Unioeste students bring hydrogen innovation to the Shell Eco-Marathon Americas 2026 in the USA.

A team formed by students from the State University of Western Paraná (Unioeste) is advancing on the international stage by representing Brazil at the Shell Eco-Marathon Americas 2026. The event, which takes place between April 7th and 11th at the traditional Indianapolis Motor Speedway, brings together some of the world's leading university teams in a competition that combines cutting-edge engineering, sustainability, and innovation applied to mobility.

Hydrogen technology positions the Brazilian team among the most innovative on the continent.

The Brazilian prominence in the competition is driven by the work of the Cataratas Energy Efficiency Group, which is competing in the Urban Concept category with a vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cells—currently the only representative with this technology in all of Latin America.

Formed by students from Unioeste and the Federal University of Latin American Integration, the group combines applied research, multidisciplinary engineering, and strategic vision to face teams of high technical level. More than a competition, participation in the Shell Eco-Marathon represents a platform for technological validation and international integration, allowing students to test energy solutions in real-world conditions, expand collaborative networks, and highlight Brazilian scientific potential in a key sector of the global energy transition.

Learn more about the Team and Competition HERE