AdFiS products GmbH is actively seeking innovative solutions to enhance activated carbon production.

In its search for innovative concepts, technologies and processes to make production more energy-efficient and sustainable, AdFiS is specifically looking for new approaches to reduce the energy intensity of the activation process and for alternative raw materials and binders for activated carbon production.

Beyond exploring new business opportunities, AdFiS is open to research collaborations, pilot projects, and joint development efforts. Successfully solving this challenge could not only make the production more sustainable but also revolutionize the European activated carbon market – creating opportunities for new businesses and reducing reliance on imports. Additionally, with stricter regulations requiring the implementation of the fourth treatment stage in wastewater treatment plants, the demand for activated carbon is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

Depending on the stage of development, participants have the opportunity to engage in business cooperation, testing phases, or pilot projects to validate their concepts.

Watch the Launch Webinar from March 12, 2025, here.

What is the challenge about?

Activated carbon is made from carbon (e.g. charcoal), pressed into pellets and activated with water vapour at up to 900 °C. This energy-intensive process causes high CO₂ emissions. Europe only produces 20,000 tons per year, while 400,000 tons are imported – more sustainable production could reduce dependency.

At the same time, demand is increasing due to new regulations on wastewater treatment. More efficient production would be possible through:

• Energy savings: organic additives create porosity at just 450 °C.
• Higher productivity: Fine grain particles are re-pelletised with biological binders. The challenge is to find a binder that neither reduces adsorption capacity nor impairs pellet stability.

Ideas can focus on a single aspect of the production process or a combination of several elements. In addition, AdFiS welcomes innovative approaches that explore the integration of other plant-based raw materials into activated carbon production, potentially expanding the range of applications in agriculture, filtration and the chemical industry.

Find more details here.

Hackathon Participants

This Challenge is open for all interested teams: startups, established companies, research institutes, educational organizations, and other actors. Your team can also consist of collaboration between several organizations. The Hackathon is international and working language is English. Hackathon participation is free. We will also offer compensation for travel expenses to international teams from the Baltic Sea region (Norway, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania).

Read more about the rules HERE.

Why shoud you participate in the AdFiS Hackathon?

As a finalist, you will have a chance to establish long-term business or research cooperation. Furthermore, you get to:

• Establish cooperation and network with other companies and specialists withinterest to the same field
• Establish international contacts and connections in the field of your interest
• Test your ideas with feedback from a potential client and discover how to fit your solution idea to the needs of the end-users
• Develop the commercialization potential of your idea and discover new business opportunities with expert mentors’ support. With 400,000 tons of activated carbon imported from Asia annually and rising demand due to new wastewater treatment regulations, there is immense potential to unlock new markets in Europe by innovating production methods and establishing sustainable business models.
• Get international recognition and visibility for your teams’ know how

Ready, Steady, Go!

REGISTER YOUR TEAM HERE until April 11, 2025!

Evaluation Criteria

1. Technical Feasibility under consideration of quality parameters (e.g. hardness, inner pore surface): The technical feasibility of implementing the proposed solution is considered. This involves evaluating the availability of necessary resources, infrastructure and expertise required for successful implementation.
2. Economic Viability: The solution’s potential to become economically viable is evaluated. This includes assessing its market potential, cost-effectiveness, and potential for generating revenue or cost savings.
3. Sustainability: The extent to which the proposed solution aligns with sustainable practices and contributes to ecological preservation is assessed. This includes energy and resource efficiency as well as minimum environmental impact.
4. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements in Germany: The solution must in perspective comply with relevant regulations and standards in Germany. This includes environmental regulations, safety standards, and any other legal requirements applicable to the specific industry or sector.

Timetable

March 12, 2025, 13.00 CET: Publication of the Hackathon invitation in a webinar.

April 11, 2025, 16.00 CET: Deadline for submitting an application; The application includes your preliminary idea proposal and a short description of the expertise in your team.

April 17, 2025, 16.00 CET: Selection of teams published

April 28, 2025, 10.00-12.00 CET: Kick-off event of the AdFiS Hackathon organized as online event. Participant teams will meet each other and the AdFiS representatives to hear more about the challenge and expectations of AdFiS. Teams will present their preliminary ideas and get feedback for further development.

May 20-21, 2025: Hackathon will be organized at AdFiS production site in Teterow, Germany. On 20/05, the program will start in the afternoon with mentoring for the participant teams and networking in the evening. On 21/05, there will be a pitching session for presentations on teams’ solution proposals to AdFiS. After Jury deliberation, winner(s) are announced. Online participation is possible if you are not able to travel onsite.

What is AdFiS?

AdFiS Products GmbH from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern was founded with the aim of producing a new type of activated carbon called ‘dopetac sulfo 100’, which was developed in collaboration with Fraunhofer Institute. This activated carbon is characterised by its outstanding properties and has established itself as a leader in Germany since its market launch.

In Teterow, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the company produces around 1,800 tons of this high-quality activated carbon every year. In 2014, ‘dopetac sulfo 100’ was already the market leader in Germany.

The development and practical testing of the doped activated carbon made it possible to offer a special activated carbon for desulphurisation that is characterised by the highest and fastest absorption capacity for sulphur. The activated carbon is produced on the basis of charcoal and a sugar-water-based binder, which makes it environmentally friendly and versatile. The patented doping process allows the activated carbon to be modified for general adsorption as well as for specialised applications.

The product range includes:

Activated carbon:

• Desulphurisation
• exhaust air purification
• Siloxane removal
• Ammonia removal
• Carbonisates
• Production

Filter systems:

• Activated carbon filters
• Duct filters
• Pipe insert filter / pipe filter
• Small filters