Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Conference to advance real-world hydrogen implementation

IChemE will host a major international hydrogen conference in Manchester this October, focusing on overcoming the practical barriers to large-scale deployment.

The Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Conference, organised in partnership with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), will take place on 14–15 October 2026.

Set against intensifying net zero commitments, the conference reflects a broader shift: hydrogen is moving from long-term aspiration to an emerging – though still constrained – component of industrial decarbonisation strategies.

Rather than setting out long-term ambitions, the event will centre on real-world implementation, reflecting growing pressure to translate net zero commitments into operational projects.

From ambition to delivery

The conference is expected to attract a diverse audience of leaders from industry and academia, alongside policymakers, technology developers and regulators. Sessions will cover the full hydrogen value chain – from production and storage to infrastructure and end-use applications – reflecting the complexity of deploying hydrogen at scale.

While the agenda is still being finalised through an open call for content, it will combine keynote presentations, panel discussions and technical sessions. Organisers say the programme will address key barriers to deployment, including policy alignment, cost reduction and infrastructure development.

Steve Flynn, steering committee chair said: “Hydrogen will play an essential role in our future energy systems and now is the time to begin to home in on the critical roles and the roadblocks to implementation.

“This unique event looks to bring together industry, business, policymakers and innovators to share progress updates, international perspectives and the latest breakthroughs. But the aim is to do more than simply share – our goal is to drive progress and help shape policy to enable the transition to net zero.”

Growing global collaboration

The conference builds on a developing collaboration between IChemE and AIChE, reflecting hydrogen’s global significance.

Alongside technical content, the conference will include exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, enabling companies to showcase emerging technologies and forge commercial relationships.

Abstract submissions are open until 25 May 2026, with registration and further details available via www.icheme.org/hydrogen26