A student-led project from Shanghai Jian Qiao University in Lin-gang Special Area has recently drawn attention for applying hydrogen energy to disaster response scenarios.

A team led by Mao Kangyu, a junior majoring in digital economy, won the gold award in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao Digital Economy Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition 2026, with its project "hydrogen ark — a disaster survey and transport system using easily stored and transported green energy".

Shanghai Jian Qiao University in Lin-gang Special Area. [Photo/IC]

In an interview, Mao said hydrogen energy is stable, safe, and can be produced and used on demand. "We integrated hydrogen energy into disaster relief systems, giving emergency response a clean and sustainable source of vitality," he said.

The idea came to Mao when he was first introduced to a hydrogen energy research project at the university's School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. The question he asked himself was straightforward: why not combine hydrogen energy — a clean source that produces only water — with disaster response systems?

That spark of curiosity gave rise to "hydrogen ark", a disaster survey and transport system powered by green hydrogen and integrated with bionic robotics and AI-based visual recognition. The system is designed not only to improve the efficiency of disaster relief but also to protect the planet while saving lives through technological innovation.

The university has capitalized on the policy advantages of the Lin-gang area to secure a viable pathway to real-world deployment. The team received two years of rent-free incubation support and established cooperation with a company under the emergency management system in Pudong New Area. The partner has conducted feasibility studies and given preliminary approval to explore converting hydrogen energy into a civilian green solution for emergency rescue applications.