CHEMKATON is an innovative and dynamic event that challenges students to explore the world of chemistry through both Project Based Learning (PBL) and Competition Based Learning (CBL). This event has become a platform where young minds from around the world converge to solve real-world problems using scientific knowledge, creativity, and teamwork.

The competition is structured in two main rounds. The first round is the elimination phase, during which teams present their initial projects. The task was to prepare the liquid mixture, generating the lowest temperature at 4 minutes. Here, each team is evaluated based on the originality of their concept and reached results. Teams could compose their sets using only the materials from a shop with everyday goods, not chemical professional ones. This phase was a remote task. From the announcement to the final, the teams had one month to prepare the experiment, describe it in a report, shoot a video and send it to the organizers. The organizers repeated the experiments in laboratory conditions and assessed the results and effects.

In the second phase, the competition intensifies as the top 10 teams engage in a head-to-head battle of ideas and technical prowess. This round is designed to test not only the teams’ deep understanding of chemical principles but also their ability to adapt under pressure, collaborate effectively, and think strategically in a fast-paced environment. Among the diverse pool of participants, teams from Japan and China were notable for their impressive projects and innovative approaches, reflecting the global appeal and high level of competition at CHEMKATON. The teams had 24 hours to develop the process and equipment, test solutions and submit the final products for measurement and evaluation by the competition jury.

The final competition topic was particularly inspiring: teams were tasked with developing a method for producing fuel from waste fruit and vegetables and simultaneously constructing electric batteries using fruits and vegetables and samples of different metals. This challenge not only required a thorough understanding of chemical processes and catalysis or biotechnology but also an appreciation of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Participants experimented with various chemical or biochemical (fermentation) reactions and innovative processing techniques to convert organic waste into a viable energy source, showcasing the transformative potential of chemistry in addressing global environmental issues. The results were judged according to strict rules with three-point scoring. This added drama to the finale of the competition.

Throughout the event, CHEMKATON demonstrated its commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

Ultimately, CHEMKATON serves as a beacon of innovation and a testament to the power of education in shaping future scientists and engineers. By combining the rigors of academic inquiry with the excitement of competition, the event inspires students to push the boundaries. The success of this year's edition, marked by international participation and groundbreaking projects like the fuel-from-waste or energy-from-waste challenge, sets a high standard for future competitions and reaffirms CHEMKATON's role as a global platform for young innovators in chemistry.

CHEMKATON international challenge was organized by the Faculty of Fuels and Energy at AGH University of Krakow, Poland, at the end of September 2024.

Keywords: Project Based Learning, Competition Based Learning, CHEMKATON, chemical challenge.