Pre-University Students Explore AI for Hydrogen and Decarbonisation in the First Round of the 2026 CHI Innovation Challenge
The first round of the 2026 CHI Innovation Challenge, themed “AI for Hydrogen and Decarbonisation”, was held on 6 June at the NUS College of Design and Engineering. The event brought together 147 pre-university students from 44 teams across 13 institutions in Singapore for a day of learning and competition.
The programme began with an opening session by Dr Suraj Vasudevan from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, who encouraged participants to pursue their curiosity in chemical engineering and highlighted the important role that science and engineering play in addressing global sustainability challenges.
Participants then attended a lecture by Dr Lim Chia Wei, Lecturer at the NUS Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, covering three key topics: The Net Zero Goal, Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Fuel, and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence. The lecture provided students with valuable insights into the global transition towards net zero, the role of hydrogen and renewable energy in decarbonisation, and the growing potential of AI to accelerate the development of sustainable energy solutions.
Dr Lim Chia Wei delivering a lecture on AI, hydrogen, and decarbonisation
Following the lecture, participants enjoyed a networking lunch, providing an opportunity to interact with fellow students and exchange ideas before the competition commenced.
Armed with their newly acquired knowledge, participants took on a 45-minute pen-and-paper quiz designed to challenge both their understanding and problem solving skills. The quiz comprised 40 multiple choice questions and 9 structured questions, covering topics from Singapore’s Green Plan 2030, net zero and decarbonisation strategies, renewable energy and hydrogen technologies, as well as artificial intelligence and its applications. In addition to testing conceptual understanding, the structured questions required teams to apply scientific and engineering principles through calculations, encouraging analytical thinking and effective teamwork under time pressure.
Teams working together during the pen-and-paper quiz
The top 13 teams have now advanced to the Final Round. The qualifying teams, listed in alphabetical order, are: 4 Brain Cells, Chemystery, Chi-Squared Test, FLAS, Hydrogenators, Hydromind, HydroPuffGirls, Ice cream !-!, In Our Element, mahjong, TMS, Triple Hydrogen Bond, and Triple-A Battery. They will now develop infographics showcasing their innovative ideas before presenting their solutions on 28 June at NUS University Town.
We warmly invite members of the public to join us for the Final Round of the 2026 CHI Innovation Challenge and witness the innovative ideas presented by the finalist teams. Come and be inspired by the creativity and ingenuity of Singapore’s young innovators as they explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence for hydrogen and decarbonisation. Show your support for the next generation of innovators and be part of this exciting showcase at NUS University Town on 28 June. Register now via the Audience Registration Form.
Final Round Venue