LG Energy Solution Holds Battery Innovation ContestLG Energy Solution Holds Battery Innovation Contest

LG Energy Solution has launched its 'Battery Innovation Contest (BIC) 2025' to identify and support the next-generation of battery technologies.

Since 2017 with its inaugural event, BIC has been LG Energy Solution's flagship research contest. This year's contest has been revamped to foster greater collaboration between academia and industry.

Selected researchers will receive annual research funding of up to USD $150,000 annually. Additional funding may be granted to projects making significant achievements through extended contracts.

Unlike previous iterations of the competition, 'BIC 2025' allows participants to submit proposals on specific topics pre-announced by LG Energy Solution.

To facilitate active collaboration, LG Energy Solution introduced the 'BRIDGE' system (Building Research Initiatives & Driving Growth through Engagement), a platform designed to manage open innovation programs like BIC. The system facilitates seamless collaborations with features that help teams working on joint research projects track their objectives and deliverables.

LG Energy Solution has unveiled the preselected 18 research topics for collaborative projects on the BRIDGE platform, such as Battery Safety diagnosis algorithm technology and New materials for LFP Batteries topic. At the same time, the contest has its traditional format to ensure participants are free to propose completely original research ideas. All research proposals must be submitted through the BRIDGE system.

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To protect the original ideas of every participant, LG Energy Solution has split the application process into two stages: initial proposals that provide concise information, followed by detailed proposals from a shortlist of candidates. This change aims to safeguard the ideas of researchers not selected for funding.

"The BIC platform serves as a bridge of wisdom between members of academia and industry, driving technological innovation for the all-important battery sector," said Je-Young Kim, CTO of LG Energy Solution. "Through this initiative, we aim to provide differentiated value to our customers by strengthening our technology leadership."

LG Energy Solution has supported 26 battery research projects through the 'BIC' initiative thus far, with some evolving into large-scale projects that have received additional funding and resources. With the success of the program, the company continues to establish partnerships with world-leading universities and research institutions, reinforcing its commitment to preparing the battery field for the future.

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Innovators from universities and research institutions worldwide are encouraged to submit proposals until January 31, 2025.

With 30 years of experience in battery technology, LG Energy Solution, a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems.