Pupils from the Dr Wilhelm André Gymnasium in Chemnitz took part in the H2 Grand Prix World Final last week, which took place from 29 June to 4 July in Bulle, Switzerland. The H2 Grand Prix is an international technology competition in which pupils develop and optimise hydrogen-powered, radio-controlled model vehicles and race them against one another in long-distance races.
The ‘BlubberBoliden’ team, comprising four female pupils, and the ‘Ganymede Racing’ team, comprising five male pupils from Years 10 and 11, each won the national championship in their respective competition classes at the end of May 2026. The German qualifying round took place at the Chemnitz Industrial Museum. The teams went on to represent Germany at this World Championship. For the boys’ team, the competition ended with a 10th-place finish out of 17, but they did bring home the prize for the most innovative vehicle in the stock car class to Chemnitz – and thus to Germany. The girls’ team, on the other hand, finished in 6th place.
Through the competition, the young people engage in a practical way with the potential and challenges of hydrogen use and gain experience in a field of technology that is significant for the energy transition and industrial transformation. In doing so, they become young ambassadors for an innovative and climate-friendly future.
In doing so, the pupils also represent the city of Chemnitz in particular, which, with the emerging Hydrogen Innovation Centre (HIC), is the location of the national Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Centre (ITZ H2).
The Chemnitz Youth Welfare Office supported the Chemnitz youngsters’ participation in the World Championship through its International Youth Work programme, providing project funding to cover, amongst other things, accommodation, travel costs, entry fees and materials.
In the competition, the teams came up against young people from numerous countries. The event thus also promotes intercultural competence and an open-minded attitude towards the world.
Furthermore, the project makes an important contribution to promoting girls in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The ‘BlubberBoliden’ team’s qualification demonstrates the capabilities of girls in technical disciplines and sends a strong message in support of equal opportunities.