HYSR SunHydrogen Inc (QB)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

☒ ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2023

☐ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM __________ TO __________

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 000-54437

SUNHYDROGEN, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 805) 966-6566

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: common stock, par value $0.001 per share

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐  No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐  No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐  No ☒

The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the last sale price of the common stock of the registrant as of the last business day of its most recently completed second fiscal quarter was approximately $111,249,945.

The number of shares of registrant’s common stock outstanding, as of September 28, 2023 was 5,061,034,972.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Item 1. Business.

Unless otherwise stated or the context requires otherwise, references in this annual report on Form 10-K to “SunHydrogen”, the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our” refer to SunHydrogen, Inc.

Overview

At SunHydrogen, our goal is to replace fossil fuels with clean, renewable hydrogen.

Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical element in the universe. When hydrogen fuel is used to power transportation and industry, the only byproduct left behind is pure water, unlike hydrocarbon fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas that emit carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. However, naturally occurring elemental hydrogen is rare – so rare, in fact, that today about 95% of all hydrogen is produced from steam reforming of natural gas (Source: US Department of Energy, Hydrogen Fuel Basics). This process is both economically and environmentally unsound.

We are developing a technology that we believe has the potential to offer an efficient and cost-effective way to produce truly green hydrogen using sunlight and any source of water. Just like a solar panel is comprised of multiple cells that generate electricity, our hydrogen panel encases multiple hydrogen generators immersed in water. Each hydrogen generator contains billions of electroplated nanoparticles, autonomously splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. Our technology has the potential to be one of – if not the most – economical green hydrogen solutions: Unlike traditional water electrolysis for hydrogen, our process requires no external power other than sunlight and uses efficient and low-cost materials.

We believe renewable hydrogen has already proven itself to be a key solution in helping the world meet climate targets, and we believe our technology potentially offers solutions to the challenges that the hydrogen future presents, including cost of production and transportation. Many of today’s green hydrogen producers transport their product over long distances, so although the hydrogen itself is green, the delivery and transport infrastructure comes with a high carbon footprint and a significant capital investment. The SunHydrogen solution is fully self-contained, offering on-site solar hydrogen generation and local distribution to eliminate carbon footprint altogether and significantly reduce capital investments for transport and delivery.

Additionally, because our process directly uses the electrical charges created by sunlight to generate hydrogen, our nanoparticle technology does not rely on grid power or require the costly power electronics that conventional electrolyzers do.

With a target cost of $2.50/kg., we believe our solution has the potential to clear a path for green hydrogen to compete with natural gas hydrogen and gain mass market acceptance as a true replacement for fossil fuels.

Our technology is primarily developed at our independent laboratory in Coralville, Iowa. Development efforts are also aided by our sponsored research agreements with the University of Iowa and the University of Michigan, and by our relationships with specialized industry partners.

The 2023 fiscal year saw our Coralville, Iowa laboratory space grow with the addition of talented engineers and chemists, state-of-the-art equipment, and a demonstration-ready setup fit for presenting our process to new and existing industrial partners.

Led by Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Syed Mubeen and Director of Technology Dr. Joun Lee, our Iowa team is focused on building tandem photoelectrosynthetic heterostructures (nanoparticle-based tandem semiconductor units) and evaluating their manufacturability at scales relevant for commercialization. This involves porous substrate fabrication and development of SunHydrogen’s two proprietary semiconductor nanoparticle units within these porous substrates (dual junction devices).

In the past year, our Iowa team has achieved several key milestones toward commercialization. Namely, we have:

(1) Unveiled the largest version to-date of SunHydrogen’s nanoparticle-based green hydrogen technology, featuring 16-times more hydrogen generator area than the previous small-scale model. The 1.5 sq. ft. prototype is currently the only self-contained nanoparticle-based hydrogen generation device of its kind that splits water molecules into high-purity hydrogen and oxygen using the sun’s energy.

(2) Achieved open circuit photovoltages over 0.9 volts with a single-junction semiconductor unit; open circuit photovoltages over 1.8 volts with a dual-junction semiconductor unit; and photocurrent densities as high as 13.2 milliamps per square centimeter per substrate with a single-junction semiconductor unit. These results confirm that SunHydrogen has consistently reached commercializable photovoltages and photocurrent densities using our nanoparticle units.

 While the above accomplishments provide encouragement that we are on the right track toward our goal of delivering the most affordable green hydrogen solution, we remain focused on the additional milestones we must meet to reach commercialization.

Foremost, to achieve commercially-viable solar-to-hydrogen efficiency targets, we require a second junction unit capable of producing photocurrent densities similar to or higher than our first junction, which we are currently working toward. Our team is currently pursuing multiple approaches to bolster our operational photocurrent densities, and our next milestone is translating our existing lab-scale success to larger scales.

In parallel, we are optimizing our panel design to increase hydrogen production rates and durability while decreasing the cost per kilogram of hydrogen produced. We are working to increase the hydrogen generator area to panel area ratio, minimize voltage loss, and improve power conversion efficiency.

Led by Dr. Nirala Singh, one of the lead inventors on SunHydrogen Patent No. 9,593,053B1, the University of Michigan team is focused on understanding the requirements of the generator housing including hydrogen collection efficiency and optimizing and testing potential oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts to accelerate scaleup and increased efficiency of photoelectrochemically active heterostructures.

In the past year, they identified the most promising configurations to minimize the significant energy losses and produce hydrogen at a high rate. They further tested these configurations in the Generator Housing with oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution catalysts synthesized in the previous year and measured the collection efficiency of hydrogen following its production. The stability of the hydrogen evolution catalyst and oxygen evolution catalyst synthesized in the previous year were also evaluated for continuous operation in a three-electrode setup. University of Michigan is developing strategies to mitigate the high series resistance in the device and improved the kinetics of the oxygen evolution electrocatalyst to lower the overpotentials while maintaining high stability of the catalyst.

University of Michigan demonstrated the use of the system in the Generator Housing without membranes while maintaining a low crossover of the generated gases. The elimination of the membrane can assist with reducing capital and processing costs. University of Michigan also tested the ionic and liquid crossover of the membrane integrated configuration fabricated by partners. They evaluated the ionic conductivity as well as mechanical, chemical, and electrochemical stability.

To evaluate the hydrogen collection efficiency, University of Michigan integrated a gas collection system to the Generator Housing. This system underwent successive modifications to increase efficiency of hydrogen collection process to match the desired values motivated by technoeconomic analysis. Consequently, a high faradaic efficiency of hydrogen generation process with high hydrogen collection efficiency was successfully achieved.

University of Michigan also identified various voltage losses in the Generator Housing and compared with the model values calculated in the previous year. The oxygen evolution catalyst and series resistance in the device were identified as two major sources of voltage loss.

Outside of our central research and development hub in Iowa and our work with the University of Iowa and the University of Michigan, we have further expanded our industrial partnerships across the U.S., Germany, South Korea, and Japan.

Our current industrial partners include: COTEC Corp.; MSC Co. LTD; Chromis Technologies; the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL); Geomatec; and InRedox. By diversifying our commercialization strategy in this way, we have formed relationships with industrial partners who are specialized in individual components of our technology such as electroplating, substrate processing and catalyst/membrane integration.

InRedox and Geomatec are focused on facilitating our transition to large-scale substrate manufacturing, while MSC Co. LTD is focused on developing large-scale electroplating chemistries.

With the National Renewable Energy Agency, we are working to improve the overall power conversion efficiency of our hydrogen panels.

With COTEC Corp. we are working to reproduce existing lab-scale achievements using industrial electroplating processes. We expect our initial exploration phase with COTEC to be completed by December 31, 2023. Following this phase, our next step is to produce 1m² hydrogen panels to be utilized in multiple commercial-scale pilot projects.

We are working with Chromis Technologies to integrate both proton exchange membranes (PEM) and anion exchange membranes (AEM) into our proprietary substrates and evaluate performance metrics for sustainable hydrogen production.

We also recently announced the approval of $3.1M in funding for Project NanoPEC, which brings us together with six partners at the cutting edge of industry and science in Germany, including: SCHMID Group; Fraunhofer; WAVELABS Solar Metrology Systems GmbH; ECH Elektrochemie Halle GmbH; Zahner-Elektrik; and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin.

We believe working with some of the most innovative leaders in German industry and science can accelerate our progress toward commercialization.

Finally, we remain well-capitalized to pursue strategic investments in the hydrogen space, as evidenced by our November 2022 investment of $10M in Norway-based TECO2030 ASA.

With their zero-emission PEM hydrogen fuel cells stacks and modules, TECO2030 ASA is accelerating the transition to clean energy in the maritime and heavy-duty transportation sectors, and has formed strong relationships with world-leading companies in the fuel cell industry in the process. Their longtime development partner AVL is the world’s largest independent company for the development, simulation and testing of powertrain systems. TECO 2030 ASA is also partnered with thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, which holds over 100 years of fuel cell experience and €34 billion in revenue in 2021.

Every day in the US, hundreds of thousands of diesel-powered trucks travel through routes with abundant land and sun. Envision SunHydrogen panels along and around these highways, producing green hydrogen at and near refueling sites: Our technology would eliminate the need to transport hydrogen fuel over long distances, lowering the high costs and hydrogen losses that would otherwise happen in long-distance transport. In the future, we believe our green hydrogen panels along major trucking routes worldwide, together with the proliferation of TECO 2030 ASA ’s hydrogen fuel cell technology, can make a significant mark on the industry.

While we remain dedicated to our primary goal of developing our nanoparticle technology to commercialization, we will also seek to further the renewable hydrogen ecosystem through investment in, and acquisition of, complementary hydrogen technologies. We believe we have the resources to maximize our impact in this fast-growing industry.

Additionally, we believe our recent uplisting to the OTCQB Venture Market will allow us to expose a broader range of investors to our mission of producing low-cost, truly green hydrogen. With additional compliance and quality standards, the OTCQB provides investors improved visibility to enhance trading decisions.

Looking ahead to the upcoming months, we continue making steady progress toward strengthening our operational photocurrent densities, optimizing our panel design, and engaging quality manufacturing partners that can take our existing lab-scale process to commercial-scale.

Market Opportunity

Hydrogen generation is projected to become a $1 trillion per year market by 2050 (Source: Goldman Sachs, Carbonomics: The clean hydrogen revolution). Current fossil fuels can’t sustain future energy requirements environmentally or economically, and hydrogen fuel technologies are being adopted across all sectors as the world moves toward renewable alternatives.

Over 110 countries have set goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and as governments are looking to clean energy sources like hydrogen to help them meet their targets (Source: United Nations, The race to zero emissions, and why the world depends on it). It is estimated that nearly 25% of global energy will come from clean hydrogen alone by 2050 (Source: Goldman Sachs, Green Hydrogen: The next transformational driver of the Utilities industry).

In the US, California is leading the way in hydrogen strategies, with more fuel cell passenger vehicles on the road than any other state and one of the largest hydrogen refueling station networks in the world (Source: Sierra Nevada Ally, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles are Building Momentum in California). Globally, over 1,000 green hydrogen production demonstration projects have been announced around the world, and policy leaders have put forth ambitious strategies to utilize hydrogen and fuel cell technologies across all sectors of the economy including transportation, feedstock and industrial heat use (Source: The Hydrogen Council and McKinsey & Company, Hydrogen Insights 2023).

Existing Market Growth

As supply chain challenges and geopolitical conflicts continue to affect fuel prices globally, the hydrogen market is rallying support from consumers and governments alike.

In August 2022, The Inflation Reduction Act, which allotted $369 billion to renewable energy and climate projects, was signed into law in the US. “Among its features, the law has a 10-year extension of solar and wind tax credits and incentives to support new technology, with hydrogen and energy storage set to be the greatest beneficiaries,” according to Morningstar’s chief US market strategist Dave Sekera (Source: Markets Insider, Clean energy stocks are set to be the big winners of the sweeping Inflation Reduction Act just signed by Biden, Morningstar says). Specifically, the Act included a tax credit that will award up to $3/kg for low carbon hydrogen, with exact credit amounts to be determined by calculating a given project’s greenhouse gas emissions (Source: S&P Global, Hydrogen tax credits preserved in new US Inflation Reduction Act).

In the year since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the US has seen additional promising legislation in favor of the adoption of hydrogen as a replacement for fossil fuels. Most recently, the US Department of Energy released its intent to invest up to an additional $1 billion to support the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program, an already-$7 billion initiative to create six to ten regional clean hydrogen hubs across the country (DOE, Biden-Harris Administration to Jumpstart Clean Hydrogen Economy with New Initiative to Provide Market Certainty and Unlock Private Investment). According to the DOE, America’s growing hydrogen economy has the potential to add 100,000 net new direct and indirect jobs by 2030 (DOE, DOE’s Pathways to Commercial Liftoff: Clean Hydrogen report).

An additional factor currently driving the global hydrogen market is the need to reduce sulfur content in petroleum products. U.S. federal and state governments have adopted various programs, including the Tier 3 program, to reduce the sulfur content in gasoline, motor oil and diesel. Particularly, there is a growing demand for petroleum products from developing countries. Hydrogen is used in various refining processes including hydrocracking and hydrodesulfurization to crack bigger molecules into lighter ones and produce more usable products.

For all these reasons and more, we believe our renewable hydrogen-producing technology possesses significant early market opportunity, especially as innovation and infrastructure continue to develop.

Hydrogen Mobility

The auto-manufacturing and vehicle industries are among the most recognized applications for hydrogen fuel technologies. According to a 2023 study by Information Trends, over 56,000 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles had been sold by year-end 2022 (Source: Information Trends, Global Market for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles).

Historically, sales have been held back due to the lack of a solid hydrogen refueling infrastructure, but the numbers are projected to rise quickly, and fuel cell vehicles are gaining momentum around the world. Specifically, hydrogen stands to make a significant impact on the heavy-duty, long-haul trucking industry. Hydrogen-powered trucks and hydrogen refueling stations present a variety of cost, scalability, and sustainability-related benefits over battery power, according to a recent McKinsey & Company report. Namely, hydrogen-fueled trucks can refuel faster and carry a lower weight penalty than battery-powered trucks because tanks weigh considerably less than batteries. And at scale, the infrastructure is less costly to create than e-truck charging infrastructure because it does not require grid upgrades and has a smaller carbon footprint. Faster refueling speed also means the hydrogen infrastructure can be used by many more trucks (McKinsey & Company, Unlocking hydrogen’s power for long-haul freight transport).

