTech is proud to have sponsored the exciting race and congratulates all the participants for their hard work and dedication,” said Catharine Reid, BayoTech’s Chief Marketing Officer. “As a company that is passionate about the hydrogen economy, we recognize the importance of STEM education in preparing the next generation of skilled workers to drive this industry forward.”

“Constellation prides itself on helping to inspire the next generation of clean energy leaders, and the Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix is a terrific example of the type of hands-on STEM experience that gets students excited about our industry,” said Colleen Wright, Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Constellation. “Personally, it has been amazing to watch these young engineers in action learning about clean hydrogen, problem solving as a team and using their STEM education to innovate in a competitive and collaborative environment.”  

“It has been really exciting to mentor the students from Frederick Von Steuben Science Center and sponsor the Midwest Hydrogen Grand Prix race to fuel the passion for engineering and clean energy in the next generation workforce,” said Kristine Wiley, Vice President of Low Carbon Energy Solutions at GTI Energy. “Providing our local community with knowledge and hands-on experience in the emerging hydrogen field will drive greater interest in STEM careers, where their talent and skills will be needed most to tackle future energy challenges.”

"The MI Hydrogen program is excited to give Michigan students the opportunity to learn about how hydrogen can be used in transportation. In addition to building technical skills, they are also exploring paths they can take to help drive the clean energy transition," said Todd Allen, co-director of MI Hydrogen and the Glenn F. and Gladys H. Knoll Department Chair of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences at U-M.

“At Nicor Gas, we believe building the future of energy includes building future generations of energy leaders,” said Meena Beyers, vice president of Community & Business Development at Nicor Gas. “We are excited to collaborate with other industry partners to mentor and encourage students, while driving interest in the sustainable energy and hydrogen industry through this fun and educational STEM-focused event.”

About Horizon Educational: Founded in 2003, Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies began the sale of miniature fuel cells to demonstrate the technology to schools and students around the world, while investing in R&D of more advanced products and industrial applications. In 2013, Horizon Educational Group was formed as an independent division dedicated to the deployment of a complete range of educational solutions. Horizon Educational develop, produce and distribute hands-on teaching material and didactic equipment as well as online curricula and educational programs. With distributors in over 150 countries, the STEM kits and technical training equipment have an international reputation for quality, educational content and award-winning design. Discover more at horizoneducational.com

About MachH2: MachH2 is a multi-state coalition of public and private entities representing every phase in the hydrogen value chain. The alliance includes a cross-section of carbon-free energy producers, clean energy developers, hydrogen technology providers, utilities, major manufacturers, national labs and leading hydrogen technology development and deployment institutions, world-class universities, and groups focused on environmental justice. Learn more at MachH2.com