Repton Dubai’s Project Hydronova becomes the first Middle Eastern team to compete at the H2 Grand Prix World Finals, winning the Energy Award and highlighting the region’s shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
Repton School Dubai’s student-led team, Project Hydronova, has achieved a significant milestone for the UAE and the broader Middle East — they became the very first team from the region to take part in the prestigious H2 Grand Prix World Finals. This international endurance race, which features hydrogen-powered remote-controlled (RC) cars, took place in Chemnitz, Germany, in 2025. Their participation has not only put Dubai on the map when it comes to clean-energy efforts, but it also emphasizes the growing promise of hydrogen technology in a region that’s increasingly leaning into sustainable energy solutions.
Now, the H2 Grand Prix (H2GP) is more than just a racing competition. It’s an educational programme designed to immerse students in science, engineering, and renewable energy concepts. Basically, it challenges them to design, build, and race RC cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The entire thing culminates in a six-hour endurance race, which really tests the teams’ engineering skills, how well they manage energy, and their overall endurance — all against international rivals. The goal here is to ignite a passion for innovation and to give young people hands-on experience with cutting-edge clean energy technologies.
Against this context, what Project Hydronova achieved really stands out. Even though they were newcomers in a competition packed with seasoned teams from Europe, Asia, and North America, the students from Repton Dubai managed to win the Energy Award — a recognition for excellence in energy efficiency and conservation. Finishing solidly in the middle of the overall rankings was a remarkable accomplishment, especially for a first-time team from the Middle East.
The team itself consists of fourteen committed students, all guided by teacher and mentor Nitesh Joshi. They’ve shown impressive resilience and technical know-how throughout this journey. And interestingly enough, beyond just competing, Project Hydronova represents one of the very first efforts from the Middle East to delve into hydrogen-powered RC cars — a pioneering step that aligns well with the UAE’s broader goals around innovation, sustainability, and STEM education. Their journey involved fine-tuning complex engineering systems and raising nearly AED 45,000 in support, which speaks to the strong backing from the community and industry alike.
This achievement isn’t just about one team’s success — it carries broader significance for the region’s strategic focus. Traditionally, the Middle East has been known for its oil and gas production. But now, there’s a clear shift happening as the region increasingly turns toward green energy solutions. The success of Project Hydronova shows how youth-driven initiatives, backed by education and collaboration between industry and academia, could help the UAE become a leader in emerging clean energy sectors. Furthermore, their story acts as inspiration for young innovators across the country and even wider, proving that with passion and ingenuity, they can really make it on the world stage.
Of course, while the project’s achievements have been celebrated, the global competition was intensely fierce. Over 40 teams from around the world took part in the 2025 H2GP World Finals — including the Oakwood Pink team from Los Angeles, who ended up taking home the championship. These diverse teams demonstrated that the event isn’t just a race; it’s a vital educational platform fostering critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and technical skills in the field of clean energy technology.
The format itself is tough — six hours of nonstop racing, demanding high levels of energy management and system efficiency. This really encourages participants to develop practical, real-world skills that are super relevant for future careers in sustainable energy. Plus, the H2GP programme isn’t just for high schoolers — it tailors activities to engage younger students too, introducing them to hydrogen tech early on. All these efforts are aimed at building a knowledge base and nurturing a culture of sustainability that will hopefully influence future scientific and industrial advancements.
Participation from Middle Eastern students at this level is part of a bigger regional push to position the UAE as a hub for innovations in hydrogen and renewable energy. The government’s ambitious plans, combined with initiatives such as those at Repton Dubai, point to promising growth ahead. It’s a strong sign that with the right support and resources, local talent can compete on the global stage and contribute meaningfully to the worldwide shift toward cleaner energy sources.