Additionally, hydrogen has emerged as an ideal solution for a myriad of mobility-related applications beyond fuel cell cars and trucks.

In a 2022 report from the Ocean Conservancy, researchers concluded that green hydrogen-based fuels are the best option to transition the shipping industry away from fossil fuels. “Producing green hydrogen-based fuels can kickstart the transition to new shipping fuels along promising green corridor routes within the U.S. and can make key down payments that will drive further investment in renewable energy and feed the demand for climate action within the global transportation sector,” said Daniel Hubbell, shipping emissions campaign manager for Ocean Conservancy (Source: Ocean Conservancy, Green Hydrogen-Based Fuels are the Best Option to Transition the Shipping Industry Away from Fossil Fuels, New Report Finds).

In March 2023, French rail transport manufacturing company Alstom announced the debut of North America’s first green hydrogen-powered train, which began transporting passengers this summer (Smithsonian Magazine, North America’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train Will Debut This Summer). This follows Germany’s monumental 2022 accomplishment of completing the first-ever rail line to be entirely run on hydrogen-powered trains. Germany’s hydrogen trains have a range of 1,000 kilometers, meaning they can run for an entire day on the network on a single tank of hydrogen, and a hydrogen filing station has already been established on the route (Source: CNN, The world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger trains are here).

Hydrogen is even powering factory forklifts for commerce leaders like Walmart and Amazon: In 2022, Walmart purchased hydrogen from Plug Power to fuel as many as 9,500 machines across the retailer’s fulfillment and distribution centers (Source: Bloomberg, Walmart Will Run Forklifts on ‘Green’ Hydrogen in Plug Power Deal). In August 2023, Walmart opened a green hydrogen plant with energy company Engie at its Quilcura distribution center in Chile, in alignment with its desire to replace lead-acid batteries in forklifts with hydrogen fuel cells. “We are moving away from lead-acid batteries to reduce the time our associates spend on the battery charge process, which we expect will now improve up to 80%,” a company spokesperson said (Source: Hydrogen Insight, Walmart replaces battery-electric forklifts with hydrogen fuel-cell models to reduce charging times).

Amazon and Plug Power have entered a similar agreement, with Plug Power providing Amazon with 10,950 tons of liquefied hydrogen per year that will be used to fuel transportation and building operations starting in 2025 (Source: Forbes, Amazon To Buy Plug Power’s ‘Green’ Hydrogen In Deal with $2.1 Billion Stock Option). Along with fuel for forklifts, Amazon may also use hydrogen to power a range of vehicles used in delivery operations, including long-haul trucks, the article stated.

Whether in traditional vehicles, marine ships, long-haul trucks, trains, or even factory forklifts, it is clear that hydrogen has already made a significant mark on the mobility industry, and we only expect it to become more prolific as governments continue to support the development of relevant infrastructure that the hydrogen future calls for.

Our Technology

Technology for Making Renewable Hydrogen from Sunlight and Water

Powered by solar energy, billions of our microscopic nanoparticles split apart water at the molecular level, extracting hydrogen for use as a clean energy source and leaving behind only clean oxygen as a byproduct. This process is similar to what happens inside a plant cell during photosynthesis: Each Photoelectrosynthetically Active Heterostructures (or PAH) nanoparticle is a microscopic machine, composed of multiple layers enabling the solar electrolysis reaction to take place.

Water Splitting

In the process of splitting a water molecule, input energy is transferred into the chemical bonds. Essentially, manufactured hydrogen serves as a carrier or battery-like storage of the input energy. If the input energy is from fossil fuels, such as oil and gas, then carbon fossil fuel energy is simply transferred into hydrogen. If the input energy is renewable, such as solar or wind, then new and clean energy is stored in hydrogen.

While the concept of water splitting is very appealing, the following industry-wide challenges must be addressed for renewable hydrogen to be commercially viable:

Technology

Water electrolysis in its simplest form is the transfer of “input electrons” in the following chemical reactions:

From these equations, one can deduce that if every input electron (e^-) is put to work and not lost, then a maximum amount of input electrons (i.e. energy) is transferred and stored in the hydrogen molecules (H₂). Additionally, if there were a very high number of cathode and anode reaction areas within a given volume of water, then a very high number of these reactions could happen simultaneously throughout the medium to split each water molecule into hydrogen wherever electrons are available.

SunHydrogen Panel™

Since our particles are intended to mimic the natural process of photosynthesis, directly producing hydrogen and oxygen without the need for costly intermediate power conversions, they can be housed in very low-cost reactors. To facilitate the commercial use of our self-contained particle technology, we are developing a modular system that will enable the onsite daily production and storage of hydrogen for any-time use in electricity generation.

We refer to our potential product as the SunHydrogen Panel which is comprised of the following components:

1. The Generator Housing - Our novel device design is the first of its kind to safely separate oxygen and hydrogen in the photoelectrochemical process, minimizing the sacrifice of solar-to-hydrogen efficiency. This device houses the water and the solar particles/cells and is designed with inlets and outlets for water and gasses. Utilizing a novel ion-exchange membrane integration strategy for separating the oxygen from the hydrogen products, efficient ion transport safely enables efficient solar hydrogen production.

2. The NanoParticle or Solar Cell - Powered by solar energy, billions of our microscopic nanoparticle solar cells split apart water at the molecular level, extracting hydrogen for use as a clean energy source and leaving behind only clean oxygen as a byproduct.

3. Oxygen Evolution Catalyst - Uniformly applied to the solar cell or nanoparticle, an oxygen evolution catalyst efficiently oxidizes water molecules to generate oxygen gas. The oxygen evolution catalyst must be robust to withstand long operating hours under acidic and alkaline conditions.

4. Hydrogen Evolution Catalyst - Necessary for collecting electrons to reduce protons for generating hydrogen gas, we have identified a strategy to minimize the use of precious metal-based catalysts and integrated the hydrogen catalyst into our generator system for efficient solar hydrogen production.

5. Coating Technologies - Two major coating technologies were developed to protect the nanoparticles and solar cells from photocorrosion under water: A transparent conductive coating to protect our nanoparticles and solar cells from photocorrosion during the water splitting process and efficiently transfer charges to catalysts for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions; and a polymer combination that protects the semiconductor solar cells that would otherwise fail in aquatic environments, instead ensuring a long lifetime for solar hydrogen production.

Our business and commercialization plan utilizes our nanoparticle-based technology, where billions of autonomous solar cells are electrodeposited onto protective porous sheets and manufactured in a roll to roll process or wafer process and inserted into our proprietary panels. For our nanoparticle technology, we have received multiple patents and our target cost of hydrogen production is $2.50 per kilogram before pressurization.

In addition to our sponsored research agreements with the University of Iowa and University of Michigan, we are working with a growing group of specialized industrial partners to help commercialize our renewable hydrogen panels that use sunlight and water to generate hydrogen. Our current industrial partners include: COTEC Corp.; MSC Co. LTD; Chromis Technologies; the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL); Geomatec; and InRedox. Our project partners through Project NanoPEC include: SCHMID Group; Fraunhofer; WAVELABS Solar Metrology Systems GmbH; ECH Elektrochemie Halle GmbH; Zahner-Elektrik; and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin.

