New University of Aberdeen spin-out, Hychor, is on course to transform the future of clean energy with an innovative technology that produces green hydrogen directly from seawater, eliminating the need for freshwater and reducing the cost and infrastructure barriers that currently limit hydrogen adoption.
Founded by University of Aberdeen graduate Dr Jani Shibuya, Hychor aims to deliver low‑cost, on‑site hydrogen for off‑grid coastal communities and industries seeking to decarbonise. Following a successful equity investment round, the company officially spun-out and opened a new R&D facility in Aberdeen in early May 2026.
Hychor is now firmly embedded within Scotland’s growing energy‑transition ecosystem and is preparing to pursue global opportunities.
Dr Shibuya’s path to founding Hychor began during his time as a chemistry student at the University of Aberdeen where he discovered a passion for electrochemistry - the science behind technologies such as batteries and hydrogen production.
Dr Shibuya went on to complete a PhD under the supervision of Professor Angel Cuesta as part of the AbElektro Group in the School of Natural and Computing Sciences, researching electrocatalysts’ surface behaviours, sustainable flow batteries, and desalination technologies.
His academic excellence led to his nomination by the University to attend the 2025 Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany, an honour reserved for outstanding early‑career researchers.
Alongside his research, Dr Shibuya pursued an entrepreneurial path, securing places on competitive accelerator programmes, travelling across the UK and Europe and pitching his technology to industry and investors. In 2025, he was awarded a prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship, enabling him to focus full‑time on preparing Hychor for investment and commercial launch.
Dr Shibuya founded Hychor in 2024, serving as CEO, and he is now joined by co‑founder and COO Alex Colledge, along with three new staff. The company plans to begin industrial pilot projects in 2027.
Dr Shibuya was closely supported by the University’s Technology Transfer Office, which assisted with grant applications, travel for commercial events, and strategic advice throughout the spin‑out process.
Dr Shibuya has big plans for the future, he said: “Hychor’s long‑term ambition is to be globally impactful in the hydrogen and renewable energy production sector, helping address two of the planet’s most pressing challenges - energy security and water scarcity.
“By removing the need for freshwater, a resource under increasing pressure worldwide, Hychor’s technology offers a pathway to cleaner, more resilient energy systems – our goal is to deliver hydrogen where and when needed at pace, rather than waiting for timely infrastructure projects.
“We also aim to create high‑quality jobs in the North‑East of Scotland, bringing in investment to support the region’s transition to a diverse energy economy and maximising the region’s abundant wind power.
“The University of Aberdeen has been an important part of Hychor’s journey from research to spin‑out. The support from the Technology Transfer Office and the School of Natural and Computing Sciences, has been invaluable - from developing our patents to helping us secure funding and space to grow. My supervisor, Professor Cuesta, has played a vital role in my academic career and creation of Hychor’s technology.”
Dr Barbara Gorgoni, Technology Transfer Executive at the University of Aberdeen added:“Spin‑outs like Hychor demonstrate the strength of our research community and the value of sustained support for entrepreneurial academics. It exemplifies the kind of ambitious, impact‑driven innovation we aim to nurture at the University of Aberdeen.
“We worked closely with Dr Shibuya to develop a robust patent portfolio and a clear commercial pathway to take this promising technology beyond the lab.
“We are delighted to see Hychor move into this next phase of growth and look forward to continuing our partnership as it scales its technology and engages with global markets.”
Dr Heather May Morgan, Vice-Principal Regional Engagement and Innovation said: “Hychor is an outstanding example of how the University of Aberdeen’s research and enterprise ecosystem can transform world‑leading science into real‑world impact.
“Dr Shibuya’s journey from undergraduate to CEO reflects the strength of our innovation culture and the support we provide to help ideas grow into successful companies.
“We are proud to see Hychor emerge as a spin‑out with the potential to make a significant contribution to the global energy transition, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth. I would also like to thank Jani for sharing his inspiring story with students on our enterprise programmes as his experience and insights are invaluable for their learning and developing entrepreneurial mindsets.”
For more information about Hychor, visit www.hychor.com ,or explore hydrogen innovation and energy transition research at the University of Aberdeen.