Doctoral student at the Institute of Coordination Chemistry and Startup Co-Founder for Hydrogen Storage with Nanomaterials
Merkur Smajlaj, a doctoral researcher at Leibniz University Hannover, has been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 2025 list for the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland). Each year, this recognition honours outstanding individuals under the age of 30 who set new standards through innovation, entrepreneurship and social commitment.
Mr Smajlaj is pursuing his doctorate at the Institute of Coordination Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Franz Renz. He is enrolled in a double‑degree programme with the University of Tokyo, where he is co‑supervised by Prof Shin‑Ichi Ohkoshi. His doctoral research focuses on the development of novel hydrogen materials for the energy transition. A central aspect of his work is the investigation of 2D materials and composites enabling the safe, efficient and resource‑saving storage of hydrogen under ambient conditions, at moderate pressures and temperatures.
He is also a co-founder of the start-up HydroSolid, which specialises in innovative hydrogen storage solutions free of rare‑earth elements and in the sustainable scaling of this technology. From material development through to system integration, HydroSolid aims to bring solid‑state storage solutions into industrial applications, mobility, and decentralised energy systems.
At HydroSolid, Smajlaj also leads industrial pilot projects within two major EU initiatives. In the Biontier project, he is responsible for developing an innovative hydrogen tank, while in GIANCE he contributes to the advancement of catalysts for PEM electrolysis and the design of novel hydrogen‑storage materials. The insights gained feed directly into academic research and strengthen the transfer of laboratory results into market‑oriented demonstrators.
