LG Energy Solution, the global South-Korean lithium-ion manufacturer, has announced the start of its 2025 innovation and collaboration initiative, OSS. The programme is designed to promote technical collaboration with startups on an ongoing basis. The proposals will be matched with relevant research departments within LG.
“Open innovation is an important strategy for realising innovative technologies and ideas,” said Kim Je-young, chief technology officer of LG Energy Solution. “We will lead the global market and focus on developing next-generation battery technologies through cooperation with various external partners amid rapid changes in the battery industry.”
LG Energy Solution, a split-off from LG Chem, offers qualified participants collaboration opportunities such as joint research and development projects and even equity investment. OSS is open to any startups with strong expertise and innovative technology in the energy sector. Eligibility will be expanded to include SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and large corporations in the second half of 2025.
Two types of submission are accepted: Need-based OSS and Open Topic OSS. Need-Based OSS targets projects that are aligned with LG Energy Solution’s internal needs across six areas: Materials, Cell, Cell Process, Pack, BMS, and System, with submissions due by June 30. Open-Topic OSS welcomes outstanding ideas on any topic, with a submission deadline of December 31. Applications for OSS can be submitted through the interactive BRIDGE system (https://bridge.lgensol.com/).
LG Energy Solution runs several other open innovation programs. For example, the company hosts the biennial international startup competition Battery Challenge, and funds cutting-edge research at universities and labs through the Battery Innovation Contest (BIC). The company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 69,600 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, and Asia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers.
Image: LG Energy Solution’s SK research centre. Credit: LGES
