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UK-based engineering company seeks R&D partners to co-develop modular hydrogen propulsion platform tailored for lightweight applications in mobility sector (aerospace and automotive)

Summary

Profile Type
  • Research & Development Request
POD Reference
RDRGB20250428005
Term of Validity
29 April 2025 - 29 April 2026
Company's Country
  • United Kingdom
Type of partnership
  • Research and development cooperation agreement
Targeted Countries
  • Ireland
  • Germany
  • Israel
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Poland
  • United Kingdom
  • Ukraine
  • Denmark
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • United States
  • India
  • France
  • Finland
  • Sweden
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Norway
  • Netherlands
  • Turkey
  • Portugal
  • Belgium
  • Taiwan
  • Japan
  • South Korea
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General information

Short Summary
The collaborative project focuses on delivering an end-to-end, scalable solution that includes high-pressure hydrogen storage and a fully integrated propulsion architecture.

The UK based SME will lead the design and development of the system integration framework and is seeking partners to co-develop or supply key auxiliary subsystems.

The goal is to form a research consortium capable of delivering a bespoke, validated hydrogen-based propulsion system for sustainable mobility platforms.
Full Description
A UK-based engineering SME is leading a collaborative R&D initiative to develop a modular hydrogen propulsion platform designed for sustainable mobility applications. The focus is on lightweight platforms in both the aerospace and automotive sectors, aiming to deliver a complete, scalable propulsion architecture that supports the transition to zero-emission transport.

The company is currently in the R&D phase of developing high-pressure composite hydrogen storage systems and will lead the design of the propulsion system integration framework. The next stage involves forming a research consortium to co-develop or supply key auxiliary technologies necessary for full propulsion system functionality.

The SME is seeking partners with expertise in:
• Thermal management and hydrogen cooling systems
• Power electronics, converters, and energy distribution
• Embedded control systems and safety logic
• Lightweight packaging and mechanical integration
• System-level testing, validation, and certification

The aim is to collaboratively build and validate a bespoke hydrogen propulsion system that meets the integration, safety, and performance requirements of next-generation clean mobility platforms. The project is intended to align with collaborative funding schemes under programmes such as Horizon Europe or Innovate UK.
Advantages and Innovations
• End-to-end propulsion system concept with hydrogen storage and integration framework.
• Modular architecture adaptable across aerospace and automotive applications.
• Designed for lightweight, space-constrained use cases.
• Supports long-term green mobility strategies (e.g. Aviation 2050, EU Green Deal).
Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
The company is seeking partners with technical expertise and capabilities in the following areas to support the development of a modular hydrogen propulsion system:

• Thermal Management Systems
Development or integration of systems for thermal control and heat dissipation in hydrogen fuel systems, including hydrogen cooling and temperature regulation for optimal system performance and safety.
• Power Electronics and Energy Management
Expertise in designing and integrating DC/DC converters, inverters, and energy distribution units suitable for hydrogen-based electric propulsion systems.
• Embedded Control Systems and Software
Capabilities in embedded systems for propulsion control, communication between subsystems, diagnostics, safety logic, and overall system orchestration.
• Hydrogen Safety and Sensing Systems
Technologies for monitoring hydrogen flow, pressure, leakage detection, and safety system integration in compliance with sector-specific regulations.
• Testing and Validation Facilities or Expertise
Facilities and know-how for laboratory or field testing of integrated propulsion systems, including vibration, temperature, and pressure cycling tests.

The company is primarily focused on the development of high-pressure composite hydrogen storage tanks and will also lead the design and implementation of the mechanical and structural integration of the propulsion system, including component packaging and overall system architecture.

Collaboration is sought through technical or research cooperation agreements, with the intention to participate in funded projects or co-develop a fully integrated hydrogen propulsion platform.
Stage of Development
  • Concept stage
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
  • Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • Goal 13: Climate Action
  • Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
IPR status
  • Secret know-how

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner
Partners are expected to contribute technical expertise and/or system components related to hydrogen propulsion subsystems. This may include:

• Design and development of thermal management systems, power electronics, and control units suited for hydrogen-electric propulsion.
• Provision of hardware or software components that can be integrated into the overall propulsion system architecture.
• Support with testing, validation, and compliance, including environmental, safety, or sector-specific certification processes.
• Collaboration on R&D activities, knowledge exchange, and contribution to joint technical deliverables and system integration milestones.
• Participation in consortium building and funding applications (e.g. Horizon Europe, Innovate UK), with joint interest in advancing clean mobility technologies.

Partners may be SMEs, research institutions, or industrial stakeholders with proven experience in hydrogen systems, electrified powertrains, embedded controls, or related mobility technologies.
Type and Size of Partner
  • SME 11-49
Type of partnership
  • Research and development cooperation agreement

Call details

Framework program
  • Transport (including aeronautics)
Call title and identifier
The project is in its early development phase, with strong potential for alignment with targeted funding schemes. The consortium aims to explore suitable opportunities under Horizon Europe and the UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme.
Coordinator required
No
Deadline for EoI
Deadline of the call

Dissemination

Technology keywords
  • 02010002 - Engineering
  • 04001006 - Transport and storage of hydrogen
  • 02011007 - Guidance and control
  • 02011006 - Propulsion
  • 02009024 - Powertrain and chassis
Market keywords
  • 09001007 - Other transportation
  • 09001005 - Motor vehicles, transportation equipment and parts
  • 09004008 - Other manufacturing (not elsewhere classified)
  • 09001006 - Airfield and other transportation services
Sector Groups Involved
  • Mobility - Transport - Automotive
  • Aerospace and Defence
Targeted countries
  • Ireland
  • Germany
  • Israel
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Poland
  • United Kingdom
  • Ukraine
  • Denmark
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • United States
  • India
  • France
  • Finland
  • Sweden
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Norway
  • Netherlands
  • Turkey
  • Portugal
  • Belgium
  • Taiwan
  • Japan
  • South Korea