Hydrogen In Motion Inc. (H2M), founded in Vancouver, BC, Canada in 2014, has developed a proprietary nanomaterial that selectively attracts hydrogen under ambient temperature and low pressure. This innovation provides twice the hydrogen in the same volume at half the cost. The high costs and technical challenges of storing and transporting hydrogen, either as a compressed gas or in liquid form, significantly impede the adoption of hydrogen technology. H2M’s conformable tanks aim to revolutionize the industry, dramatically reducing capital and operating costs while opening new markets for hydrogen applications, from drones to utility-scale energy storage needed for solar and wind installations. H2M is a Canadian SME with six full-time employees, two part-time employees, and four PhDs, Masters, or Postdocs supported at various universities.
Empowering future innovators and women in STEM
Grace Quan’s Leadership
As one of the few female visible minority CEOs in the hydrogen sector, Grace Quan is a leader and champion of equity and inclusion. H2M has committed to the Government of Canada’s 50 – 30 Challenge, an initiative co-created by the Government of Canada, civil society, and the private sector. This challenge aims to attain gender parity and significant representation (at least 30%) of under-represented groups on boards and senior management positions, building a more diverse, inclusive, and vibrant economic future for Canadians. H2M has met and exceeded its 50% equity diversity targets, as well as LGBQ2T targets within the workforce. Grace has also implemented the Girls in STEM internship program at H2M, allowing high school females an opportunity to experience jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) with mentorship on entrepreneurship from the CEO.
Fostering a culture of inclusion and innovation
This initiative, among others, has fostered a culture of inclusion and mentorship, bringing team members closer together and allowing space for diverse thoughts and actions. This ultimately facilitates innovation in a safe environment within the company.
Initiative launch and impact
The Girls in STEM program was first launched in 2018. Since its inception, the program has led to increased talent retention, higher inclusion and engagement scores among employees, and improved productivity. Interns from the program have been accepted into Ivy League schools, become entrepreneurs, started their own companies, and flourished in their chosen fields. Some have returned to H2M as full-time employees, demonstrating the program’s long-term positive impact on the working environment and contributing to the retention figures at H2M.
Building a diverse and inclusive future
The commitment to diversity and inclusion through initiatives like the Girls in STEM program is a cornerstone of H2M’s strategy. By providing opportunities and mentorship to underrepresented groups, H2M is not only fostering a more inclusive work environment but also paving the way for future innovations in the hydrogen sector. The company’s dedication to these values reflects a broader mission to ensure that the benefits of hydrogen technology and the opportunities within the industry are accessible to all.
