#South Korea #Seoul #LG Energy Solution #Battery Innovation #Research Funding

LG Energy Solution Introduces 'Battery Innovation Contest (BIC) 2025'

In a bold move to bolster its leadership in advanced battery technologies, LG Energy Solution has officially launched the 'Battery Innovation Contest (BIC) 2025'. This international research competition seeks to identify and fund pioneering battery innovations, aimed at revolutionizing the energy storage landscape. Interested researchers and innovators from universities and research institutions around the globe are encouraged to submit their proposals by January 31, 2025, via the dedicated platform at LG Energy Solution's BRIDGE.

Continued Commitment to Innovation

Since its inception in 2017, the BIC has been a cornerstone of LG Energy Solution's strategy to foster academic collaboration and technological advancement. The 2025 edition introduces significant enhancements intended to deepen the interaction between industry and academia. Selected participants can receive annual funding of up to $150,000, with potential for further support for projects demonstrating exceptional progress.

In a departure from previous formats, this year's competition focuses on specific research themes pre-announced by LG Energy Solution, designed to maximize collaboration benefits. A spokesperson from the company expressed that by narrowing down research areas, they aim to strengthen the synergy between academic researchers and industrial applications.

Facilitating Collaboration through BRIDGE

At the heart of this renewed initiative is the introduction of the 'BRIDGE' system, a dynamic platform designed to streamline open innovation efforts like BIC. This system enhances collaboration by providing tools that allow participating teams to track objectives and outcomes efficiently. LG Energy Solution has outlined 18 targeted research topics on the BRIDGE platform. These topics encompass critical developments such as battery safety diagnostics and new materials for Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries.

Despite these specified areas of focus, the contest maintains its original spirit, allowing teams to present innovative and unique research ideas that challenge the status quo.

Protecting Intellectual Contributions

To ensure the protection of participants' original concepts, LG Energy Solution has refined the application process into two stages. Initially, participants submit concise proposals, followed by a detailed submission from those shortlisted. This structure not only safeguards ideas but also encourages comprehensive and thoughtful project proposals.

CTO Je-Young Kim highlighted the role of the BIC platform as a conduit fostering innovation, noting, "The BIC acts as a bridge of wisdom connecting academia and industry, propelling technological advancements in the vital battery sector. Through this initiative, we aim to provide unique value to our customers by fortifying our technological leadership."

Impact of BIC on the Battery Sector

To date, LG Energy Solution has supported a total of 26 research projects through the BIC initiative. Many of these projects have transcended the initial funding stages and evolved into extensive collaborations, significantly expanding their scope and impact. The success of the competition has enabled LG Energy Solution to form lasting partnerships with leading academic institutions worldwide, reaffirming its commitment to preparing for the future of battery technology.

About LG Energy Solution

As a spinoff from LG Chem, LG Energy Solution is recognized as a global leader in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries. With three decades of cutting-edge technology development, the company holds over 58,000 patents in the battery domain. Dedicated to fostering a sustainable battery ecosystem, LG Energy Solution aims for carbon neutrality across its operations by 2050 while championing a culture of shared growth and inclusivity. For more insights into the company’s initiatives, please visit LG Energy Solution's news site.