iL-CURRENT
October 7, 2024
Uwe Kerkmann:
"A dynamic
Ecosystem created"
Uwe Kerkmann has been Managing Director of H2UB from Essen since November 2021. Together with strong partners from industry, science and politics, H2UB has become the leading open innovation platform for the entire hydrogen value chain, with a European start-up network of 150 companies. At the Clean Tech Innovation Day on November 11 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Heidelberg Congress Center), Uwe Kerkmann will moderate the session on "Start-ups as accelerators for innovation in the clean tech sector". In the run-up to the event, we at iL conducted the following interview with our co-partner H2UB.
Mr. Kerkmann, what connect do you with Heidelberg - how very pleased you pleased because to the Clean Tech Innovation Day?
Uwe Kerkmann: I have a long-standing tradition of science and research in Heidelberg, which fits in perfectly with the innovative strength of the InnovationLab. I am looking forward to the Clean Tech Innovation Day because it offers us, as a European innovation platform in the field of hydrogen and for our start-ups, the ideal opportunity to promote sustainable technologies and solutions and to make contact with important networks in southern Germany.
What impact does it needs - your personal opinion according to - on the topic hydrogen for the success of a social and industrial transformation?
Kerkmann: In my opinion, a successful transformation requires, above all, the massive expansion of infrastructure, strong and reliable political support and a clear regulatory framework. At the same time, business and society need to be made aware of and inspired by the benefits that hydrogen offers as a key technology for decarbonization.
Uwe Kerkmann, CEO of H2UB, the leading open innovation platform in Europe. Image: H2UB
Where sets the H2UB content starts with?
Kerkmann: In terms of content, the H2UB focuses on the interface between start-ups, industry and science and builds on open innovation. We promote innovations from start-ups along the entire hydrogen value chain, support the teams with know-how, networking and financing options and thus actively drive the market development for hydrogen technologies. At the same time, we support our corporate partners through venture clienting and corporate venture building activities. We search for, find and select start-ups and innovative technologies that help our partners to defossilize processes or increase efficiency. We have created a dynamic European ecosystem that will accelerate the industrial application of hydrogen and enable sustainable solutions.
What does H2UB and InnovationLab to complementary and ideal partners in this event?
Kerkmann: We complement each other perfectly, as we both focus on innovation and technology promotion, but with different priorities. The H2UB focuses on the hydrogen economy and supports start-ups and companies in this area. InnovationLab brings expertise in the development of new technologies and materials. Together, we offer a comprehensive network and know-how to drive innovation forward.
What added value do you see do you for H2UB and the five participating startups from your network with the Clean Tech Innovation Day?
Kerkmann: The Clean Tech Innovation Day offers us a platform to present hydrogen innovations to a relevant audience from industry and science. It is also a valuable opportunity to make contacts, gain potential partners and receive direct feedback. The event also promotes knowledge transfer and helps our hydrogen start-ups to become better known, get to know potential partners or customers and bring their solutions to market more quickly.
Net Zero: Our common goal
How would you the complete startupnetwork of the 2021 founded in H2UB characterize?
Kerkmann: Our European start-up network, consisting of 150 innovative companies, is dynamic and diverse. It includes start-ups along the entire hydrogen value chain - from digital solutions for project planning, generation and storage to applications in industry and mobility. Our start-ups are characterized by a high level of innovation and the drive to develop sustainable solutions for the common goal of "Net Zero". Through our close networking with industry, science and investors, we offer them the right support for their technological and entrepreneurial challenges.
At the symposium on 11. November stands Networking with in the foreground in the foreground. Which partners and topics from the area the hydrogentechnology awaken your special demand-oriented interest?
Kerkmann: I am particularly interested in topics such as the development of efficient electrolysis technologies, innovative storage solutions and the establishment of a hydrogen infrastructure. Partnerships with companies and research institutions that are driving forward sustainable hydrogen applications are also of key importance to us.
Vice versa: With which topics can can participants to the H2UB in Heidelberg contact?
Kerkmann: We offer start-ups and innovation teams from companies support in the development and use of innovative technologies as well as in networking with relevant partners and investors - individually tailored to their specific needs. In particular, start-ups and companies looking for scaling opportunities or technological know-how are in the right place with us.
Mr. Kerkmann, many thanks for this interview.
Interested audience: Uwe Kerkmann at the Hydroverse Convention 2024. Image: H2UB
About the person
Uwe Kerkmann has been working as a business developer in an international context for more than 20 years. His focus is on innovation topics in the fields of environment and energy, digitalization, creative industries and knowledge transfer. Since November 2021, he has been Managing Director of H2UB, which is building the first European start-up and innovation hub for hydrogen technologies together with strong partners from industry, science and politics.
At municipal and state level in North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin, he has worked intensively to promote cooperation between companies, start-ups, science and administration. He played a key role in shaping the start-up initiative of the state capital Düsseldorf and the founding of the digihub Düsseldorf/Rhineland as a forge for start-ups and was responsible for its implementation.
About H2UB
The H2UB is Europe's leading open innovation platform for the entire hydrogen value chain. The Hub works with the best entrepreneurs, innovators and investors to achieve a common goal: Net Zero. As a thought leader for hydrogen innovation, H2UB searches for breakthrough innovations across Europe and fosters collaboration between start-ups, corporate partners and investors so that hydrogen projects can be realized.
H2UB is co-financed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and supported by numerous private companies and institutions.
Further information on the H2UB can be found at: www.h2ub.com
Contact: Marina Scheider, Senior Communications & PR Manager, e-mail: marina.scheider@h2ub.com
Information on the "Clean Tech Innovation Day"
Note: Further information on the procedure and registration can be found on our website at
Registration ends on October 30, just two weeks before the Clean Tech Innovation Day (November 11). Catering will be provided on St. Martin's Day at the Heidelberg Congress Center near the train station.
Joachim Klaehn
Head of Communications
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