#South Korea #Seoul #LG Energy Solution #Battery Innovation #BIC 2025

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

LG Energy Solution is taking a significant step in promoting innovation in battery technologies with the launch of the 'Battery Innovation Contest (BIC) 2025'. This international competition is designed to discover and support cutting-edge advancements in the field of battery technology, and it is open for submissions until January 31, 2025. Researchers from universities and research institutions around the globe are encouraged to participate by submitting their proposals at the dedicated contest portal hosted on the company’s website.

Since its inception in 2017, the BIC has been a cornerstone of LG Energy Solution’s commitment to fostering research and innovation in battery technology. This year’s contest has been revamped to maximize collaboration between industry professionals and academics. Selected researchers will have the opportunity to receive funding of up to USD 150,000 annually for their projects, with potential for additional funding awarded to high-achieving initiatives through extended contractual agreements.

One of the noteworthy changes in the BIC 2025 is the emphasis on collaborative research. Participants will be able to submit proposals based on 18 predefined research topics announced by LG Energy Solution. This strategic shift aims to not only support the academic community but also to create mutual benefits for both sectors. Topics focus on critical aspects of battery technology, including safety protocols and innovative materials for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.

To further enhance the collaborative process, LG Energy Solution has introduced the 'BRIDGE' system. This new platform is designed to facilitate open innovation, allowing for smoother interactions between academic researchers and industry stakeholders. The BRIDGE system features tools that assist project teams in tracking their progress towards research objectives and deliverables, thus fostering a productive research environment.

As part of the initiative to protect the intellectual property of participants, the application process for BIC 2025 will now consist of two stages. Researchers will first submit concise initial proposals, and those who advance will provide a more detailed submission. This two-stage approach aims to safeguard the unique ideas of all competitors, ensuring that original concepts are respected and protected during the review process.

“The BIC platform serves as a vital communication bridge between academia and industry, driving essential innovation in the battery sector,” expressed Je-Young Kim, Chief Technology Officer at LG Energy Solution. “Through this program, we aim to offer distinct value to our customers by reinforcing our leadership in battery technology.”

To date, LG Energy Solution has invested in 26 research projects through the BIC initiative. Some of these projects have evolved into large-scale research endeavors that continue to receive additional funding and resources, further illustrating the company's dedication to technological progress within the battery industry. The ongoing success of the BIC contest has also allowed LG Energy Solution to forge partnerships with leading universities and research institutions across the globe, demonstrating a robust commitment to preparing the future landscape of battery technology.

About LG Energy Solution

LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), emerging from LG Chem, stands as a premier global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries contributing to electric vehicles, information technology, and energy storage systems. With over three decades of expertise in transformative battery technology and an extensive research and development framework, the company holds the title of the top patent holder in the battery sector, boasting over 58,000 patents. LG Energy Solution operates globally through a network that spans North America, Europe, and Asia, ensuring its influence in the manufacturing of batteries through strategic partnerships with major automotive stakeholders. The company is also committed to achieving carbon neutrality across its entire operational value chain by the year 2050, championing sustainable practices and inclusive corporate culture in its mission to foster shared growth and innovation. For more information on LG Energy Solution, please visit official website.