Intellectual Property

On November 14, 2011, we filed a provisional application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to protect the intellectual property rights for “Photoelectrosynthetically Active Heterostructures” A year later on November 14, 2012, we filed a non-provisional application claiming priority to the provisional application. On March 14, 2017, a first patent covering the structural design of Photoelectrosynthetically Active Heterostructures (PAH) was granted as United States Patent No. 9,593,053B1. A divisional application claiming priority to the foregoing applications was filed, and on April 3, 2018, a second patent covering the method for manufacturing PAH was granted as United States Patent No. 9,593,053B2. These patents protect the Company’s proprietary design and manufacturing method of a self-contained solar-to-hydrogen device made up of billions of solar-powered water-splitting nanoparticles, per square centimeter. These nanoparticles are separated by a protective coating that prevents corrosion during extended periods of hydrogen production. The aim of producing these nanoparticles is to achieve high solar -to-hydrogen conversion efficiency at low cost. These patents expire on November 14, 2032.

An important aspect of the patented technology referred to in the preceding paragraph is the integrated structures of high-density arrays of nano-sized solar cells as part of hydrogen production nanoparticles. The technology enables manufacturing of ultra-thin sheets for solar hydrogen production, requiring substantially less material as compared to conventional solar cells used in rooftop power applications. 

On March 21, 2014, we jointly filed a provisional application with the University of California, Santa Barbara for the “Multi-junction artificial photosynthetic cell with enhanced photovoltages.” Thereafter, we filed a non-provisional application on March 16, 2015 and a corresponding PCT Application on March 17, 2015. These applications cover our semiconductor designs to enhance the photovoltages of the nano-sized solar cells in the PAH structures. The semiconductor designs stacking multiple junctions inside the PAH structures would be an efficient and economical solution for the photovoltaic and the photoelectrochemical industries. Patents were granted in Australia in April of 2018, China and Europe in March of 2019, and in the U.S. as United States Patent No. 10,100,415 in October of 2018. The last patent from this international application was granted in India in October 2022. This patent expires on October 21, 2036.

On September 26, 2016, we filed jointly with the University of Iowa a provisional application for “Integrated Membrane Solar Fuel Production Assembly” to protect the intellectual property for our generator housing system that safely separates oxygen and hydrogen in the water-splitting process without sacrificing efficiency. This device houses the water, the solar particles/cells and is designed with inlets and outlets for water and gases. Utilizing a special architecture that integrates membranes for separating the oxygen side from the hydrogen side, proton transport is increased which is the key to safely increasing solar-to-hydrogen efficiency. On September 26, 2017, we filed a PCT Application that was later nationalized in the U.S. on March 26, 2019. The U.S. patent application for this important invention is pending and prosecution is ongoing.

Strategic Partners

We are currently engaged in a sponsored research agreement with the University of Iowa. This term of the research agreement runs through September 30, 2023 but may be extended upon mutual agreement of the parties.

We are currently engaged in a sponsored research agreement with the University of Michigan. This term of the research agreement runs through September 30, 2023 but may be extended upon mutual agreement of the parties.

We have also initiated a research agreement with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). This research agreement runs through April 21, 2024, but may be extended upon mutual agreement of the parties.

Additionally, we are engaged in an ongoing consulting contract with Strategic Analysis, Inc. to aid in further reducing our system cost through techno-economic research and evaluation.

In February 2021, we entered into a cooperation agreement with SCHMID Group of Freudenstadt, Germany. Through the collaboration, we identified key manufacturing needs in the areas of electroplating chemistries, substrate processing and membrane and catalyst integration that require collaboration with specialized industry partners. To address these scale-up challenges, we have since adopted a more diversified scale-up strategy. Due to delays associated with supply chain challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, the cooperation agreement was extended to fully complete the work scope with no additional cost to the company. Our agreement with SCHMID Group remains open-ended, and we look forward to ongoing collaboration with SCHMID through Project NanoPEC on the design and engineering of our generator housing.

Competition

Currently, most hydrogen is produced by steam reforming of natural gas or methane. This production technology dominates due to easy availability and low prices of natural gas. Partial oxidation of petroleum oil is second in production capacity after steam reforming of natural gas. The third largest production technology in terms of production capacity is steam gasification of coal. Key players in the traditional hydrogen production industry include Linde, Air Liquide, Air Products, Praxair, and more.

At this time, however, we view our primary competition as companies that have developed or are currently developing renewable hydrogen production technology. Green or renewable hydrogen can be produced through electrolyzers if the electrolyzers are powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind. Some of these companies include:

Plug Power: Plug Power (Stock symbol: PLUG) is engaged in the development of hydrogen fuel cell systems that replace conventional batteries in equipment and vehicles powered by electricity. The company is currently building green hydrogen plants to produce at least 70 tons of liquid green hydrogen daily by the end of 2022 and 500 tons daily by 2025.

NEL Hydrogen: NEL Hydrogen (Stock symbol: NLLSF) delivers solutions to produce, store, and distribute hydrogen from renewable energy. The company’s hydrogen solutions cover the entire value chain from hydrogen production technologies to hydrogen fueling stations, enabling industries to transition to green hydrogen.

Fusion Fuel: Fusion Fuel (Stock symbol: HTOO) has developed a modular solar to hydrogen solution, combining proven solar concentration technology with a proprietary micro-electrolyzer that allows it to produce zero-emissions green hydrogen at highly competitive costs. The company sells its HEVO-Solar technology to customers interested in producing their own green hydrogen. It also develops company-owned green hydrogen farms.

ITM Power: ITM Power (Stock symbol: ITMPF) designs, manufactures, and integrates electrolyzers based on proton exchange membrane technology to produce green hydrogen using renewable electricity and tap water. ITM Power works with strategic partners including Linde, Shell, Snam, Hyundai, and Honda to scale its impact and industrial reach.

McPhy: McPhy (Stock symbol: MCPHY) specializes in the design, production and integration of high pressure alkaline electrolyzers and hydrogen stations. McPhy has five development, engineering and production sites in France, Italy, and Germany, and it is backed by solid and constantly-evolving European industrial foundations.

If not powered by renewable sources, electrolyzers require external electricity most likely created by coal, gas or oil. We believe that our process when fully developed may potentially offer a competitive advantage as we anticipate it will be fully renewable and utilize no external power other than the sun. However, it should be noted that the renewable hydrogen market is rich with competitors, like the companies mentioned above, who have already successfully commercialized green hydrogen production technologies. We anticipate that existing leaders will continue to hone the efficiency of their products and drive down cost of green hydrogen per kilogram, thus creating a more competitive, challenging environment for emerging, not-yet-commercialized technologies such as our own.

Corporate Information

We were incorporated in the State of Nevada on February 18, 2009. Our executive offices are located at 2500 Crosspark Road, Coralville IA 52241.

Employees

As of September 27, 2023, we have 8 full-time employees and several consultants. We have not experienced any work stoppages and we consider relations with our employees and consultants to be good. Our research and development work is performed at our Coralville, Iowa laboratory, as well as with the University of Iowa and the University of Michigan through sponsored research agreements, and in collaboration with our industrial partners.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Risks related to our business and industry

Our limited operating history does not afford investors a sufficient history on which to base an investment decision.

We were formed in February 2009 and are currently developing a new technology that has not yet gained market acceptance. There can be no assurance that we will ever operate profitably or that we will have adequate working capital to meet our obligations as they become due.

