In summary

  • Swinburne delivered the 2025 Victorian Hydrogen Grand Prix at Fairhills High School
  • The program equips secondary students with real-world skills in clean energy and sustainable engineering
  • By exploring renewable energy technologies, students were inspired to pursue STEM study and future-focused careers

Future innovators put their hydrogen-powered creations to the test at Fairhills High School for the 2025 Victorian Hydrogen Grand Prix.

Organised in collaboration with Swinburne’s Knox Innovation Opportunity and Sustainability Centre (KIOSC), Gippsland Tech School, and Horizon Educational, the Grand Prix provides an educational foundation to secondary school students, teaching them about clean energy and sustainable living.

The Grand Prix challenges tomorrow’s innovators to bring hydrogen-powered car creations to life. Throughout a four-month comprehensive science and engineering program, the students develop the creativity, ingenuity and real-world problem-solving skills needed to tackle tomorrow’s energy challenges.

The Grand Prix gives students the opportunity to learn about environmental sustainability, renewable energy, and alternative fuels, and apply their talents and skills through a variety of science experiments and curricular materials.

“The Hydrogen Grand Prix is an excellent program and competition that enables students to explore energy types and global sustainability challenges, while gaining real industry exposure and future-focused skills,” says Kulari Lokuge Dona, Director of Swinburne’s KIOSC. 

Students supporting each other at the Grand Prix.

Students design, engineer and build their own fuel cell-powered radio control car, testing it at the Grand Prix during a four-hour high-intensity race featuring pit stops, strategic decision-making, and teamwork.

Simulating the fast-paced environment of professional motorsport, the Grand Prix was a thrilling event with school communities and local supporters joining in to support the young innovators.

Beyond the race, attendees explored the STEM Careers Expo. Swinburne’s AIR Hub, Victorian Hydrogen Hub (VH2), OzGrav, Factory of the Future and Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub were featured, with interactive displays presented by industry leaders.

By exposing students to cutting-edge technologies in renewable energy, the event inspired pursuing further study in STEM and exploring careers in fast-growing, future-focused industries.

Congratulations to the winning team from Cobram Secondary College who now have the opportunity to represent Victoria at the 2025 World Hydrogen Car Grand Prix in Chemnitz, Germany. 

Victorian students competing in the Grand Prix for a chance to compete in the 2025 World Grand Prix. 

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