Results of Hackathon on Carbon Capture Technology

The Central Mine Planning and Design Institute, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited under India’s Ministry of Coal, declared the results of the Hackathon on Carbon Capture Technology, conducted from 12th May, 2025 to 10th June, 2025.

The hackathon focused on three problem statements,

1. Direct Air Capture (DAC) of GHG
2. Geological storage of captured CO2 in the coal-bearing regions of India.
3. Development of carbon capture-based bio-fuel utilising algae cultured in the mine pit lakes.

On the problem statement of ‘Direct Air Capture of Greenhouse Gases,’ Mumbai-based Urjanovac emerged as the winner, while the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu came second, and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad secured the second and third place, respectively.

On the second problem statement, ‘Geological Storage of captured CO2 in the coal-bearing regions of India,’ NIT Calicut emerged victorious. TechX Earth Space became the first runner up, and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad became the second runner up.

Algae Labs from Tamil Nadu secured first place on the third problem statement, ‘Development of carbon capture-based biofuel utilising algae cultured in the mine pit lakes’. North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, Assam, secured second place, while Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR) came third.

A total of 24 proposals were received on three problem statements. The top five proposals for each problem statement were selected through evaluation criteria and were presented before distinguished judges.

This hackathon saw participation from startups, academic institutions, research bodies, corporations and non-profit organisations.

Participants came up with innovative solutions that align with India’s climate goals and net-zero targets. Winners will get a chance to collaborate with industry experts, solve real-world challenges and drive an impactful change in the energy sector by developing sustainable solutions for carbon management.