The story about REFAL Hackathon: Maximizing the value of apple biomass

REFAL Hackathon

REFAL Group integrates fruit and vegetable producers from the Sandomierz area, one of the key Polish apple growing regions, where fruit growing has been present for many generations. The REFAL Group is engaged in the storage, sorting and sale of apples and other fruits and vegetables. The area of ​​orchards of the Group members is over 250 ha, while apple production is approx. 15,000 tons per year. In this hackathon the main challenge was to find innovative product or technological solutions that will allow to increase the value of sound biomass from apples damaged by weather conditions. After closing the call for applications 6 teams from Poland, Germany and Finland were selected to join the final Hackathon Days which were organized in REFAL’s premises near Sandomierz (Poland) in April 24-25, 2025.

Read more about the process from the interview with Damian Kuznowicz from PRO CIVIS Foundation, the organization that coordinated REFAL Hackathon.

What makes BioBoosters Hackathon unique?

This is our second hackathon organized in the BioBoosters project, but it can be said that it is completely new experience. The challenge in REFAL Hackathon focused on valorisation of apple biomass. It is very different than our previous hackathon in which we were facing recycling of carpets in trade fairs company. We also encountered many technical issues along the way, because the hackathon was actually help in empty warehouse. PRO CIVIS team needed to prepare the facility in order to provide room for general assemblies, mentoring and jury sessions. This itself was challenging but we managed to tackle all of the barriers and prepared a really successful event.

In this context the BioBoosters hackathon concept is unique because it is ready and prepared for different companies and challenges. The whole process was repeated like the first time and the results were even better. We and our BioBoosters partners managed to attract 17 applicants from different countries. The participating teams presented exceptionally innovative solutions that thoroughly impressed everyone involved. These teams from Poland, Finland and Germany brought different perspectives and expertise to the challenge. This international collaboration fostered a broad view on different approaches to apple biomass valorization, leading to truly groundbreaking ideas. The challenge provider was not only amazed but genuinely surprised by the sheer quality and innovativeness of the solutions put forth by the participants. Their expectations were clearly exceeded by the talent and dedication of the teams and the effectiveness of our hackathon model.

The success of the REFAL Hackathon underscores the immense potential of collaborative innovation in addressing real-world industrial challenges. By bringing together diverse minds from various backgrounds and geographical locations, we fostered an environment for creative problem-solving. The interdisciplinary nature of the teams, combining expertise in areas such as biotechnology, engineering and business development was a key factor resulting in the proposed solutions.

Beyond the technical innovations, the hackathon also served as a valuable networking platform. Participants had the opportunity to connect with industry experts and fellow innovators, preparing base for future collaborations and business ventures. The mentoring sessions, led by professionals in the bioeconomy sectors and business development, provided valuable guidance and constructive feedback, helping teams refine their ideas and develop viable business models.

The positive feedback received from all stakeholders – participants, mentors, jury members, and especially the challenge provider – validates our approach and reinforces our commitment to the BioBoosters project. It highlights the critical role hackathons can play in accelerating the transition to a more circular and sustainable bioeconomy. The REFAL Hackathon, in particular, demonstrated how a seemingly niche challenge like apple biomass valorization can unlock a wealth of innovative possibilities with significant economic and environmental benefits. The solutions presented have the potential to not only reduce waste but also create new revenue streams for the agricultural sector and contribute to the development of novel bio-based products. That is the reason why our next hackathon proved the uniqueness of the BioBoosters method.

What is the impact of the BioBoosters Hackathon?

The BioBoosters Hackathon leaves a significant impact, extending far beyond the competition aspect. One of its most crucial contributions is the fostering of networking and cooperation. This isn’t just about the challenge provider connecting with the winning teams. It’s also about building bridges between the participating teams themselves. We’ve witnessed incredible synergy emerge, with teams from diverse backgrounds and expertise exchanging ideas, forming new relationships and even initiating future collaborative projects.

Beyond the problem-solving, the hackathon environment is designed to encourage a balanced experience. Over the two days, participants not only engage in hard work and focused innovation but also enjoy free and relaxing time with their competitors. This informal interaction is just as valuable as the formal sessions. It breaks down barriers, fosters cooperation and allow discussions that can spark new ideas or strengthen existing bonds. This blend of intensive work and relaxed social engagement cultivates a unique atmosphere of cooperative competition.

The most profound impact of the BioBoosters Hackathon lies in its ability to create added value on various levels for all participants. For the challenge provider, it means access to a diverse pool of innovative solutions to real-world problems, often at a speed and with a creativity that in-house teams might struggle to match. For the participating teams, it’s an opportunity to check their skills, gain practical experience, expand their professional networks, and potentially launch their own ventures. Even those who don’t win gain invaluable insights, feedback, and exposure. Mentors and jury members benefit from engaging with cutting-edge ideas and connecting with emerging talent. In essence, the hackathon acts as a catalyst, generating tangible benefits and accelerating progress across the entire ecosystem it touches.

What kind of help you got from the international partnership in organizing a BioBoosters Hackathon?

Our network of partners was crucial for the success of the hackathon. They played a huge role in finding solution providers and widely disseminating marketing information through their extensive communication channels. This broad outreach significantly contributed to attracting a diverse pool of talented participants. We were also fortunate to receive invaluable support in securing external mentors. Specifically, JAMK University of Applied Sciences and the Estonian University of Life Sciences provided exceptional mentors who guided the teams in developing their innovative ideas. Their experience and insights were crucial in shaping the solutions. Furthermore, as our leading partner, JAMK University of Applied Sciences offered continuous and expert support with all organizational aspects, including managing the Howspace platform. Their advice was consistently valuable, ensuring a smooth and well-coordinated event.

What lessons would you like to share with other Hackathon organizers?

It’s crucial to thoroughly understand the entire hackathon process and each individual step. Organizers need to be flexible and adaptable when collaborating with diverse challenge providers, as companies often come with their own unique expectations and specific conditions. By clearly knowing the purpose of each stage, you can effectively communicate with the company, explaining where you are in the process and the rationale behind every decision. After all, nobody wants to waste the most valuable resource on Earth: time.

A key aspect of a successful hackathon organizer is being highly reactive and engaged. You must actively interact with the teams, providing support at every stage. This is particularly important because, for many participants, it’s their first hackathon experience. They’ll likely need guidance on everything from understanding the challenge brief to refining their ideas and preparing their final presentations. Your role isn’t just to facilitate. It’s to be a mentor, a problem-solver, and a constant source of encouragement. This continuous interaction builds confidence among the teams and ensures they feel supported throughout what can be an intense and challenging experience.

Another critical element is dedicating enough time to planning the final hackathon days and effectively delegating tasks within the organizing team. Every participant needs to feel confident that the organizers are in complete control of the event, with no room for improvisation in critical areas. This means meticulously mapping out timelines, assigning responsibilities for everything from technical setup to mentor scheduling, and clearly communicating roles. However, it’s also true that one can never plan for everything; reality often throws unexpected curveballs. When issues inevitably arise, it’s vital to remain calm and address problems proactively.

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