Open‑Source Technology for Sustainable Opportunities (OTSO) is an international, open‑source platform dedicated to advancing hydrogen energy research. Every day, OTSO drives innovation, collaboration, and sustainable solutions across the entire hydrogen value chain—from production and storage to utilization.

OTSO focuses on practical breakthroughs in hydrogen production, storage, and distribution, paving the way for real-world impact in transport, manufacturing, and power generation sectors.

The OTSO mission is to accelerate the global transition to a clean energy future powered by hydrogen. We envision a world where hydrogen plays a central role in decarbonizing critical sectors such as mobility, energy systems, aviation, defence, and space to deliver scalable and sustainable impact.

OTSO spearheads cutting‑edge R&D initiatives across the hydrogen spectrum, including:

• Electrolysis and bio‑hydrogen production
• Fuel cell innovation
• Advanced storage and component testing
• Our interdisciplinary approach fosters breakthroughs in both fundamental science and applied engineering

OTSO champions H₂ literacy through partnerships with universities and educational institutions. We curate resources and workshops that empower scientists, engineers, and policymakers, preparing a skilled workforce to lead future hydrogen endeavours.

By synthesizing insights from industry leaders, startups, and governments, OTSO bridges the gap between research and deployment. OTSO facilitates knowledge-sharing to fast-track commercialization and adoption.

The OTSO platform supports strategic hydrogen technology research to enhance energy independence and bolster defence resilience.

OTSO acts as a vital hub—integrating research, education, and policy to speed up hydrogen production, storage, and delivery deployment. By publishing daily updates, curating academic references, and convening cross-sector stakeholders, we aim to reduce technical barriers and support hydrogen’s rapid scale-up.
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Robert Cole Basford, Founder of OTSO, is a Chartered Professional Engineer and veteran of the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army. A UNSW Alumnus with a Master’s in Information Systems (UNSW), and Engineering (UNSW) credentials from the Royal Military College of Australia, he brings technical rigor and leadership to hydrogen innovation. Robert is also an inventor, recognized by the European Patent Office, and a recipient of the Institute of Marine Engineers’ Silver Medal.

Meet the OTSO Hydrogen Energy Research Director, who leads the scientific & engineering direction of our hydrogen programs: