Steinbeis Europa Zentrum makes innovation visible and drives early-adoption: outreach and communication activities at the core of the COSMHYC Project Series

Effective communication and dissemination are essential in EU-funded innovation projects, especially when introducing new technologies to the market. Our experts for communication at Steinbeis Europa Zentrum create communication and dissemination strategies and tools, manage public relations, and prepare policy recommendations to enhance project visibility and impact.

For the COSMHYC project series, outreach has not only increased visibility but has also played a strong role in preparing the deployment of hydrogen compression technology. By engaging technical experts, future end-users, policymakers, and the wider public, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum and the consortium actively built

A long-term communication and dissemination strategy

Since the beginning of the COSMHYC project series, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum has implemented a coordinated strategy together with the consortium. The aim has been clear: share scientific and technical progress, demonstrate performance, and build a community of early-adopters around the technology.

Real-world demonstration as a communication platform

With COSMHYC DEMO, outreach entered a “real word” phase. The construction of the hydrogen refuelling station (HRS) in Sorigny, France and on-site demonstration activities of the new compression system provided a unique environment for communication, and hands-on learning. The Communauté de Communes Touraine Vallée de l’Indre (CCTVI), operator of the HRS, used the new equipment as a platform for actively promoting hydrogen mobility within the region. Activities included visits for local companies, a documentary created by high school students, and a dedicated four-hour hydrogen training for university students followed by an on-site station tour.

Hydrogen mobility celebrated by policy makers: ribbon cutting ceremony during the COSMHYC DEMO opening event in May 2025

Engaging stakeholders through events

Two major events marked the project’s final phase: an “avant-première” and an official opening ceremony. Both brought together national and regional stakeholders from policy and industry. Participants experienced hydrogen mobility first-hand, understanding how refuelling works, discovering different hydrogen vehicles, and even riding in a hydrogen-powered garbage truck or testing hydrogen bikes.

Recognition through awards

Toward the end of the project, the consortium’s efforts gained strong visibility through several prestigious awards:

• IEA Hydrogen TCP Award of Excellence 2025 (2nd place) for COSMHYC DEMO, presented during the Clean Energy Ministerial / Mission Innovation events in South Korea, offering international scientific and policy recognition.
• Hy-FCell Product & Market Award 2025, awarded to EIFHYTEC for its thermochemical compression technology, significantly boosting its visibility among industrial early adopters at one of Germany’s leading hydrogen trade fairs.
• Clean Hydrogen Partnership Outreach Award 2025, awarded during the Hydrogen Innovation Days in Brussels, acknowledging the consortium’s extensive dissemination efforts.

Celebrating success: the award-winning COSMHYC DEMO team of Clean Hydrogen Outreach Award at the Hydrogen Innovation Days in Brussels, Nov. 2025 (David Colomar, EIFHYTEC and Davide Marco Lidio Beretta, EIFER with Ariadne-Dimakou Bertels. SEZ)

Through these targeted outreach actions, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum and the COSMHYC consortium have strengthened the visibility, credibility, and market readiness of its innovative compression technology, paving the way for broader adoption across the hydrogen sector.