ABOUT HYCHOR
Green Hydrogen? Just Add Seawater
Where Hychor came from, what we stand for, and the people behind the company.
Background
Hychor emerged from Dr Jani Shibuya’s PhD research at the University of Aberdeen, where he developed and filed patents for the chemical process that would become the foundation of HySET.
Dr Shibuya founded Hychor in 2024 to commercialise the technology developed through his research, later joined by co-founder Alex Colledge to help build the company and its engineering capability.
Since spinning out from the university in early 2026, Hychor has established its own base at Aberdeen Energy Park, with a dedicated laboratory, workshop, and technical team.
The company is now focused on developing HySET through system design, advanced materials testing, experimental work, and scale-up, preparing to launch industry projects in 2027.
Pillars
People
Outreach. Access. Development.
STEM outreach is a core part of how Hychor supports communities. We contribute through practical learning, local engagement, and the development of technical capability around hydrogen and clean energy.
Planet
Local. Impactful. Sustainable.
HySET is built around abundant seawater and renewable electricity, reducing dependence on freshwater, grid connection, and large supporting infrastructure, while creating opportunities to recover value from brine.
Profit
Pragmatic. Scalable. Ambitious.
Hychor is a high-growth company developing technology with clear commercial potential. We combine ambition with disciplined execution, focusing resources on work that creates real value and drives growth.
Team
Meet the people building Hychor.
Dr Jani Shibuya
Chief Executive Officer & Founder
Jani is a scientist and entrepreneur with a PhD from the University of Aberdeen. He founded Hychor to commercialise electrochemical technology developed through his research into seawater, hydrogen, and desalination. He leads Hychor’s technical direction, strategy, and commercial development.
Alex Colledge
Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder
Alex is a mechanical engineer with experience in structural design and shipyard liaison, combining technical judgement with a strong operational focus. He leads Hychor’s operations and programme delivery, establishing the capability needed to develop and scale its technology.
Sandeep Katore
Lead Electrolyser Engineer
Sandeep is a mechanical design engineer with extensive experience in fuel cell stack design, hydrogen systems, and balance of plant integration. He leads Hychor’s electrolyser engineering across stack design, system integration, prototype development, and validation.
Dr Arunchander Asokan
Lead Electrochemist
Arunchander is an electrochemist specialising in electrocatalyst development for fuel cells and electrolysers. He leads Hychor’s electrochemical research across system performance, materials evaluation, and test method development.
Patrick Dickson
Electrolyser Engineering Intern
Patrick is a chemical engineering graduate with a background in electrochemical engineering, including catalyst development. He supports Hychor’s electrochemical system development through flow modelling, technical analysis, and practical system design.