In a region looking to diversify its economy and energy sources, Project Hydronova’s debut at the H2 Grand Prix World Finals really showcases how education-focused projects centered on sustainable tech can be transformative. Their Energy Award highlights their technical skill, sure, but it also reflects the optimism and drive of a new generation committed to a greener future. This story — well, it definitely adds an inspiring chapter to the UAE’s emerging narrative as a leader in clean energy innovation, not just in the Middle East but across the globe.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://teachmiddleeastmag.com/dubai-students-make-middle-east-history-at-world-hydrogen-racing-finals/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.edarabia.com/uaes-hydrogen-rc-dream-team-project-hydronova-set-ignite-global-stage/ – Project Hydronova, a student-led team from Repton School Dubai, has qualified to represent the UAE at the H₂ Grand Prix World Finals in Chemnitz, Germany, from August 20th to August 27th, 2025. The H₂ Grand Prix is an international competition where teams from over 40 countries design, build, and race hydrogen-powered remote-controlled cars. Project Hydronova’s qualification highlights the technical expertise and hard work of the team, as well as the growing focus on sustainable technology in the region. To support their journey, the team has raised nearly AED 40,000 through extensive fundraising efforts, demonstrating strong community support and the significance of their endeavor. Team leader Arhaan Chokshy expressed pride in representing the UAE on this international stage and emphasized the team’s dedication to innovation. Project Hydronova’s participation marks a pivotal achievement in sustainable technology and serves as an inspiration to young innovators across the UAE. ([edarabia.com](https://www.edarabia.com/uaes-hydrogen-rc-dream-team-project-hydronova-set-ignite-global-stage/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.h2grandprix.com/ – The H2 Grand Prix (H2GP) is a global school-based science and engineering program that provides students with hands-on experience in designing, engineering, and racing remote-controlled fuel cell electric vehicles powered by hydrogen. Students gain employable skills in science and technology while developing competence in critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. The program culminates in a six-hour endurance race, testing the students’ engineering skills, energy management, and endurance. The H2GP aims to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers by providing immersive learning experiences that deepen their understanding of renewable energy. ([h2grandprix.com](https://www.h2grandprix.com/?utm_source=openai))
- https://uaetimes.ae/racing-towards-a-hydrogen-future-project-hydronovas/ – Project Hydronova, a student-led team from Repton School Dubai, is developing one of the Middle East’s first hydrogen-powered RC cars, with their sights set on the World Finals in Germany this August. The team, consisting of fourteen students and guided by their teacher and mentor, Nitesh Joshi, has embarked on an ambitious journey to compete in the prestigious H2 Grand Prix Pro. The competition is a test of engineering, teamwork, and sustainability, challenging students to develop energy-efficient hydrogen-powered RC cars. The team’s work isn’t just about winning races; it’s about preparing for the future of clean energy and sustainable transport. The project reflects Repton School Dubai’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in STEM education. ([uaetimes.ae](https://uaetimes.ae/racing-towards-a-hydrogen-future-project-hydronovas/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.h2grandprix.com/los-angeles-school-wins-worlds-largest-hydrogen-race/t1484 – The Oakwood Pink team from Los Angeles emerged victorious in the Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) World Final, outcompeting teams from over 20 countries to be crowned H2GP World Champion. The six-month Horizon H2GP program saw students from Australia to California to Germany build their very own hydrogen-powered, 1:10 scale RC cars before putting these to the test against global competitors. The H2GP is a school-based science and engineering program providing students with hands-on experience designing, engineering, and racing remote-controlled fuel cell electric vehicles powered by hydrogen. The program boosts clean energy technology skills while fostering competence in critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. ([h2grandprix.com](https://www.h2grandprix.com/los-angeles-school-wins-world-s-largest-hydrogen-race/t1484?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.h2gp.org/programs/programs-general – The H2 Grand Prix (H2GP) Foundation offers a series of hands-on engineering and renewable energy education programs fueled by hydrogen. The H2GP PRO program engages high school students in designing and building fuel cell-powered RC cars, fostering teamwork and engineering skills. Students explore renewable energy and compete in endurance races, preparing them for a sustainable future. The H2GP SPRINT program introduces middle school students to hydrogen-powered technology through 1:20 scale cars. Students explore science, engineering, and sustainability while learning about hydrogen’s role in renewable energy. The Hydrogen Grand Prix program challenges tomorrow’s innovators to design, engineer, build, and race their own hydrogen-powered cars, developing the creativity, ingenuity, and real-world problem-solving skills needed to tackle tomorrow’s energy challenges. ([h2gp.org](https://www.h2gp.org/programs/programs-general?utm_source=openai))
- https://europe.aramco.com/en/news-media/news/2022/aramco-f1-in-schools-world-finals-2022 – A team of six 17-year-old students from Australia, known as ‘Hydron’, lifted the Aramco F1® in Schools World Champions trophy at Silverstone in 2022. They beat 52 teams from 25 countries to win coveted university scholarships to study at UCL Engineering in London and the prestigious World Champions title. Hydron also won the Fastest Car Award supported by Mercedes AMG F1 Team and Best Engineered Car Award supported by Williams. The F1® in Schools competition provides an opportunity for teams of students to research, design, test, manufacture, and race a miniature Formula 1 car, using some of the advanced technology applied within real F1® teams. The competition emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and excellence in engineering. ([europe.aramco.com](https://europe.aramco.com/en/news-media/news/2022/aramco-f1-in-schools-world-finals-2022?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is recent, with no evidence of prior publication. The earliest known publication date is August 2025. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No recycled content or republishing across low-quality sites was identified.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The quotes from team leader Arhaan Chokshy and teacher Nitesh Joshi are unique to this report, with no earlier matches found online. This suggests potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable organisation, Repton School Dubai, which has a public presence and a legitimate website. This adds credibility to the report.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about Project Hydronova’s participation in the H2 Grand Prix World Finals in Chemnitz, Germany, in August 2025, are plausible and align with the school’s known commitment to innovation and sustainability. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a minor concern. The tone and language are consistent with the region and topic, and there are no excessive or off-topic details.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The report is recent, with no evidence of recycled content or discrepancies. The quotes appear original, and the source is reputable. The claims are plausible, with minor concerns about the lack of supporting detail from other outlets. Overall, the narrative is credible and trustworthy.
