AdFiS Hackathon: Germany's leading company is looking for more efficient methods to produce activated carbon

Key product for numerous industrial applications 

At its Teterow site, south of Rostock, AdFiS GmbH produces over 1,800 tons of activated carbon annually, holding the position of Germany’s market leader since 2014. Activated carbon plays a crucial role in purifying industrial gases, desulfurizing biogas, and filtering out siloxanes and hydrocarbons from combustion gases in wastewater treatment plants and landfills. It is considered a game changer in these applications, with demand already high and expected to rise further. Europe requires more than 400,000 tons annually, the majority of which is imported from Asia. 

However, producing activated carbon is highly energy-intensive, requiring temperatures of up to 900°C and generating substantial carbon dioxide emissions. At the same time, stricter pollutant regulations—particularly in wastewater treatment—are driving demand. This sector holds immense potential, as activated carbon is currently only widely used in select parts of Germany. Developing more efficient and energy-saving production methods is essential to boosting European output and reducing reliance on imports. 

Video | AdFiS Hackathon 2025 | Challenge Description – YouTube 

Open innovation competition 

The AdFiS Hackathon will focus on two areas: 1) increased energy efficiency in the activation process and 2) alternative binding agents to produce strong pellets from ~2% fine-grained material without blocking pores or reducing adsorption capacity. 

The Launch Webinar took place on March 12, 2025. The AdFiS hackathon is organized by WITENO GmbH as part of the BioBoosters project, which is funded with EU funds from the Interreg Baltic Sea Region program. Research in activated carbon has its roots in the Baltic Sea region—the hackathon and its connection to the Baltic Sea region build on this. 

The hackathon is open to startups, established companies, research and educational institutions, and other stakeholders. Participation is free of charge, working language is English. International teams from the Baltic Sea Region funding area (Norway, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) may apply for reimbursement of travel expenses. 

AdFiS Hackathon timetable 

March 12, 2025: Kick-off webinar 

April 11, 2025: Deadline for submission of project ideas 

April 17, 2025: Bekanntgabe der ausgewählten Hackathon-Teilnehmer 

April 28, 2025: Online kick-off with presentation of project proposals 

May 20-21, 2025: Hackathon at AdFIS GmbH, Teterow, Germany 

During the hackathon the project idea will be further developed and opportunities for collaboration within the innovation ecosystem will be explored. At the end of the hackathon, an expert jury consisting of representatives from AdFIS GmbH, supported by representatives from the organizers, will evaluate the proposals and select the winning team(s). 

Applications for the hackathon are now open! Teams are encouraged to submit their innovative proposals here. For more details, visit the official hackathon page. 

More Information 

Dr. Gudrun Mernitz Email: mernitz@witeno.de Phone: +49 151 15273020 Website: www.witeno.de 

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