LG Energy Solution has opened applications for its 2026 Battery Innovation Contest (BIC), inviting universities and research institutions worldwide to submit proposals for battery technology research. The tenth edition of the programme covers areas including battery materials, cell development, battery management systems and artificial intelligence.
Applications opened on October 29 and will be accepted until December 6, 2026, through the company’s BRIDGE innovation platform.
The competition is divided into two categories. The Thematic Call focuses on research subjects identified by LG Energy Solution’s product development teams, with the company increasing the number of designated topics for this year’s edition.
The Open-Topic Call allows researchers to propose their own projects across different areas of battery technology. The two approaches are intended to address specific development requirements while providing opportunities for researchers to introduce independent ideas.
Two-Stage Application Process
LG Energy Solution is using a two-stage submission process to protect research proposals and limit the amount of information applicants must disclose during the initial selection phase.
Researchers initially submit a brief project outline. Only applicants selected in the preliminary evaluation are asked to provide full research proposals.
The company said this approach reduces the need for researchers who are not selected in the first round to disclose detailed information about their work. Applications and subsequent project management are handled through the BRIDGE platform.
Around 50 Research Projects Supported Since 2017
Since launching the Battery Innovation Contest in 2017, LG Energy Solution has supported approximately 50 research projects, according to the company.
Selected projects with further development potential may receive additional support through the Frontier Research Laboratory (FRL). The initiative brings together LG Energy Solution, universities and research institutions to provide funding and technical resources for collaborative research.
The company cited several previous research outcomes, including a physics-based model designed to accelerate calculations in battery management systems. A patent application for the technology is currently pending.
Another example is research into a long-life solid-state battery capable of operating at room temperature. The findings were published in the journal Science in 2019.
Research Programme Supports Broader Battery Development
The contest forms part of LG Energy Solution’s efforts to collaborate with academic institutions and identify technologies that could be developed for commercial applications.
Alongside its external research partnerships, the company is continuing to develop its battery product portfolio. Reports have indicated that LG Energy Solution could supply new 46100 cylindrical battery cells for future Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles, with production preparations potentially beginning in 2027 and deliveries scheduled for 2028. However, these plans have not been officially confirmed.
Researchers and universities interested in participating in the 2026 Battery Innovation Contest can submit proposals through the BRIDGE platform at bridge.lgensol.com by December 6, 2026.