In a groundbreaking step for India’s green hydrogen ambitions, HydGen, a Mangaluru-based deeptech startup, has unveiled the country’s first 25kW Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyser, designed for on-site, carbon-free hydrogen production. This innovation was showcased during Hydrogen Innovation Day at Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management.
The development marks a significant advancement in India’s clean energy capabilities, offering a cost-effective, modular, and scalable hydrogen solution suited for decentralized applications.
About the Technology
HydGen’s 25kW AEM electrolyser is engineered to produce high-purity green hydrogen using renewable sources like solar and wind energy.
Key features include:
- ~85% energy efficiency during operation
- Modular design for scalability across industrial use cases
- Reduced dependence on rare and imported materials
- Optimized for decentralized and mid-scale hydrogen needs
This innovation contributes to India’s National Hydrogen Mission, which seeks to make the country a global hub for green hydrogen production and export by reducing reliance on foreign technology.
The Team Behind HydGen
HydGen was founded in 2024 as a spin-off from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and operates out of dual bases in Singapore and Mangaluru. The core team includes:
- Dr. Michael Gryseels (Chairman): A global tech entrepreneur known for scaling digital-first companies
- Dr. Goutam Kumar Dalapati (CTO): PhD in Materials Science with 17+ years in solar cell and hydrogen tech
- Dr. Krishna Kumar (COO): PhD in Physics and specialist in electrochemistry and product development
- Nathalie Couët (CMO): 15+ years of experience in global go-to-market strategies
Their combined expertise powers HydGen’s mission to make green hydrogen accessible, reliable, and locally manufactured.
Funding and Growth Plans
In February 2025, HydGen raised $1.5 million in seed funding to scale its decentralized AEM hydrogen technology. The focus is on serving small and mid-sized industries, which form a significant segment of India’s industrial economy but are underserved by centralized hydrogen systems.
HydGen is also preparing for international certifications under the Green UAS and Blue UAS programs, enhancing its marketability for global defense and logistics applications.
A Step Toward Energy Independence
This milestone places HydGen—and Mangaluru—on the global green energy map. By replacing imported tech with indigenous alternatives, the startup reinforces India’s strategic autonomy and positions itself as a key player in the emerging clean-tech manufacturing ecosystem.
Industry experts and government representatives lauded the initiative, seeing it as a catalyst for hydrogen adoption in sectors like:
- Transportation
- Industrial processing
- Power backup and storage
- Defense logistics
HydGen’s electrolyser is expected to be deployed across pilot sites with both public and private sector partnerships in the coming months.