Investors must consider the risks and difficulties frequently encountered by early stage companies, particularly in rapidly evolving markets. Such risks include the following:

We cannot be certain that our business strategy will be successful or that we will successfully address these risks. In the event that we do not successfully address these risks, our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected and we may have to curtail our business.

We have a history of losses and have never realized revenues to date. We expect to continue to incur losses and no assurance can be given that we will realize revenues. Accordingly, we may never achieve and sustain profitability.

As of June 30, 2023, we have an accumulated deficit of $81,971,040. For the year ended June 30, 2023 we had net income of $974,979 due to a non-cash change in derivatives. We expect to incur net losses until we are able to realize revenues to fund our continuing operations. We may fail to achieve any or significant revenues from sales or achieve or sustain profitability. Accordingly, there can be no assurance of when, if ever, we will be profitable or be able to maintain profitability.

We have historically raised funds through various capital raising transactions. We will require additional funds in the future to fund our business plans, either through additional equity or debt financings or collaborative agreements or from other sources. We have no commitments to obtain such additional financing, and we may not be able to obtain any such additional financing on terms favorable to us, or at all. During the year ended June 30, 2023, the Company received funds through an equity purchase agreement in the net amount of $2,733,494. In the event we are unable to obtain additional financing, we may be unable to implement our business plan. Even with such financing, we have a history of operating losses and there can be no assurance that we will ever become profitable.

We may be unable to manage our growth or implement our expansion strategy.

We may not be able to develop our product or implement the other features of our business strategy at the rate or to the extent presently planned. Our projected growth will place a significant strain on our administrative, operational and financial resources. If we are unable to successfully manage our future growth, establish and continue to upgrade our operating and financial control systems, recruit and hire necessary personnel or effectively manage unexpected expansion difficulties, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

We may not be able to successfully develop and commercialize our technologies which would result in continued losses and may require us to curtail or cease operations.

We are currently working to scale the lab-scale prototypes of our nanoparticle technology to larger, commercial-scale prototypes. However, we have not completed a large-scale commercial prototype of our technology and are uncertain at this time when completion of a commercial scale prototype will occur. Although the lab scale prototype demonstrates the viability of our technology, there can be no assurance that we will be able to commercialize our technology.

Our revenues will be dependent upon acceptance of our products by the market; the failure of which would cause us to curtail or cease operations.

We believe that virtually all of our revenues will come from the sale or license of our products. As a result, we will continue to incur substantial operating losses until such time as we are able to develop our product and generate revenues from the sale or license of our products. There can be no assurance that businesses and customers will adopt our technology and products, or that businesses and prospective customers will agree to pay for or license our products. Our technology and product, when fully developed, may not gain market acceptance due to various factors such as not enough cost savings between our method of producing hydrogen and other more conventional methods. In the event that we are not able to significantly increase the number of customers that purchase or license our products, or if we are unable to charge the necessary prices or license fees, our financial condition and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected.

We anticipate that we will face intense competition, and many of our competitors have substantially greater resources than we do.

We operate in a competitive environment that is characterized by price fluctuation and technological change. We anticipate that we will compete with major international and domestic companies. Some of our current and future potential competitors may have greater market recognition and customer bases, longer operating histories and substantially greater financial, technical, marketing, distribution, purchasing, manufacturing, personnel and other resources than we do. In addition, competitors may be developing similar technologies with a cost similar to, or lower than, our projected costs. As a result, they may be able to respond more quickly to changing customer demands or to devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sales of solar and solar-related products than we can.

Our business plan relies on sales of our products based on either a demand for truly renewable clean hydrogen or economically produced clean hydrogen. If we fail to compete successfully, our business would suffer and we may lose or be unable to gain market share. Neither the demand for our product nor our ability to manufacture at commercial scale have yet been proven.

Because our industry is highly competitive and has low barriers to entry, we may lose market share to larger companies that are better equipped to weather a deterioration in market conditions due to increased competition.

We believe that our ability to compete depends in part on a number of factors outside of our control, including:

Currently, competing methods of hydrogen production include steam reforming of natural gas or methane, which dominates due to its easy availability and low price; partial oxidation of petroleum oil; steam gasification of coal; and electrolyzers powered by solar or wind energy. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors. If we are unable to compete effectively, or if competition results in a deterioration of market conditions, our business and results of operations would be adversely affected.

Our business depends on proprietary technology that we may not be able to protect and may infringe on the intellectual property rights of others.

Our success will depend, in part, on our technology’s commercial viability and on the strength of our intellectual property rights. We currently hold patents in the US, China, Australia, and Europe but still have several patents pending in multiple countries.  There is no guarantee the pending patents will be granted. In addition, any agreements we enter into with our employees, consultants, advisors, customers and strategic partners will contain restrictions on the disclosure and use of trade secrets, inventions and confidential information relating to our technology may not provide meaningful protection in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure.

Third parties may assert that our technology, or the products we, our customers or partners commercialize using our technology, infringes upon their proprietary rights. We have yet to complete an infringement analysis and, even if such an analysis were available at the current time, it is virtually impossible for us to be certain that no infringement exists, particularly in our case where our products have not yet been fully developed.

We may need to acquire licenses from third parties in order to avoid infringement. Any required license may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all.

We could incur substantial costs in defending ourselves in suits brought against us for alleged infringement of another party’s intellectual property rights as well as in enforcing our rights against others, and if we are found to infringe, the manufacture, sale and use of our or our customers’ or partners’ products could be enjoined. Any claims against us, with or without merit, would likely be time-consuming, requiring our management team to dedicate substantial time to addressing the issues presented. Furthermore, the parties bringing claims may have greater resources than we do.

We do not maintain theft or casualty insurance and only maintain modest liability and property insurance coverage and therefore, we could incur losses as a result of an uninsured loss.

We do not maintain theft, casualty insurance, or property insurance coverage. We cannot assure that we will not incur uninsured liabilities and losses as a result of the conduct of our business. Any such uninsured or insured loss or liability could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

If we lose key employees and consultants or are unable to attract or retain qualified personnel, our business could suffer.

Our success is highly dependent on our ability to attract and retain qualified scientific, engineering and management personnel. We are highly dependent on our CEO, Timothy Young, and our development team at the University of Iowa. The loss of this valuable resource could have a material adverse effect on our operations. There can be no assurance that they will remain associated with us. Our management’s efforts will be critical to us as we continue to develop our technology and as we attempt to transition from a development stage company to a company with commercialized products and services. If we were to lose Mr. Young or the services of the development team at the university or any other key employees or consultants, we may experience difficulties in competing effectively, developing our technology and implementing our business strategies.

The loss of strategic alliances used in the development of our products and technology could impede our ability to complete our product and result in a material adverse effect causing the business to suffer.

We pursue strategic alliances with other companies in areas where collaboration can produce technological and industry advancement. For example, we have entered into a sponsored research agreement with the University of Michigan which is set to terminate September 30, 2023. If we are unable to extend the terms of this agreement, or any of our other agreements with our partners as described in this report, we could suffer delays in product development or other operational difficulties which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

The COVID-19 pandemic may negatively affect our operations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had widespread, rapidly evolving, and unpredictable impacts on global society, economies, financial markets, and business practices. The continuing impacts of COVID-19 are highly unpredictable and could be significant, and may have an adverse effect on our business, operations and our future financial performance.

The impact of the pandemic on our business, operations and future financial performance could include, but is not limited to, that:

Risks relating to our common stock

There is a limited trading market for our common stock.

