he H2START project is progressing with the strong and coordinated commitment of all four partner institutions. Recent high-level meetings with project partners Politecnico di Torino and Trakia University—Prof. Mariachiara Zanetti, Vice Rector for Local, National and European Affairs at Polito, and Prof. Miroslav Karabaliev, Rector of Trakia University—strengthened the institutional framework supporting H2START and further advanced its objective to establish a sustainable Centre of Excellence in clean hydrogen technologies in Bulgaria.
Strategic Collaboration with Politecnico di Torino: Joint Projects, Advanced Support, and Academic Cooperation
During the recent H2START Consortium Meeting at Politecnico di Torino, the H2START team discussed joint proposal development, knowledge transfer, and closer academic and policy cooperation with Polito representatives led by Prof. Mariachiara Zanetti, a vocal supporter of H2START since its launch. Polito presented its structured approach to competitively funded project development, supported by dedicated Research and Innovation Management services covering consortium building, proposal preparation, and project implementation—an operational model being adopted within H2START.
With long-standing expertise in hydrogen research, industry collaboration, and international education, including participation in the Erasmus Mundus master’s degree in Hydrogen Systems and Enabling Technologies, its role in the UNITE! European University Alliance, and technology transfer structures, Polito provides H2START with direct access to mature research capacity and proven European cooperation models. This collaboration strengthens H2START’s scientific standing, proposal readiness, and integration into the European hydrogen research and education landscape, supporting the long-term development of a sustainable Centre of Excellence in clean hydrogen technologies in Bulgaria.
Trakia University: Project Coordination and Regional Leadership in Clean Hydrogen Technologies
During a coordination meeting with Prof. Miroslav Karabaliev, Rector of Trakia University, this week, the H2START team reviewed the coordination of project activities in 2026, including governance, implementation milestones, and alignment between research, education, and capacity-building actions. As project coordinator, Trakia University ensures the operational coherence of H2START and supports focused actions towards autonomy and novel ecosystem development.
The discussion was framed by the university’s broader commitment to clean energy and sustainability, including the establishment of the Faculty of Digital and Green Technologies, which strengthens the link between hydrogen technologies, digital solutions, and green innovation. This institutional development creates a stable academic and organizational environment for integrating H2START activities into education, skills development, and applied research, as well as for creating the structures required for a dedicated hydrogen-focused R&I entity.
From Institutional Commitment to Long-Term Impact
The recent meetings with the leadership of Politecnico di Torino and Trakia University reflect a broader reality: H2START is built on the strategic engagement of all partner institutions, combining international expertise with strong regional ownership.