HYDROVERSE CONVENTION and Hy.Summit.Rhein.Ruhr are launching together
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Two key events in the Rhine-Ruhr region are joining forces for the first time to strengthen the ties between innovation, business, and science.
Essen/Duisburg/Dortmund, March 11, 2026
The transition to a clean, climate-neutral industry is one of the greatest challenges of our time—and we can only succeed if we work together.
On September 15, 2026, two hydrogen events will therefore come together for the first time on a single day at Messe Essen: the HYDROVERSE CONVENTION organized by H2UB, the European event for hydrogen innovation, and the Hy.Summit.Rhein.Ruhr, the hydrogen congress organized by the Hy.Region.Rhein.Ruhr e.V. network. The joint event broadens the perspective beyond hydrogen and focuses on concrete paths to decarbonization.
The Hy.Summit.Rhein.Ruhr brings together key players from the Rhine-Ruhr economic and industrial region and provides industry-driven impetus for the concrete implementation of decarbonization projects. The HYDROVERSE CONVENTION expands on this focus as a European platform where startups, investors, and companies drive trends, technologies, and partnerships along the hydrogen value chain.
Together, these two formats combine implementation expertise and innovative momentum: International startup teams connect with established industry players, the academic community, and policymakers to collaborate on solutions for the energy transition and further strengthen the region’s competitiveness.
The new event format offers participants from across Europe the opportunity to exchange ideas on new technologies, form partnerships, and advance specific projects—from research to industrial applications.
Comments on the Event
“With our joint event, we are creating a unique platform that brings together the innovative strength of Europe’s hydrogen startup scene with the industrial and application expertise of the Ruhr region. This brings together international momentum and regional implementation experience in one place, thereby strengthening the Ruhr region’s role as a key location for the ramp-up of hydrogen in Germany and Europe.”
“The heart of German industry beats along the Rhine and Ruhr; the necessary decarbonization is taking place here. With the Hy.Summit and HYDROVERSE CONVENTION, we are now strengthening the network of companies, startups, and academia even further. We want to facilitate partnerships and accelerate projects that advance the energy transition in the Rhine-Ruhr region.”
“Hydrogen remains a key piece of the puzzle for reducing CO2 emissions. At the same time, the market ramp-up presents a challenge. We need solutions that we can only achieve through combined efforts and a unified approach. H2UB and Hy.Region.Rhein.Ruhr are sending a strong message: In the Ruhr metropolitan region, we’re working together to foster successful businesses and an attractive business location. I’m particularly pleased that this promising collaboration is taking place in Essen—once again making Europe’s energy capital a meeting place for decision-makers.”
“By combining the HYDROVERSE CONVENTION and Hy.Summit Rhein.Ruhr, we are deliberately broadening our perspective: Hydrogen is a key driver of industrial transformation, but it only realizes its full potential when combined with innovation, infrastructure, and new business models. Here in the Ruhr region, these very factors come together. This is where the solutions that tangibly advance the decarbonization of industry are being developed. That is exactly what we are spotlighting this year together with H2UB.”
About the HYDROVERSE CONVENTION
The HYDROVERSE CONVENTION, organized by H2UB, is the leading European event for hydrogen startups, investors, and industry players in the energy ecosystem. It connects stakeholders across the entire value chain, promotes innovation, and creates market access for young companies.
About the Hy.Summit.Rhein.Ruhr
The Hy.Summit.Rhein.Ruhr, initiated by the Hy.Region.Rhein.Ruhr e.V. and the economic development agencies of Bochum, Dortmund, Duisburg, Essen, and Hamm, brings together regional stakeholders from business, academia, and politics to drive sustainable decarbonization in the Rhine and Ruhr regions. The focus is on projects, collaborations, and funding strategies that accelerate industrial transformation. The Hy.Summit.Rhein.Ruhr will take place on September 14 in Duisburg, on September 15—in conjunction with the HYDROVERSE CONVENTION—in Essen, and in the fourth quarter of 2026 in Dortmund.
H2UB Press Contact
Marina Scheider
H2UB GmbH
Phone: 0151 143 585 95
Email: marina.scheider@h2ub.com
Press Contact: Hy.Region.Rhein.Ruhr
Marc Oliver Hänig
Duisburg Business & Innovation GmbH
Phone: 0177 813 0 813
Email: haenig@duisburg.business