Our common stock is not listed on any national securities exchange. Accordingly, investors may find it more difficult to buy and sell our shares than if our common stock was traded on an exchange. Although our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB , it is an unorganized, inter-dealer, over-the-counter market which provides significantly less liquidity than the Nasdaq Capital Market or other national securities exchange. Further, there is limited trading in our common stock. These factors may have an adverse impact on the trading and price of our common stock.

Our common stock could be subject to extreme volatility.

The trading price of our common stock may be affected by a number of factors, including events described in the risk factors set forth in this report, as well as our operating results, financial condition and other events or factors. In addition to the uncertainties relating to future operating performance and the profitability of operations, factors such as variations in interim financial results or various, as yet unpredictable, factors, many of which are beyond our control, may have a negative effect on the market price of our common stock. In recent years, broad stock market indices, in general, and smaller capitalization companies, in particular, have experienced substantial price fluctuations. In a volatile market, we may experience wide fluctuations in the market price of our common stock and wide bid-ask spreads. These fluctuations may have a negative effect on the market price of our common stock. In addition, the securities market has, from time to time, experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

We anticipate that our issuance of common stock upon conversion of Series C Preferred Shares will result in dilution to our stockholders.

As of June 30, 2023, we have outstanding shares of redeemable Series C Preferred Stock with an aggregate stated value of $1,095,100 that are convertible into common stock at a fixed conversion price of $0.00095 (see Note 3 to the financial statements included in this report). We anticipate that our issuance of common stock upon conversion of outstanding preferred shares will result in dilution to holders of our common stock, which may have a negative effect on the price of our common stock. In addition, as of June 30, 2023, we have outstanding warrants to purchase 86,495,239 shares of common stock and options to purchase 163,894,499 shares of common stock, and our issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of outstanding warrants or options may result in additional dilution to our stockholders.

We have never paid common stock dividends and have no plans to pay dividends in the future, as a result our common stock may be less valuable because a return on an investor’s investment will only occur if our stock price appreciates.

Holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our Board of Directors. To date, we have paid no cash dividends on our shares of common stock and we do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain future earnings, if any, to provide funds for operations of our business. Therefore, any return investors in our common stock will be in the form of appreciation in the market value of our shares of common stock, which may not occur.

Our common stock is subject to the SEC’s penny stock rules.

Unless our common stock is listed on a national securities exchange, including the Nasdaq Capital Market, or we have stockholders’ equity of $5,000,000 or less and our common stock has a market price per share of less than $5.00, transactions in our common stock will be subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules. If our common stock remains subject to the “penny stock” rules promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, broker-dealers may find it difficult to effectuate customer transactions and trading activity in our securities may be adversely affected.

In accordance with these rules, broker-dealers participating in transactions in low-priced securities must first deliver a risk disclosure document that describes the risks associated with such stocks, the broker-dealer’s duties in selling the stock, the customer’s rights and remedies and certain market and other information. Furthermore, the broker-dealer must make a suitability determination approving the customer for low-priced stock transactions based on the customer’s financial situation, investment experience and objectives. Broker-dealers must also disclose these restrictions in writing to the customer, obtain specific written consent from the customer, and provide monthly account statements to the customer. The effect of these restrictions will probably decrease the willingness of broker-dealers to make a market in our common stock, decrease liquidity of our common stock and increase transaction costs for sales and purchases of our common stock as compared to other securities. Our management is aware of the abuses that have occurred historically in the penny stock market.

This may make it more difficult for investors to dispose of our common stock and cause a decline in the market value of our stock.

Our articles of incorporation allow for our board to create new series of preferred stock without further approval by our stockholders, which could adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common stock.

Our board of directors has the authority to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of preferred stock. Our board of directors has the authority to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of our preferred stock without further stockholder approval. As a result, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that would grant to holders of preferred stock the right to our assets upon liquidation, or the right to receive dividend payments before dividends are distributed to the holders of common stock. In addition, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that has greater voting power than our common stock or that is convertible into our common stock, which could decrease the relative voting power of our common stock or result in dilution to our existing stockholders.

Additional stock offerings in the future may dilute then-existing shareholders’ percentage ownership of the Company.

Given our plans and expectations that we will need additional capital, we anticipate that we will need to issue additional shares of common stock or securities convertible or exercisable for shares of common stock, including convertible preferred stock, convertible notes, stock options or warrants. We anticipate that our issuance of additional common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable into common stock in the future will dilute the percentage ownership of then current stockholders.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 1C. Cybersecurity.

Not applicable.

Item 2. Properties.

Our principal office address and independent laboratories are located at the BioVentures Center at 2500 Crosspark Rd., Coralville, IA 52241.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

We are not currently a party to, nor is any of our property currently the subject of, any material legal proceedings.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB under the symbol “HYSR”

Common Stock

Our Articles of Incorporation, as amended, authorizes the issuance of 10,000,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share.

All outstanding shares of common stock are of the same class and have equal rights and attributes. The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders. All stockholders are entitled to share equally in dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available. In the event of liquidation, the holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of all liabilities. The stockholders do not have cumulative or preemptive rights.

As of September 22, 2023 our common stock was held by approximately 194 stockholders of record.

Dividend Policy

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends to stockholders in the foreseeable future. In addition, any future determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, and such other factors as the Board of Directors deem relevant. There are no restrictions in our articles of incorporation or bylaws that restrict us from declaring dividends.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

None

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

None.

Item 6. [Reserved.]

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations.

Certain statements in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” below, and elsewhere in this annual report, are not related to historical results, and are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements present our expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements frequently are accompanied by such words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue,” or the negative of such terms or other words and terms of similar meaning. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, achievements, or timeliness of such results. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of such forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligation to publicly update these statements, or disclose any difference between actual results and those reflected in these statements, except as may be required under applicable law

Subsequent written and oral forward looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting in our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements and risk factors set forth below and elsewhere in this annual report, and in other reports filed by us with the SEC.

You should read the following description of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the financial statements and accompanying notes included in this Annual Report beginning on page F-1.

Overview

SunHydrogen is developing breakthrough technologies to make, store and use green hydrogen in a market that Goldman Sachs estimates to be worth $12 trillion by 2050. Our patented SunHydrogen Panel technology, currently in development, uses sunlight and any source of water to produce low-cost green hydrogen. Similar to solar panels that produce electricity, our SunHydrogen Panels will produce green hydrogen. Our vision is to become a major technology supplier in the new hydrogen economy. By developing, acquiring and partnering with other critical technologies, we intend to enable a future of emission-free vehicles, ships, data centers, aircrafts and more.

Results of Operations for the Year Ended June 30, 2023 compared to the Year Ended June 30, 2022

Operating Expenses

For the year ended June 30, 2023, operating expenses were $9,267,147, compared to $4,475,225 for the year ended June 30, 2022. Operating expenses consist primarily of research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses incurred in connection with the operation of our business. The net increase of $4,791,922 in operating expenses was a result of an increase in salaries of $2,706,923, an increase in research and development of $1,647,649, an increase in professional fees of $174,427, with a decrease in marketing of $240,859, an increase in non-cash stock compensation of $331,547, and an overall increase of $171,735.

