Toyota wants to develop more STEAM with hydrogen.
That sounds... wrong
Only if you think about it chemically. In this case, STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics, or in other words the stuff we should be teaching our kids in school.
Toyota has joined up with the H2 Grand Prix Foundation (H2GP) to “Promote hydrogen technology among students. The collaboration aims to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers through immersive learning experiences that deepen their understanding of renewable energy.”
How are Toyota and G2GP going to help?
H2GP will actually be the lead partner in the process, with Toyota providing hardware and know-how. The partnership will introduce practical classroom materials to support the teaching of renewable energy and hydrogen, including model car kits powered by hydrogen.
There will also be guides for teachers and students on how to use and apply these materials. To encourage a bit of competition, Toyota and H2GP will be hosting a racing series where school teams compete with the model cars that they build, further refining them for better performance and efficiency. Racing improves the breed, and all that.
Why is Toyota getting involved?
Apart from Toyota's general appreciation for hydrogen power and the potential for a hydrogen-based economy, the Japanese giant is also working on its own 'Girls STEAM the Future' programme, which addresses the underrepresentation of women in STEAM fields in Europe with a goal to improve workforce diversity within Toyota technical functions.
When does this all start?
The first information packs will go out to schools this September, and it's expected that the first delivery of model kits and practical hardware will start in early 2026.
Monica Perez Lobo, Vice President of Sustainability at Toyota Motor Europe, said: “On the road to carbon neutrality, hydrogen is an important part of our multi-pathway strategy, but to develop technology we need strong innovation and for that we need diverse and capable teams. That is what our Girls STEAM the future program is about, promoting STEAM careers to everyone by breaking stereotypes and helping young girls, and boys, see that they can be anything they want to be.”
Nicola Weiss, Executive Director of the H2GP Foundation, said: “Our partnership with Toyota Motor Europe marks a pivotal moment in expanding access to hands-on renewable energy and engineering education across the continent. With TME's support, we are not only equipping students with the skills to lead in a sustainable future, but we are also placing a special focus on empowering young women to see themselves as innovators, engineers, and leaders in the clean energy revolution.”