H2 Start-up Cluster strengthens innovation in the hydrogen economy

• The H2 Start-up Cluster of the German Association Die Gas- und Wasserstoffwirtschaft has grown to 15 members.
• Young companies benefit from networking with established gas trading and infrastructure enterprises.
• Kehler: “Young companies in the hydrogen economy need better conditions for raising capital and clear market incentives.”

With its H2 Start-up Cluster, the German Association Die Gas- und Wasserstoffwirtschaft supports young companies in entering the market and pursuing their growth path. The cluster offers valuable opportunities for exchange and information. Its 15 members also benefit from networking events, strong visibility through the association’s channels, and regular updates on political and societal developments.

The key objectives of the H2 Start-up Cluster are to promote knowledge transfer and develop new business models along the entire hydrogen value chain. The cluster now counts 15 members and supports young companies in the hydrogen sector on their growth journey. Close cooperation between start-ups and established gas trading and infrastructure companies has created a strong network with comprehensive information offerings and high visibility through the association’s communication channels in political Berlin. In doing so, the cluster makes an important contribution to the success of the energy transition.

“Germany is home to bold inventors and pioneering young companies – especially in the hydrogen economy,” said Dr. Timm Kehler, Chairman of Die Gas- und Wasserstoffwirtschaft. “But many start-ups face significant growth challenges. Hydrogen innovations are capital-intensive, often under unattractive financing conditions in Germany. Better political frameworks could facilitate capital raising and strengthen Germany’s position in international competition.”

The national implementation of the European Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III) is long overdue. RED III sets binding requirements for the production of hydrogen from renewable energies and is therefore essential for start-ups and investors. Furthermore, financing instruments such as the Germany Fund and the WIN initiative, which were announced in the coalition agreement, have not yet been implemented.

“In addition to financing instruments, a green gas quota could create market-based incentives,” Kehler continued. “Such a quota would establish binding offtake obligations for renewable hydrogen without the use of public funds, thereby supporting young companies as well. At the European level, funding instruments such as the European Hydrogen Bank and H2Global must be equipped with sufficient budgets to effectively trigger investment.”

With its 15 current members, the H2 Start-up Cluster covers the entire hydrogen value chain. Member companies include: AMBARtec AG, Azure Energy GmbH, CYTOK GmbH, Eternal Power GmbH, Fair Consult 24/7 GmbH, Graforce GmbH, Green Investors AG, Greenlyte Carbon Technologies GmbH, Hanseatic Hydrogen Hub GmbH, HEE Technologies GmbH, Microbify, Ostermeier H2ydrogen Solutions, Regascold, and Siquens. In addition, there is a cooperation partnership with H2UB GmbH.

Cluster members benefit from networking events, workshops, webinars, and competitions such as the Innovationspreis Neue Gase. Membership also provides access to a daily press review, monthly newsletters, and regular political monitoring. The association’s high-reach channels further increase the visibility of start-ups among key target groups.

As part of its webinar “Hydrogen Start-ups im Focus” on September 16, 2025, Die Gas- und Wasserstoffwirtschaft will present companies from the cluster to the public. Graforce, CYTOK, and Hanseatic Hydrogen Hub will showcase their current projects and discuss opportunities and challenges in developing businesses within the hydrogen sector. Registration for the webinar is available via the association’s website.