Other Income/(Expenses)

Other income and (expenses) for the year ended June 30, 2023, were $10,242,126 compared to $94,506,158 for the year ended June 30, 2022. The majority of the decrease of $84,264,033 in other income was the result of the increase in net change in derivatives of $86,796,839, a decrease in loss on redemption of marketable securities of $76,792, an increase in dividend expense of $19,075, an increase in investment income of $909,906, an increase in realized loss on sale of investment of $3,735, a decrease in loss on settlement of debt of $1,793, an increase in unrealized gain on investments in affiliate of $655,601, with a decrease in interest expense of $466,391.

Net Income (Loss)

For the year ended June 30, 2023, our net income was $974,979, compared to a net income of $90,030,933, for the year ended June 30, 2022. The majority of the decrease in net income of $89,055,954, was related primarily to the net change in derivative estimates each year. These estimates were based on the exchange of the convertible notes to Series C Preferred Shares, the market price of our stock, interest rates, our stock price, volatility, variable conversion prices based on market prices defined in the respective agreements and probabilities of certain outcomes based on managements’ estimates. These inputs are subject to significant changes from period to period, therefore, the estimated fair value of the derivative liabilities were removed during the period due to the exchange for preferred shares. The Company has not generated any revenues.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity is the ability of a company to generate funds to support its current and future operations, satisfy its obligations, and otherwise operate on an ongoing basis. Significant factors in the management of liquidity are funds generated by operations, levels of accounts receivable and accounts payable and capital expenditures. 

As of June 30, 2023, we had a working capital surplus of $47,689,381, compared to a working capital surplus of $24,865,577 as of June 30, 2022. This increase in working capital surplus of $22,823,804 was primarily due to the increase in cash received through sales of our common stock, investments, as well as the non-cash removal of the derivative liability.

During the year ended June 30, 2023, we raised an aggregate of $2,733,494 from sales of our common stock in a registered direct offering. During the year ended June 30, 2022, we raised an aggregate of $960,000 from sales of our common stock in registered direct offerings.

Cash flow used in operating activities was $4,262,085 for the year ended June 30, 2023, compared to $3,435,038 for the year ended June 30, 2022. The increase of $826,047 in cash used by operating activities was primarily due to a decrease in convertible debt for the exchange to preferred shares, non-cash stock compensation expense, and the removal of non-cash derivative liabilities. The Company has had no revenues.

Cash provided by investing activities for the year ended June 30, 2023 was $11,101,386, and cash used by investing activities as of the prior period ended June 30, 2022 was $24,400,032. The increase of $35,501,418 in cash provided by investing activities was a result of the net redemption and purchase of marketable securities of $45,535,232, and the purchase of investment in affiliate of $7,000,000 and the purchase of long term convertible note, affiliate of $3,000,000, and the purchase of equipment in the amount of $33,814.

Cash provided by financing activities during the year ended June 30, 2023 was $2,665,203, compared to cash used by financing of $(490,000) for the year ended June 30, 2022. The increase in cash provided by financing activities was due to an increase in cash provided through sales of our common stock.

We have historically obtained funding from investors, through private placements and registered offerings of equity and debt securities. Management believes that the Company will be able to continue to raise funds through the sale of its securities to its existing shareholders and prospective new investors which will provide the additional cash needed to meet the Company’s obligations as they become due and will allow the Company to continue to develop its core business. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue raising the required capital for our operations on terms and conditions that are acceptable to us, or at all. If we are unable to obtain sufficient funds, we may be forced to curtail and/or cease our operation.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, result of operations, liquidity or capital expenditures.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to impairment of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, deferred tax assets and fair value computation using the Binomial lattice valuation pricing model. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions, such as the trading value of our common stock and estimated future undiscounted cash flows, that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions; however, we believe that our estimates, including those for the above-described items, are reasonable.

Use of Estimates

In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, management utilizes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. These estimates and assumptions relate to recording, useful lives and impairment of tangible and intangible assets, derivatives, accruals, income taxes, stock-based compensation expense, binomial model inputs and other factors. Management believes it has exercised reasonable judgment in deriving these estimates. Consequently, a change in conditions could affect these estimates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value of financial instruments, requires disclosure of the fair value information, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, where it is practicable to estimate that value. As of June 30, 2023 and 2022, the amounts reported for cash, accrued interest and other expenses, notes payables, and derivative liability approximate the fair value because of their short maturities.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Management adopted recently issued accounting pronouncements during the year ended June 30, 2023, as disclosed in the Notes to the financial statements included in this report.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk.

Not required for a smaller reporting company.

Item 8. Financial Statements.

All financial information required by this Item is attached hereto at the end of this report beginning on page F-1 and is hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. 

Our management, with the participation of our CEO and our Acting CFO, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and our Acting CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed is made known to management and others, as appropriate, to allow timely decision regarding required disclosure and that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and Acting CFO, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. A controls system cannot provide absolute assurance, however, that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and board of directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2023 based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013). Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of June 30, 2023, based on those criteria.

A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permanently exempt smaller reporting companies.

Changes in Internal Controls 

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended June 30, 2023 that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.

Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections. 

Not applicable.

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The following table sets forth information about our executive officers and directors:

Timothy Young – President, CEO, Acting CFO and Chairman of the Board of Directors

Tim Young is an accomplished executive with over fifteen years of management experience in media and Internet technology companies. Mr. Young was appointed President, CEO and Chairman of the Company in August 2009. Mr. Young was appointed Acting CFO in 2010.

Through his outreach to the public and to leaders in the renewable energy field, Mr. Young has bolstered the company’s visibility as a key player in the developing green hydrogen market and rallied a strong investor base. Mr. Young’s proven fundraising ability, along with his leadership and direction of SunHydrogen’s long-term and short-term goals and strategies, has enabled the company to engage international industrial partners, attract top industry scientists, and most importantly continue to hit milestones toward commercializing its nanoparticle-based green hydrogen technology.

Prior to founding SunHydrogen, Mr. Young demonstrated a track record of success in management and leadership positions bringing new products to the market in the digital, cable and broadcast media industries. Mr. Young was the President of Rovion, a digital advertising company, where he increased revenues through a channel sales strategy that included companies such as Clear Channel, Disney, CBS, and Fox Television and bolstered the company’s technical capabilities through strategic acquisitions.

Prior to Rovion, Mr. Young enjoyed a decade-long career at Time Warner Inc. where he served as Vice President and Regional Vice President of various divisions including America Online and Time Warner Cable. During his tenure, Mr. Young built some of the highest performing sales organizations at Time Warner with responsibilities ranging from product development and marketing to staff training and leadership development. He led the California and Hawaii sales teams which accounted for over $200 million in revenues with 250 sales and marketing personnel.

Mr. Young’s track record of success and over fifteen years of management and leadership experience bringing new products to the market qualifies him to be a board member of the Company.

