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Recap of the Co-Creation Workshop at the H2 Convention 2025
- News
RTI Initiative – Transforming Industry through Hydrogen Research
On November 26st, 2025, the Co-Creation Workshop “RTI Initiative: Transforming Industry – Using Hydrogen Research to Enhance Corporate Competitiveness” took place as part of the H2 Convention 2025. The workshop, opened by Urban Peyker, Head of Department and Mission Director of the “Net-Zero Industries Mission” (Climate and Energy Fund), focused on the promotion of hydrogen projects and their potential contribution to industrial transformation.
The session focused on the funding opportunities offered by the RTI Initiative “Transformation of Industry,” which provides up to EUR 60 million in the current call of the Climate and Energy Fund. In an interactive format, participants had the opportunity to learn more about the NEFI – New Energy for Industry innovation network and the funding programme, and to jointly develop ideas for CO₂-neutral gases and hydrogen projects.
Engaging Insights and Discussion with our Hub Co-Leads
- Stephan Abermann, Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT),
- Andreas Zauner and Darja Markova, Energieinstitut an der Johannes Kepler Universität Linz and
- Franz Winkler, HyCentA
offered valuable perspectives on the potential of hydrogen technologies for industrial transformation and demonstrated how innovative research projects can pave the way towards CO₂ neutrality.
The workshop was moderated by Bernhard Gahleitner, NEFI Network Coordinator. Together, the experts examined the potential of hydrogen technologies for industrial transformation and highlighted how pioneering research projects can contribute to achieving CO₂ neutrality.
Networking and Exchange for the Future
The workshop provided an important platform for exchanging ideas designed to advance concrete projects. Participants had the opportunity to engage with NEFI Innovation Hub Co-Leads, hydrogen specialists and other stakeholders from the sector, fostering networks for future cooperation. The interactive nature of the workshop encouraged creative ideas and practical solutions for the industrial application of hydrogen.
The Co-Creation Workshop was a key element of the H2 Convention 2025, sending a clear signal about the growing momentum of hydrogen transformation in Austria. In particular, the panel “Is There a Way Around Hydrogen?” provided thought-provoking insights into whether any alternative to hydrogen exists in energy-intensive industrial production.
A Spirit of Momentum and a Promising Outlook
The discussions and exchanges during the workshop made one thing clear: the transformation of industry through hydrogen is already well under way. Participants left with fresh inspiration and a palpable sense of momentum — a sign that the industrial deployment of hydrogen technologies and associated research will continue to accelerate in the coming years.
NEFI experts look forward to the next steps in jointly developing hydrogen projects and to continuing collaboration within the RTI Initiative for the Transformation of Industry.