LG Energy Solution has introduced its Open Submission for Startup (OSS) program, a year-round initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration with innovative startups in the energy sector. Launched on May 12, 2025, the OSS program seeks proposals from global startups and, from the second half of the year, will expand eligibility to include small and medium-sized enterprises as well as large corporations. Selected participants will be matched with relevant research teams at LG Energy Solution to undergo technical evaluations, including proof-of-concept trials. Successful applicants may receive opportunities for joint research and development projects, equity investments, or other forms of partnership.
The OSS program offers two submission tracks. The Need-Based OSS track focuses on six priority areas—Materials, Cell, Cell Process, Pack, Battery Management Systems (BMS), and System—and accepts applications through June 30, 2025. The Open-Topic OSS track welcomes proposals on any topic related to energy innovation, with a submission deadline of December 31, 2025. All applications are managed via BRIDGE, LG Energy Solution’s integrated online platform that facilitates goal setting, deliverable tracking, and interactive project management between industry and academic partners.
Je-Young Kim, Chief Technology Officer at LG Energy Solution, emphasized the strategic importance of open innovation for accelerating breakthrough technologies and fostering industry-wide impact.
In addition to OSS, LG Energy Solution operates several other programs to nurture early-stage ventures and academic research. The biennial Battery Challenge competition identifies startups with novel ideas, while the Battery Innovation Contest (BIC) funds cutting-edge projects at universities and research laboratories. These initiatives aim to support partner growth, drive next-generation battery technologies, and reinforce LG Energy Solution’s leadership in the global battery market.
Through OSS and related programs, LG Energy Solution continues to build an ecosystem of collaborative research and commercialization, positioning itself at the forefront of advances in energy storage and electric mobility.