Mark J. Richardson – Director

Mr. Richardson was appointed as a director in June 2018. Mr. Richardson has been a securities lawyer since he graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1978. He practiced as an associate and partner in large law firms until 1993, when he established his own practice under the name Richardson & Associates. He has been the principal securities counsel on a variety of equity and debt placements for corporations, partnerships, and real estate companies. His practice includes public and private offerings, venture capital placements, debt restructuring, compliance with federal and state securities laws, representation of publicly traded companies, Nasdaq filings, corporate law, partnerships, joint ventures, mergers, asset acquisitions, and stock purchase agreements. As a partner in a major international law firm in the 1980’s, Mr. Richardson participated in the leveraged buyout and recapitalization of a well-known producer of animated programming for children, financed by Prudential Insurance and Bear Stearns, Inc. He was also instrumental in restructuring the public debentures of a real estate company without resorting to a bankruptcy proceeding. From 1986 to 1993 Mr. Richardson was a contributing author to State Limited Partnerships Laws – California Practice Guide, Prentice Hall Law and Business. Prior to receiving his Juris Doctor degree cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School in 1978, Mr. Richardson received a Bachelor of Science degree summa cum laude in Resource Economics from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources in 1975, where he earned the Bankstrom Prize for academic excellence and achieved Phi Beta Kappa honors. Mr. Richardson is an active member of the Los Angeles County and California State Bar Associations, including the Section on Corporations, Business and Finance and the Section on Real Estate.

The Board has determined that Mr. Richardson is qualified to serve as a director because of his extensive experience as a practicing attorney representing small companies.

Woosuk Kim – Chief Operating Officer and Director

Woosuk Kim has served as our chief operating officer and director since April 1, 2021. From May 2011 to December 2019, Mr. Kim was senior vice president, head of M&A group at SK Innovation in Seoul, South Korea, responsible for expanding core businesses and developing new business opportunities in the renewable energy sector through cross border acquisitions and joint venture transactions. From August 2009 to May 2011 Mr. Kim was vice president, corporate development at SK Telekom. From August 2006 to March 2008, Mr. Kim was chief financial officer at Axon Financial Services in New York. From July 1998 to August 2006, Mr. Kim was executive director at Morgan Stanley in New York, responsible for developing and operating multi-billion dollar asset-backed securities funding platforms, investor marketing, and the corporate treasury function for Discover Card. He received an MBA from Cornell University and a BA from the University of Chicago.

Mr. Kim’s financial industry knowledge and experience qualify him to serve on our board of directors.

Directors are elected at our annual meeting of shareholders and serve for one year until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are elected and qualified.

Family Relationships

There are no family relationships among our executive officers and directors.

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

Although we have not adopted a formal policy on whether the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions should be separate or combined, we have traditionally determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to combine these roles. Currently, our Chief Executive Officer also serves as Chairman of the Board. Due to the small size and early stage of the Company, we believe it is currently most effective to have the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions combined.

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

During the past ten years, none of our directors, executive officers, promoters, control persons, or nominees has been:

Committees of the Board

Due to the small size of the Company and its Board of Directors, we currently have no audit committee, compensation committee or nominations and governance committee of our board of directors. We do not have an audit committee financial expert.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees. A copy of the Code of Ethics can be obtained without charge upon request to Timothy Young, CEO and President, BioVentures Center, 2500 Crosspark Road, Coralville, IA 52241 and is also being incorporated by reference herein. Any waiver of the provisions of the Code of Ethics for executive officers and directors may be made only by the Board of Directors. Any such waivers will be promptly disclosed to our shareholders.

Changes in Nominating Procedures

None.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The table below sets forth the compensation earned by our named executive officers during the last two fiscal years.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table discloses information regarding outstanding equity awards granted or accrued as of June 30, 2023, for our named executive officers.

Director Compensation

The following table sets forth compensation information regarding the Company’s non-employee directors in fiscal 2023:

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The following table sets forth certain information, as of September 28, 2023, concerning the number of shares of our common stock owned by: (i) each of our directors; (ii) each of our named executive officers; and (iii) each person or group known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock.  

We believe that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock beneficially owned by them.

A person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities that can be acquired by him within 60 days of September 28, 2023, upon the exercise or conversion of options, warrants or convertible securities. Each beneficial owner’s percentage ownership is determined by assuming that options, warrants or convertible securities that are held by him, but not those held by any other person, and which are exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 2023 or have been exercised and converted. 

Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans

On January 23, 2019, our Board adopted the Company’s 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”). The stated purpose of the 2019 Plan is to promote the success of the Company and to increase stockholder value by providing an additional means through the grant of awards to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected employees and other eligible persons. The maximum number of shares of the Company’s common stock that can be issued under the Plan is 300,000,000. The Plan has been approved by stockholders.

On January 27, 2022, our Board adopted the Company’s 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”). The stated purpose of the 2022 Plan is to attract and retain the types of employees, consultants, and directors who will contribute to the Company’s long-range success. The maximum number of shares of the Company’s common stock that can be issued under the 2022 Plan is initially 400,000,000. The number of shares will automatically be increased on the first day of the Company’s fiscal year beginning in 2023 so that the total number of shares issuable will at all times equal fifteen percent (15%) of the Company’s fully diluted capitalization on the first day of the Company’s fiscal year, unless the Board adopts a resolution providing that the number of shares issuable under the 2022 Plan shall not be so increased.

The following table sets forth information about our equity compensation plans as of June 30, 2023.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 

As of June 30, 2023, the Company owed $143,459 to Timothy Young for a loan payable for the payment of operating expenses in prior periods.

Director Independence 

The Board has determined that Mr. Richardson is an independent director within the meaning of NASDAQ Rule 5605(a)(2).

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Audit Fees

The aggregate fees billable to us by our principal accounting firm during the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 for the audit of our annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in our Form 10-Qs or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years, were approximately $32,000 and $32,000, respectively.

Audit-Related Fees

We incurred fees of $0 and $0 for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, to our principal accountant for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees” above.

Tax Fees

We did not incur fees for services rendered to us for tax compliance, tax advice, or tax planning by our principal accountant for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022. 

All Other Fees

Our current policy is to not engage M&K CPAS, PLLC to provide, among other things, bookkeeping services, appraisal or valuation services, or international audit services. The policy provides that we engage M&K CPAS, PLLC to provide audit, and other assurance services, such as review of SEC reports or filings.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(1) Financial statements.

The SunHydrogen, Inc. financial statements are included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

(2) Financial statement schedules: None.

(3) Exhibits

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.

None.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (PCAOB ID No. 2738)

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

SunHydrogen, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of SunHydrogen, Inc. (the Company) as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, and the related statements of operations, shareholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended June 30, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended June 30, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and the significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Capital Stock and Other Equity Accounts

As discussed in Note 3, the Company issued preferred stock to third parties in exchange for convertible note principal and accrued interest. Auditing management’s calculation of the fair value of the preferred shares issued can be a significant judgment due to the need of a specialist to evaluate the fair value of the preferred shares issued and the auditor has to test the inputs and estimates used.

Auditing management’s calculation of the fair value of the preferred shares issued can be a significant judgment given the fact that the Company uses management estimates on various inputs to the calculations.

We evaluated management’s conclusions regarding their fair values and reviewed support for the significant inputs used in the valuation model, as well as assessing the model for reasonableness. In addition, we evaluated the Company’s disclosure in relation to this matter included in Notes 3 to the financial statements.

/s/ M&K CPAS, PLLC

M&K CPAS, PLLC

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020

Houston, TX

September 29, 2023

SUNHYDROGEN, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

SUNHYDROGEN, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2023 AND 2022

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited financial statements

SUNHYDROGEN, INC.
STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY/(DEFICIT)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2023 AND 2022

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited financial statements

SUNHYDROGEN, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2023 AND 2022

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited financial statements

SUNHYDROGEN, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS –AUDITED

JUNE 30, 2023 AND 2022