South Korean battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution is once again seeking research projects with commercial potential as part of its Battery Innovation Contest (BIC). The tenth edition of the competition is open to universities and research institutions worldwide. Applications have been accepted since 29 October via the company’s in-house innovation platform, BRIDGE.
The competition comprises two categories. In the so-called ‘Thematic Call’, LG Energy Solution specifies research topics identified by its own product development departments. According to the company, the number of these topics has been significantly increased for this year’s edition. They range from battery materials and cells to battery management systems (BMS) and applications of artificial intelligence.
In the ‘Open-Topic Call’, researchers can submit their own research approaches from various fields of battery technology. This allows LG Energy Solution to address specific industry challenges while also incorporating new ideas from the research community.
LGES has funded around 50 research projects since 2017
To protect research ideas, LG Energy Solution uses a two-stage application process. Initially, applicants are only required to submit a brief project outline. Full research proposals are requested only after a pre-selection. This approach ensures that applicants not selected in the first round do not have to disclose extensive details of their research prematurely. Submissions and subsequent project management are handled via the BRIDGE platform.
Since the competition’s launch in 2017, LG Energy Solution has supported around 50 research projects, according to the company. Particularly promising approaches can be further developed in the Frontier Research Laboratory (FRL), a collaborative research initiative between the battery manufacturer, universities, and research institutions that provides additional funding and technical support.
As an example of past achievements, LG Energy Solution cites a physics-based model for accelerating calculations in battery management systems, for which a patent application is currently pending. The company also highlights research into a long-life solid-state battery that can operate at room temperature, with results published in the journal Science in 2019.
In parallel with funding external research projects, LG Energy Solution is expanding its own battery portfolio. The South Korean manufacturer is reportedly set to supply novel 46100 cylindrical cells for future Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles. Production could begin preparations in 2027, with deliveries scheduled to start in 2028. However, these plans have not yet been officially confirmed.
Through this competition, LG Energy Solution aims to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia and accelerate the practical application of new technologies. Research proposals can be submitted until 6 December 2026 via bridge.lgensol.com.
