HyDEX, a consortium led by seven Midlands-based universities associated with the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA), has launched a series of roundtables to drive the growth of the UK's hydrogen industry. The initiative aims to gather insights from industries like quarrying, construction, aviation, road transport, and farming to address challenges and opportunities in scaling up hydrogen infrastructure and technology. The goal is to provide recommendations to the government post-election on supporting the burgeoning hydrogen sector, with a focus on economic potential and sustainable growth. The discussions will lead to a comprehensive report outlining a strategic roadmap for establishing a strong hydrogen economy in the UK, particularly in the Midlands region. Martin Freer, director of ERA, highlights the transformative potential of hydrogen for economic growth, innovation, and decarbonization in the Midlands and across the UK. The consortium's commitment to positioning the UK at the forefront of the global hydrogen industry underscores the importance of hydrogen in achieving energy security and meeting decarbonization goals.