LG Energy Solution Opens Tenth Battery Innovation Contest
Universities and research institutions worldwide can apply to the contest through LG Energy Solution's BRIDGE platform.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
LG Energy Solution has launched the tenth edition of its Battery Innovation Contest for universities and research institutions worldwide. Applications opened on 29 October 2026 via the BRIDGE platform, with research proposals due 6 December 2026.
Why it matters
The contest supports early-stage battery research that could feed into future electric vehicle technology. The company has supported around 50 research projects since the contest began in 2017.
The contest is in its tenth edition and has funded around 50 research projects since 2017. Research proposal submissions close on 6 December 2026.
The players
LG Energy Solution
A South Korea-based battery manufacturer that organizes the contest and supplies lithium-ion cells to automakers.
The details
The contest comprises a Thematic Call and an Open-Topic Call, with the number of Thematic Call topics significantly increased this year. Applicants first submit a brief project outline, and full proposals are requested only after pre-selection.
Timeline
2017: Battery Innovation Contest launched.
29 October 2026: Applications opened via the BRIDGE platform.
6 December 2026: Research proposal submission deadline.
Roadmap
The contest is part of LG Energy Solution's longer-running effort to fund university battery research through its own innovation program since 2017. A 2019 solid-state battery study published in Science is among the research the company cites as an example of the program's output.
For readers, the contest's outcomes may eventually show up in longer-lasting or cheaper battery designs for electric vehicles. Mercedes-Benz is reportedly set to receive novel 46100 cylindrical cells from LG Energy Solution, with production preparations possibly starting in 2027.
The takeaway
Researchers at universities and institutions worldwide can apply to shape early battery science before full proposals are requested. Interested applicants should watch the 6 December 2026 deadline on the BRIDGE platform.
What happens next
Research proposals are due 6 December 2026, after which pre-selection will determine which applicants are asked for full proposals.
Further reading
Explore more on Electric Vehicles for context on battery development for future cars.
More information
Submit proposals through the Battery Innovation Contest proposal submission portal.
