LG Energy Solution, South Korea’s top battery maker, has launched a new program inviting startups to submit proposals featuring innovative battery technologies. The initiative, known as the Open Submission for Startup (OSS), aims to foster collaboration through joint research, development opportunities, or potential investments after a thorough evaluation process.
Promising proposals will be matched with LG’s internal research teams, supporting the company’s long-term vision of advancing next-generation energy solutions through external partnerships.
Depending on the outcome of LG’s evaluation process, selected participants may receive support through joint research, equity investment, production cooperation, or technology licensing.
Startups worldwide with expertise in battery or energy technologies are invited to participate. The program currently accepts two types of submissions. The “Need-Based” category targets six priority areas identified by LG Energy Solution: materials, cell, cell process, pack, battery management system (BMS), and system. Applications for this track must be submitted by June 30.
The second track, “Open Topic,” is open year-round and welcomes innovative ideas beyond the defined categories. This track encourages submissions across broader fields such as energy storage systems, solid-state batteries, life cycle management, recycling, and sustainability. Proposals will be reviewed for their potential to push the boundaries of battery innovation.
LG Energy Solution has set up a dedicated page on its BRIDGE platform, an online system designed to connect external partners with the company’s research departments to simplify access. The platform also helps manage proposal goals and outcomes, supporting smoother coordination during joint projects.
“Open innovation is key to bringing new technologies to life,” said Kim Je-young, Chief Technology Officer of LG Energy Solution. “Through collaboration with external partners, we aim to stay ahead in the fast-changing battery industry and drive the development of next-generation technologies.”
In addition to the OSS program, LG Energy Solution operates several open innovation initiatives to support external collaboration and technology development. These include the biennial Battery Challenge, an international competition to discover promising startups, and the Battery Innovation Contest (BIC), which funds advanced research at universities and institutions worldwide. The company seeks to foster joint development and accelerate progress in next-generation battery technologies through these efforts.
Further strengthening its academic ties, LG Energy Solution recently expanded its industry-academia cooperation center at Seoul National University. Initially focused on chemistry and chemical engineering, the center now includes mechanical engineering, reflecting a broader approach to research collaboration. These initiatives align with the company’s long-term strategy to lead the global battery sector through innovation and strategic partnerships.
