About

Since 2004, the NHA Hydrogen Student Design Contest (has challenged multi-disciplinary teams of university students to apply their creativity and academic skills in the areas of design, engineering, economics, environmental science, business and marketing to the hydrogen and fuel cell industries.

The Contest is open to undergraduate and graduate students worldwide. Multiple teams from one institution are permitted. Submissions are evaluated by a diverse panel of judges that include industry representatives and officials at U.S. Department of Energy.

Learn More about the 2010-2011 Contest >>

Prizes

Each year we aim to provide students from winning teams with an unforgettable experience. This year is no different.  For the 2011 Contest, winning teams will receive:

• Expenses-paid trip to present design to thousands in a keynote session of the National Hydrogen Association’s annual conference in February 2011 in Washington, DC.  (Grand Prize winner only)
• Priority consideration for summer internships at participating sponsor organizations (Grand Prize and Honorable Mention winners)
• Invitation to the NHA Members Only and Opening Receptions at the 2011 NHA Conference (Grand Prize and  Honorable Mention winners)
• Invitiation to present design in the poster presentations component of the 2011 NHA Conference (Honorable Mention winners)

History

Although the Contest designs are concepts when submitted, the Grand Prize winning teams from 2004 and 2005 each attracted the funding necessary for actual development and implementation: a new hydrogen fueling station and power park, respectively. The station designed in 2004 had its grand opening at Humboldt State University on September 9, 2008.  The winning design in 2008, which included a back-up and portable power system powered by hydrogen for airports, has generated a great deal of interest for implementation at the Columbia International Airport in Columbia, South Carolina.

View Previous Contests and Winners >>