MAST3RBoost and IH-MIE Join Forces to Explore Funding Opportunities and Future Collaboration in the Hydrogen Sector
On 21 July 2026, the MAST3RBoost and IH-MIE projects successfully hosted the online webinar “Funding Opportunities & Future Collaboration in the Hydrogen Sector”, bringing together researchers, industry representatives, SMEs and innovation stakeholders to discuss how collaboration can accelerate Europe’s hydrogen transition. The event highlighted the complementary roles of research and market deployment initiatives in building a stronger European hydrogen ecosystem.
The webinar featured presentations from Sergio Sánchez (ENVIROHEMP) on behalf of MAST3RBoost and Alejandro Pérez (CTAG) representing IH-MIE, followed by an interactive panel discussion that encouraged participants to reflect on the future of hydrogen innovation and collaboration.
Advancing hydrogen storage through research
The first presentation introduced the latest achievements of the MAST3RBoost project, which is developing next-generation hydrogen storage technologies based on machine learning-assisted ultraporous materials, including activated carbons and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The project aims to integrate these advanced materials into lightweight storage vessels capable of delivering high-density hydrogen storage at low pressure, contributing to cleaner and more efficient mobility solutions.
During the presentation, attendees gained an overview of the current hydrogen landscape, exploring the main challenges associated with hydrogen production, storage, distribution and utilisation. Special attention was given to hydrogen storage technologies, comparing conventional approaches such as compression and liquefaction with innovative alternatives like cryo-adsorption.
Sergio Sánchez also presented MAST3RBoost’s main technical achievements, including:
- The use of machine learning to optimise the development of high-performance porous materials.
- The production and scale-up of activated carbons and MOFs from sustainable feedstocks.
- The design and manufacturing of advanced cryo-adsorption storage vessels using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM).
- The integration of these innovations into a kilogram-scale demonstrator designed to validate the technology in a relevant operational environment.
The presentation concluded by emphasising that while cryo-adsorption technologies show enormous potential to improve hydrogen storage efficiency, continued collaboration between materials science, engineering and industry will be essential to bring these solutions closer to commercial deployment.
Supporting market uptake through IH-MIE
The second part of the webinar shifted the focus from research to innovation deployment. Alejandro Pérez introduced the Interregional Hydrogen Mobility Initiative for Europe (IH-MIE), an Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) project designed to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen mobility solutions across Europe.
The audience learned how IH-MIE connects ten European regions through an Interregional Hydrogen Mobility Hub that combines funding, mentoring, technical support and networking opportunities to strengthen hydrogen value chains and support innovative SMEs.
A key highlight of the presentation was the launch of the IH-MIE Open Call, which will support up to 30 European SMEs developing hydrogen mobility solutions from TRL 6 onwards. Selected applicants will receive financial support of up to €60,000 per SME, together with business mentoring, technical coaching, investment guidance and training activities aimed at accelerating the path towards market deployment. The webinar also explained the eligibility conditions, funding scheme, evaluation process and application timeline, providing valuable guidance for organisations interested in applying.
Panel discussion: building the future hydrogen ecosystem together
The webinar concluded with an engaging panel discussion that explored how European hydrogen projects can maximise their collective impact.
One of the central topics focused on the relationship between research-oriented initiatives such as MAST3RBoost and market-driven projects like IH-MIE. The speakers agreed that accelerating hydrogen adoption requires a continuous innovation pipeline where breakthrough research evolves into demonstration activities and eventually reaches commercial deployment through strong industrial collaboration and targeted support for SMEs.
The discussion also addressed where future hydrogen projects should concentrate their efforts. Both speakers highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration across the entire hydrogen value chain, promoting closer cooperation between research organisations, industry, policymakers and regional innovation ecosystems. They also underlined the need to validate technologies in real operating environments while ensuring that innovation responds to market needs.
Finally, Alejandro Pérez shared practical advice for SMEs interested in applying to the IH-MIE Open Call. He encouraged applicants to present proposals with a clear innovation potential, strong market relevance and a realistic implementation plan, while demonstrating how their solutions can contribute to strengthening Europe’s hydrogen mobility ecosystem.
Strengthening collaboration for Europe’s hydrogen future
The joint webinar demonstrated the value of bringing together complementary European initiatives to share knowledge, identify synergies and create new collaboration opportunities. While projects such as MAST3RBoost continue advancing breakthrough hydrogen storage technologies, initiatives like IH-MIE help bridge the gap between innovation and market uptake by supporting SMEs and fostering interregional cooperation.
By combining scientific excellence with industrial deployment, these collaborative efforts are helping build a more competitive, resilient and sustainable hydrogen ecosystem that will contribute to Europe’s clean energy transition.