Shifting the paradigm in hydrogen energy. How Ukrainian startup Lviv Hydrogen works
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In our recurring Who Are These People segment, Vector offers founders an opportunity to discuss their projects, covering aspects such as their products, marketing strategies, monetisation, investments, and plans. The focus this time is on Lviv Hydrogen, a Ukrainian startup whose metal-hydride technology stores twice as much hydrogen per unit of volume without high pressures, compressors, or explosion risks.
The Lviv Hydrogen team is part of the YEP! accelerator batch. The Vector editorial board is the official information partner of the programme.
Vector’s editor-in-chief Yuliia Tkach interviewed founder Nazar Pavliuk about the company’s journey, business model, investments, and plans.
Conception
Nazar Pavliuk, is a chemist and materials scientist based in Lviv. Before launching the startup, he was a PhD student-researcher in the Department of Inorganic Chemistry at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, and he completed multiple internships in Poland and Germany, including a DAAD internship at the renowned Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Eventually, Nazar grew to feel that the academic world and public service simply couldn’t satisfy his drive for autonomy and the practical application of his knowledge.
The idea for Lviv Hydrogen was born in February 2023, a direct result of his extensive, multi-year research into materials for hydrogen technologies. A turning point came when Nazar recognised the innovative potential in his scientific research, prompting him to create a product around it.
Nazar joined YEP! program when he only had an idea, with no MVP built yet. While in the programme, he learned to evaluate the market, craft a value proposition, and communicate with potential partners, all while creating his first pitch deck.
There are five members on the team. The company’s global vision lies in «shifting the paradigm in hydrogen energy».
Product and audience
Lviv Hydrogen is on a mission to create a new generation of hydrogen storage devices using metal hydride technology. It enables the storage of twice as much hydrogen by volume, safely, without the need for high pressures, compressors, or the risk of explosions.
«Despite its high energy density and zero CO₂ emissions, hydrogen remains difficult to use», — Nazar explains. Its storage is explosive and requires high pressures and complex compression systems. The typical storage density is only 40 g H₂/L.
These unique metals work like a sponge. They absorb hydrogen and then release it when needed. This is a complete game-changer», — Nazar explains.
The first demonstration module specifications include: weight: 1.8 kg; volume: 0.28 L; operating pressure: up to 70 bar; storage capacity: 24 g H₂. The prototype is set to be unveiled in late August 2025.
The product targets micro- and medium-scale hydrogen storage, from micromobility (e.g., hydrogen-powered bicycles) to laboratory equipment. According to the founder, the solution can potentially scale up to modular containers holding as much as 2.5 metric tons of H₂.
GrandView Research data indicates that the TAM was valued at 155 billion euro in 2023, and is projected to grow to 375 billion euro by 2030.
By 2030, the SAM is forecasted to reach 30.6 billion euro, with a SOM of 700 million euro (the market share and capitalisation were estimated using a model that benchmarked the market traction of Hexagon Pyrus, another company working in hydrogen storage).
Business model and marketing strategy
The startup has a tiered monetisation strategy, offering direct sales, subscriptions, and device rentals. The current priority for the team is to put the technology to the test in real-world conditions, collect market feedback, and prove its effectiveness through pilot projects.
«We don’t have enough information to plan our full-scale expansion yet. Once the pilots are complete, we’ll be able to build our strategic path forward», — the founder says.
With a validated technology (TRL 4), the startup has already filed for a Ukrainian patent and is preparing to submit an international PCT application. The company is in the process of building its MVP and getting ready for TRL 6 once the prototype and validation tests are complete.
Investments
The project has already secured 60,000 euro in grant funding through the Seeds of Bravery programme. The grant is covering the cost of the prototype’s development, teamwork, and operating expenses.
The team is getting ready for a pre-seed round of 250,000–500,000 euro, which would give investors a 10–20% equity stake.
Plans
The startup is in the process of preparing for pilot projects, specifically by bringing on partners for the future MVP.
«We’re aiming for a few market validations and hope to close our pre-seed round in Q4 of this year», —summarised Nazar Pavliuk.
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