Background

Following Cefmof’s first hydrogen exhibition Green Hydrogen Power in 2024, we continued to raise public awareness on hydrogen through a renewed and expanded exhibition. Visitor feedback, insights from regional hydrogen stakeholders, and updates in the emerging hydrogen ecosystem set the foundation for the renewed concept. 

The World of Hydrogen opened in April 2025 as the second exhibition in Cefmof’s hydrogen exhibition series, offering a deeper and more comprehensive introduction to hydrogen’s role in Central Finland’s sustainable future. The World of Hydrogen welcomes visitors of all ages and backgrounds—whether you have never heard of hydrogen or are an expert on the topic. The exhibition is available in both Finnish and English. 

Illustrations by Linda Saukko-Rauta.

Objectives

The exhibition showcases the potential of green hydrogen for daily life in Central Finland by presenting hydrogen innovations and real-life use cases, such as the first hydrogen buses in Finland. Various hands-on exhibits showcase the journey of green hydrogen from production to various applications. 

The exhibition’s main objectives are to: 

• Make hydrogen technology tangible, from production to diverse applications, by presenting real-life hydrogen innovations and use cases from Central Finland 

• Showcase how green hydrogen could support a more sustainable future for Central Finland and beyond by complementing other clean energy sources 

• Highlight hydrogen mobility as part of Central Finland future sustainable transport system 

• Encourage citizen engagement by connecting the exhibition with science workshops, business seminars, and public events 

Action

The World of Hydrogen is an interactive, educational experience that guides visitors through the key stages of the hydrogen value chain. Mockups, illustrations, dioramas, miniatures, and videos present complex processes in a clear and approachable way.  

Visitors can for example explore: 

• The basics of hydrogen production, storage and usage 

• Local hydrogen innovations and pilot projects 

• Hydrogen mobility and its role in regional carbon-neutrality goals 

• Real-life mockups and detailed displays demonstrating current and future hydrogen applications 

The exhibition was produced in collaboration with local stakeholders and includes concrete samples of hydrogen technology and research.

GALLERY

In September 2025, The World of Hydrogen was complemented by the Hydrogen, Power and Light programme in Ruusupuisto as part of the annual City of Light festival. The event combined light art with practical hydrogen demonstrations, including a hydrogen-powered pizza oven and hydrogen mobility displays. Light art was powered using a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, offering visitors a concrete example of hydrogen as a clean energy source. The programme strengthened the exhibition’s public engagement goals by placing hydrogen technology directly within a major cultural event.

Impact

The World of Hydrogen continues Cefmof’s work in building public understanding of hydrogen’s role in sustainable future for Central Finland. 

The exhibition has: 

• Reached over 35 000 visitors since opening in April 

• Provided a platform for regional stakeholders to showcase their expertise on hydrogen, strenghtening the visibility of Central Finland’s hydrogen ecosystem 

• Provided a clear entry point for citizens to learn about hydrogen innovations and future applications 

• Expanded learning on hydrogen through an updated, feedback-driven exhibition concept 

• Supported Cefmof’s mission to make the green transition tangible through public-facing experiences 

 

Partners

Aalto2 Museum Centre:
Aalto2 Museum Centre is a unique meeting place for architecture, design, and cultural heritage in Jyväskylä. The centre fulfils architect Alvar Aalto’s vision of a shared forum for different art disciplines, providing a discussion platform for culture, art, and science. New innovations are inspired by previous generations, and Aalto2 Museum Centre continuously promotes learning and development.

As part of the centre’s diverse exhibition program, the hydrogen exhibition highlights the history and present of the region’s innovation ecosystem. The exhibition offers scientific content for new audiences and enriches the museum centre’s offerings by combining technology, design, and sustainability themes.

Aalto2 Museum Centre: https://aalto2.museum/

Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences (Jamk):

Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences (Jamk) provides diverse, work-oriented higher education and applied research that supports regional and national competence development. Its key focus areas include industrial innovation, cybersecurity, sustainable energy and bioeconomy solutions, mobility and well-being, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Jamk supports the local hydrogen ecosystem through research, development, and education with a particular emphasis on green hydrogen production and its applications.

Projects focus on clean energy production methods, new material technologies, AI-based solutions, and predictive insights for hydrogen use in transportation. Additionally, Jamk conducts research on bio-based hydrogen production, storage, and utilization methods. Jamk’s close collaboration with partners enables knowledge sharing and strengthens regional competitiveness and sustainable growth.

Jamk: https://www.jamk.fi/en

University of Jyväskylä (JYU):
The University of Jyväskylä (JYU) is known for its high-quality and internationally recognized research and education. In the natural sciences, solutions are sought for the challenges of a sustainable future, and chemistry research plays a key role in combating climate change, promoting the circular economy, ensuring food security, and advancing healthcare. JYU also supports the hydrogen ecosystem through research, development, and collaboration.

The focus areas include hydrogen production methods and storage technologies, such as electrolysis and porous materials like biochar, zeolites, and metal-organic frameworks. Additionally, research explores the biological production of hydrogen using microalgae. In computational research, supercomputers are utilized to predict the catalytic and storage properties of materials. The combination of experimental and computational research accelerates innovation and enhances development efforts.

JYU: https://www.jyu.fi/en

VTT (Technical Research Centre of Finland):
VTT is a visionary research, development, and innovation partner for businesses and society and one of Europe’s leading technology research institutions. VTT enables future innovations through top professionals and world-class research environments. Regarding hydrogen, VTT develops new hydrogen-based solutions and provides consultation, testing, and validation services.

VTT: https://www.vttresearch.com/en

Yritystehdas (Startup Factory):
Yritystehdas is an entrepreneurship hub and incubator that supports potential startups in developing towards international markets. Additionally, Yritystehdas coaches early-stage business ideas into successful companies in collaboration with universities.

Yritystehdas is owned by the City of Jyväskylä, the University of Jyväskylä, and JAMK University of Applied Sciences. Yritystehdas serves as a ready platform for developing Jyväskylä’s hydrogen ecosystem, supporting startups through its diverse coaching services. Its operations are not limited to a specific industry but are open to all innovative startups.

Yritystehdas: https://yritystehdas.fi/

Kasvu Open:
Kasvu Open drives the growth of Finnish companies by providing tailored sparring designed to meet the real needs of startups. The coaching is based on the scientifically researched and internationally awarded Kasvun kiitorata (“Growth runway”) method. Since 2011, thousands of companies have received support in overcoming growth barriers one by one. Kasvu Open’s goal is a thriving Finland powered by startups.

Kasvu Open: https://kasvuopen.co/en/

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