CiX GmbH

CiX Greentech is a German technology startup based in Erlangen, Bavaria, spun out of FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg's nanotechnology and materials science program. The company develops modular electrochemical water purification systems that use diamond electrodes to destroy persistent organic pollutants—particularly PFAS—through electrochemical oxidation rather than concentration or capture. Their core innovation reduces the anode-cathode gap to under 10 micrometers, achieving up to 75% lower energy consumption compared to conventional diamond electrode systems while enabling operation in low-conductivity water without chemical additives. The system generates hydroxyl radicals via electrocatalytic activation of diamond electrodes, breaking down pharmaceutical residues, hormones, bacteria, pesticides, and both long- and short-chain PFAS compounds. The modular design allows treatment capacity and duration to be configured for each application, and the robust electrode construction resists fouling and surface deposits, minimizing maintenance. CiX has secured nearly €1 million in EXIST Forschungstransfer funding, won 2nd place at the Science4Life Venture Cup 2025, and operates a pilot facility in collaboration with the Bavarian State Office for the Environment. The founding team includes Rudolf Borchardt (prototype design), Timo Fromm (funding and partnerships), Dr. Hanadi Ghanem (process engineering, 15 years in diamond electrode research), and Benjamin Seemann (business strategy). Target markets include industrial process water recycling, healthcare facility wastewater, and municipal PFAS-contaminated water supplies.