Innovative Hessian company wins prestigious HERMES Startup AWARD

Archigas, a young startup based in Rüsselsheim, Germany, has received the HERMES Startup AWARD at the Hannover Fair. The award is considered the most prestigious in industrial research and development.

Archigas was honored for their groundbreaking hydrogen sensor technology. The compact, moisture-resistant sensor, developed in collaboration with the RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, leverages advanced thermal conductivity measurements on a microchip. The sensor sets new standards for speed, precision, robustness, and range of application. It facilitates the safe handling of hydrogen across the entire process chain – from production to storage and usage. This advancement is crucial for the broader adoption of hydrogen as a green energy source, a key component in the shift toward sustainability.

A high-ranking jury led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer Society, recognized Archigas’s pioneering work during the fair’s opening ceremony on April 21: “The groundbreaking technology developed by Archigas stands out for its ultra-compact dimensions, robust design, rapid measuring capability, and the wide range of potential applications for which it can be used. Archigas perfectly exemplifies the innovation-driven companies that are paving the way toward realization of the hydrogen economy. On behalf of the entire jury, I am delighted to congratulate the company on this richly deserved success.”

Archigas’s founders, Illya Kaufman and Wladimir Barskyi, both alumni of the RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, have positioned their young company at the forefront of microsensors and gas analytics. The two physicists say their main drive is making a sustainable contribution to the energy transition: “We see ourselves as creative eco-visionaries – and it is hydrogen that drives us.” Their innovative solution to use hydrogen as a green energy source is now celebrated as a milestone.

Archigas’s success not only highlights the company’s innovative capabilities but also reinforces Hessen’s reputation as a hub for technological advancement. Despite attractive international offers, such as from the United States, the founders say that their company’s home is and will remain in the Rhine-Main area. This decision underscores their commitment to supporting the region’s economic strength and driving local growth.