Associate Professor Rhiyaad Mohamed Wins Prestigious Global Grant

Associate Professor Rhiyaad Mohamed Wins Prestigious Global Grant

The Catalysis Institute at the University of Cape Town is celebrating a major international achievement after Associate Professor Rhiyaad Mohamed was selected as one of only 11 researchers worldwide to receive the 2026 EQT Foundation Critical Minerals Science Grant. UCT is the only African institution represented in this year's cohort. 

The award is also a recognition of the excellence of the Catalysis Institute's researchers, postgraduate students and collaborators who have contributed to advancing South Africa's hydrogen technology capabilities over many years. The work builds on the strong research platform established through the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation's Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) programme and the HySA Catalysis Centre of Competence, both of which have played a significant role in developing expertise in advanced electrocatalysts and electrolyser technologies. 

The grant will support pioneering research to develop more efficient catalysts for green hydrogen production by reducing reliance on iridium, one of the world's rarest metals. The work has the potential to make hydrogen technologies more affordable, scalable and sustainable. 

The award recognises the excellence of the Catalysis Institute and its contribution to advancing South Africa's hydrogen economy, while helping train the next generation of scientists and engineers. 

Read the full story on UCT News.