We spoke with Erika Czingel from the civic association H2GP Slovakia. She told us what really happens when teams from Slovakia and the Czech Republic meet on the track. She also explained why companies should invest in young talent. At the same time, she outlined what the future of technical education in Slovakia looks like.
H2GP 2025 Chemnitz World Final
Košice showed that the east has both talent and partners
The Košice Hydrogen Cup delivered exactly what the organizers wanted—a live demonstration of how education can work. At the start line, 19 teams from Slovakia and the Czech Republic came together. They competed in three H2GP PRO racing categories: HYBRID, MODIFIED and STOCK .
“The atmosphere in the pits was exactly in the spirit of H2GP—fair racing on the track and sharing know-how off it,” says Erika Czingel.
In the HYBRID category, ISŠA Brno Hydrocar won; in MODIFIED, the Czech team Hydro PBIS; and in STOCK, Slovakia’s KYSTRONIC. The event was opened by the President of the Košice Self-Governing Region, Rastislav Trnka, and a representative of the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade, Tomáš Hamberger. Guests from companies and schools were also present—SOLARIS SLOVAKIA, Horizon Educational, and Prague British International School Director David Lawlor.
H2GP 2025 Chemnitz World Final
But the most important things happened in the pits and on the track. Students continuously measured data, fine-tuned aerodynamics, electronics and energy management, and handled quick service interventions under pressure . “The format works like a live laboratory,” Erika explains. Visitors could also see the difference between a basic and a fine-tuned model.
Another big highlight was the accompanying H2GP SPRINT. Pupils and students built their first 1:20 scale hydrogen car and tested it on a 10-meter track. Instant feedback from the timing system brilliantly connected theory with practice
“The event naturally connects schools, universities and companies, creating a talent pipeline for the region and a positive PR effect—proof that the east has motivated teams and partners,” Erika adds.
H2GP 2025 Chemnitz World Final
Coming soon to Bratislava: 10 years of H2GP and 20 teams on the grid
The Slovakia State Final 2026 in Bratislava is just around the corner, and this year will be truly special. And for several reasons. H2GP PRO is celebrating 10 years, and Slovakia has been part of it from the very beginning.
“We have schools that have been in the program for a full decade, and it’s great to see former team members now leading younger students as teachers and mentors,” Erika says enthusiastically.
This year’s edition will also bring a fresh breeze. Four new teams from four schools have joined, and 20 teams will line up on the track. “It’s proof that the program is growing, visible across Slovakia, and raising the bar for student projects and the races themselves,” she explains.
Of course, H2GP SPRINT will also be part of Bratislava. The first primary school is joining in this format too, showing that interest starts from the ground up and that SPRINT will keep expanding.
“H2 Grand Prix isn’t just a competition—it’s hands-on learning that shows science and technology can be genuinely exciting. That’s why schools and students shouldn’t miss it,” Erika adds.
H2GP 2025 Chemnitz World Final
Hydrogen is no longer just textbook theory
How do Slovaks feel about hydrogen technologies? According to Erika, awareness is rising significantly. It’s helped by long-term work in the field and by the fact that H2GP Slovakia is part of the INOVATO cluster and a member of NVAS—the National Hydrogen Association of Slovakia.
“Thanks to these partnerships, the topic is reaching not only schools but also companies—from technically focused businesses to those that work with hydrogen in real-world applications,” Erika explains.
H2GP is a visually attractive format: moving models, real-time data measurement and pit-stop dynamics appeal to children, teens, parents and partners across generations.
And what about companies? “Further cooperation with companies would make a lot of sense. After all, future colleagues are growing up in schools, and we’ll be very happy if we can become partners on their journey toward real-world practice,” Erika says openly. Every form of support—material, mentoring or financial—helps schools move forward and gives companies the chance to discover talent right in action.
“That’s exactly what STEAM is about: connecting science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics into meaningful projects where theory becomes practice and talent becomes results.”
Students become real engineers
So what is H2GP’s biggest added value? “We see the biggest added value in the fact that it turns learning into real practice,” Erika says plainly.
Students don’t stop at theory—they design, build, measure, analyze and improve. Working with a fuel cell and real-time energy, they experience the full engineering cycle: from idea to prototype to race and data-driven feedback.
And alongside that? They naturally grow in teamwork, planning, presenting and handling pressure—skills that the real world will later demand from them.
H2GP 2025 Chemnitz World Final
For the school system, H2GP is a bridge between education and industry. Teachers gain methodological support and new ways of assessment, schools make technical fields more attractive, and companies see real talent in action.
“It creates a mentorship pipeline—older students lead younger ones, there’s more space for Girls in STEM, and healthy motivation through international comparison,” Erika explains.
The result? “More confident young innovators who can solve problems, understand clean energy, and can stay at home—not as program participants anymore, but as reinforcements for schools, universities and companies.”
H2GP 2025 Chemnitz World Final
An investment in young people that pays off for companies
To wrap up, we asked Erika about a topic that is crucial for H2GP’s future. We wanted to know why companies should invest in supporting young innovators in Slovakia and what benefits it brings them.
“Clearly and plainly: partnering with H2GP is a pleasant and meaningful way for companies to connect support for young people with real outcomes—in talent, innovation and reputation,” Erika answers bluntly.
And then she continues with what that actually means in practice:
Talent, first-hand:“Companies see students doing real work—data, energy, design, strategy—and can approach them early for internships or future roles,” he replied. It’s not just about CVs and interviews, but about seeing a person in action—how they think, how they solve problems, how they work in a team.
Strong employer branding & ESG: Linking up with education and clean energy gives companies visibility at events, in the media and on social networks. “And it’s authentic,” Erika adds. “It’s not just a billboard—it’s real work with young people.”
Innovation from the field: Teams test components and procedures in real conditions. “Partners can assign mini-projects and gain ideas and measurements straight from the track,” Erika says. Sometimes the best solution comes from someone looking at the problem with fresh eyes.
Long-term connection with schools: The opportunity to build stable cooperation with teachers, workshops and universities, involve company mentors and co-create training content—without unnecessary bureaucracy. “It’s a natural connection, not paperwork,” she explains.
A broader talent pool: Different types of schools and students take part in H2GP. “Diverse teams naturally bring more creativity and better solutions,” Erika says.
Regional impact and connections: New collaborations, PR opportunities and regional projects emerge. “It becomes a living network of people who know and respect each other.”
“Why invest now?” Erika asks rhetorically—and answers right away: “H2GP is practical, visible and has immediate impact: support turns into real people, skills and results. We’d be happy to discuss collaboration options—from component donations and mentoring to joint pilots or a longer-term partnership program.”
TEXT:Natália Stašíková
PHOTO:H2GP Slovakia
