Zasavje accelerates the development of hydrogen technologies: young innovators shine at the ROBObum competition, first Zasavje hydrogen-powered model car unveiled
Zasavje is increasingly establishing itself as a region that actively invests in knowledge and development in the field of green technologies. An important step in this direction is the Interreg SI-AT project H2GreenFUTURE, within which the Primary School Hrastnik and the Secondary Technical and Vocational School Trbovlje (STPŠ Trbovlje) successfully carried out pilot teacher training and pilot workshops for pupils and students as part of H2GreenFUTURE competence development (WP3). Both institutions achieved outstanding results, particularly in engaging young people in practical learning about hydrogen technologies.
One of the highlights was the regional competition of Zasavje primary schools, held on April 17, 2026, at STPŠ Trbovlje. At the event, students demonstrated a high level of knowledge, innovation, and technical skills. The top three teams from Primary School Hrastnik qualified for the national ROBObum 2026 competition, which took place on May 19, 2026 in Maribor and involved the construction and driving of mobile robots. There, all three teams from Primary School Hrastnik achieved exceptional success, finishing in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place. Congratulations to all competitors and their mentors! These results confirm the high quality of work in the region and a systematic approach to developing technical competences from an early age.
The event, however, was not only important because of the competition. It also highlighted an innovation that points to the future of mobility in the region. The H2GreenFUTURE project team, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, and the Regional Development Agency Zasavje, in cooperation with STPŠ Trbovlje, developed the first Zasavje hydrogen fuel cell model car. The prototype was successfully demonstrated at the competition, representing an important milestone for the region and an excellent opportunity to explore next-generation energy solutions.
The vehicle’s development was based on in-house research and development (R&D) within WP3 –Development of Competences, as well as strengthened international cooperation enabled by the H2GreenFUTURE project. It is precisely this integration of knowledge, experience, and innovation that delivers tangible development results and opens up new opportunities for the sustainable development of Zasavje. The H2GreenFUTURE project thus successfully combines sustainable education, research, and hands-on demonstrations of future technologies, proving that young people are the key drivers of future sustainable development.
