Meet Our Partner: Industry Innovation Cluster (IIC)
The Industry Innovation Cluster (IIC), based in Bratislava, connects companies, universities and research organisations to drive industrial innovation and digital transformation. Since its establishment in 2017, it has supported businesses of all sizes in joining European research and innovation projects. IIC has been successfully involved in Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, EIT Manufacturing, Interreg and several national innovation initiatives.
Meet Our Partner: A.U.S. Advanced Unmanned Systems
A.U.S. Advanced Unmanned Systems was founded in 2019 and is based in Košice, Slovakia. The company focuses on data processing, digital modelling and advanced IT solutions. It develops innovative systems for industry, energy and transport, integrating technology, research and real-world applications in smart mobility. A.U.S. is well known for its work on digital twins, process simulation and intelligent modelling platforms. Within the EASTGATEH2V project, it contributes key expertise in digitalisation and data management to support efficient operation of the hydrogen ecosystem.
Meet Our Partner: PEDAL Consulting s.r.o.
PEDAL Consulting is one of Slovakia’s most successful organisations in the field of European innovation projects. It is the top-performing SME in national rankings, with the highest number of successful projects under Horizon Europe, Horizon 2020 and COSME. With more than 12 years of experience and a dynamic international team, PEDAL collaborates with companies, universities and public institutions across Europe. Its network extends throughout all EU member states and reaches further into wider Europe, Africa, the MENA region, South America and the USA. PEDAL Consulting plays a central role in the EASTGATEH2V project by leading communication, dissemination and networking activities.
Meet Our Partner: Košice International Airport (KSC)
Košice Airport provides a real-world environment to explore hydrogen use in aviation. Its primary task is to prepare a feasibility study assessing whether the airport can evolve into a “hydrogen airport” – with appropriate infrastructure for hydrogen storage, distribution and operational use.
Meet Our Partner: SPP – distribution, a.s.
SPP – distribution was founded in 2006 following the unbundling of Slovenský plynárenský priemysel. Headquartered in Bratislava, it operates Slovakia’s primary gas distribution network. The company manages more than 33,000 km of pipelines and supplies over 1.5 million customers, covering almost the entire national market. SPP – distribution is already testing hydrogen solutions – through its H2PILOT project, it confirmed that small amounts of hydrogen can be safely injected into the network without major technical modifications. The company is also preparing technical and regulatory adjustments to make the grid ready for renewable gases, including pure hydrogen. With its infrastructure and expertise, SPP – distribution is a key partner in the EASTGATEH2V project.
Meet Our Partner: Eustream, a.s.
Eustream is the key operator of Slovakia’s natural gas transmission network. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Bratislava, the company operates pipelines that connect Slovakia with Ukraine, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland, forming a major gas crossroads in Central Europe. A system of four parallel pipelines and modern compressor stations ensures safe and reliable gas transport for European markets. Eustream is investing in green technologies and preparing its infrastructure for the future
Meet Our Partner: U. S. Steel Košice, s.r.o.
U. S. Steel Košice is the largest steel producer in Slovakia and one of the leading industrial companies in Central Europe. It was established in 2000, when U. S. Steel Corporation acquired the East Slovak Ironworks. Headquartered in Košice, it is one of the region’s biggest employers, with more than 7,700 employees. Its products supply the automotive, construction and energy industries worldwide. The company is committed to carbon neutrality and is preparing for large-scale clean energy adoption. As a major industrial hydrogen off-taker and a testing platform for decarbonisation, U. S. Steel Košice is a key industrial partner in the EASTGATEH2V project.
Meet Our Partner: Public Bus Transport Company of the Košice Self-Governing Region
The Public Bus Transport Company of the Košice Self-Governing Region was founded by the regional government in 2023 with the aim of supporting green and innovative transport in eastern Slovakia. It is not a traditional transport operator but a purpose-built organisation created to implement modern low-emission and zero-emission mobility solutions. The company focuses primarily on hydrogen-powered transport, preparing the pilot deployment of hydrogen buses and the associated infrastructure. Its mission is to provide solutions enabling clean, safe and sustainable mobility for the region’s residents. The company is one of the key actors in transforming eastern Slovakia into a Hydrogen Valley and a hub of green mobility.
Meet Our Partner: TOMARK PROTON
TOMARK is an engineering company based in Prešov, Slovakia, founded in 1995. Today, it ranks among Europe’s leading manufacturers of truck chassis and has developed and certified its own aircraft models. The company employs more than 200 people and operates a production facility exceeding 20,000 m².
Meet Our Partner: Technical University of Košice (TUKE)
The Technical University of Košice (TUKE) is one of Slovakia’s most prominent research and education institutions. Founded in 1952, it consists of nine faculties with strong expertise in engineering, energy, digitalisation and materials science. TUKE is an active member of international networks such as Ulysseus, EIT InnoEnergy and Hydrogen Europe.