On November 5, the H2CAT network held the second edition of the H2CAT Investment Day, this year for the first time integrated into the Barcelona Deep Tech Summit, the leading event in high-impact scientific technology. The venue, One2One at Fira Barcelona, was filled with a broad representation of investors, specialized funds, and players from the deep tech ecosystem, demonstrating growing interest in Catalan solutions for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen.
The event opened with institutional welcome remarks from Rafael González Moreno, Head of the Knowledge Transfer Promotion Area at the Directorate General for Transfer and Knowledge Society of the Department of Research and Universities, who highlighted the strategic role of hydrogen innovation in the country’s research policies. He was followed by Dolores González, innovation consultant, representing the H2CAT network, who emphasized the importance of connecting research, entrepreneurship, and investment in order to accelerate the energy transition.
Six entrepreneurial projects developed through the Mentors4H2CAT program
The six projects that delivered pitches were born from H2CAT member research groups and had previously taken part in the internal Mentors4H2CAT program, which annually supports new entrepreneurial teams in their preparation to access funding and refine their market strategies.
The presenting projects and their speakers were:
- H2Sin (ICIQ) – Ultra-scalable, high-performance AEM electrolyser for industrial hydrogen production
Presented by David Monreal. - Autometh (IREC) – Methanation technology for the sustainable use of biogas
Presented by Rossana Boccia. - Optugrid (UPC) – Strategic Platform to Accelerate the Energy Transition
Presented by Paula Muñoz. - Graphec (ICRA) – Sustainable electrochemical destruction of PFAS in water through graphene-enabled electrodes
Presented by Nick Duinslaeger. - Oxhyd (IREC) – Next-Generation Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for Zero-Emission Power
Presented by Juande Sirvent. - Light Net Carbon Capture (ICN2) – CO₂ Capture, Mineralization and Valorization from Industrial Waste
Presented by Amador Pérez.
Each team was allocated 5 minutes for presentation and 5 minutes for Q&A, in a fast-paced format designed to maximize return and interaction with the attending investors.
A packed room and a key networking space for new opportunities
Participation from national and international investors exceeded expectations, filling the room and creating a perfect environment for matchmaking between technology and capital. The event concluded with a Networking Lunch, where entrepreneurs and investors explored potential collaborations, funding paths, and growth strategies.
Driving technological transfer in hydrogen across Catalonia
In only two editions, the H2CAT Investment Day has already established itself as a crucial platform to accelerate technology transfer in the hydrogen sector, reinforcing the connection between research, entrepreneurship, and investment. Hosting it within the Deep Tech Summit has boosted the international visibility of Catalonia-developed solutions and continues projecting the network as a central player in the energy transition toward renewable hydrogen.
