KRICT successfully concludes the 2026 International Forum on Next-Generation Secondary Batteries

Amid intensifying global competition for technological leadership in secondary batteries, a major international platform for global collaboration and industry engagement has successfully concluded. The Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT, President Lee Young-kuk) announced that it successfully hosted the “2026 International Forum on Next-Generation Secondary Batteries” from February 5 to 6 at the Seoul Science and Technology Convention Center, with the participation of approximately 300 stakeholders from industry, academia, research institutes, and government.

The forum was organized by the Ministry of Science and ICT and hosted by KRICT’s Market-Leading Next-Generation Secondary Battery Innovation Strategy Research Group (Director: Myunghwan Kim, hereafter K-BIC). The event was designed to accelerate the early commercialization of next-generation battery technologies and to establish a global cooperation network capable of reshaping future industries.

As artificial intelligence (AI) transformation (AX), humanoid robots, and autonomous electric vehicles continue to drive explosive growth across future industries, experts from industry, academia, research institutes, and government gathered to discuss strategies for securing global leadership in next-generation secondary battery technologies—the energy backbone of these emerging sectors.

Going beyond a conventional academic conference, the forum was structured around two strategic pillars: “Global Collaboration” on Day 1 and “Industrial Commercialization” on Day 2, drawing strong evaluations for delivering practical outcomes.

On the morning of February 5, the “Next-Generation Secondary Battery Roundtable” featured in-depth discussions on cooperation models between government and industry. Chaired by First Vice Minister Koo Hyuk-chae of the Ministry of Science and ICT, leaders from Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solution, SK On, and Hyundai Motor Company convened to explore the national role in global battery competition and concrete pathways for generating tangible outcomes through collaboration between government-funded research institutes and industry.

Participants reached a strong consensus that government-funded research institutes must serve as a central hub in securing fundamental technologies for next-generation batteries, particularly to support advanced applications such as humanoid robots, autonomous EVs, and AI data centers.

The subsequent “International Forum: Dialogue with Global Scholars” addressed concrete solutions to overcome the limitations of lithium-ion batteries. Distinguished experts, including Professor Ping Liu of the University of California, San Diego, and Professor Masayoshi Watanabe of Yokohama National University, presented innovative materials design strategies to improve the lifespan and safety of lithium-metal and all-solid-state batteries. They emphasized the importance of international joint research with Korean scientists.

On February 6, K-BIC hosted a “Battery Industry Tech Partnering” session, creating a practical venue for commercialization-oriented discussions. During the session, K-BIC unveiled detailed roadmaps for its “Seven Core Super-Gap Technologies (7-Tool),” supported by a total investment of KRW 130 billion through 2029. These include an ultra-high-energy-density (800 Wh/L-class) lithium-metal battery capable of powering a vehicle across Korea on a single charge, and a high-safety (400 Wh/kg-class) all-solid-state battery with significantly reduced fire risk. Concrete plans for technology transfer and industrial collaboration were also presented to demand-side companies.

KRICT President Lee Young-kuk stated, “We will immediately reflect the urgent industrial demands identified during the roundtable discussions and the insights shared by global scholars into our research activities. As a bridge connecting government, industry, and academia, KRICT will fulfill its national mission to secure super-gap technologies in next-generation batteries.”

K-BIC Director Myunghwan Kim added, “Our goal goes beyond laboratory-scale achievements. We aim to deliver truly commercializable technologies that can serve as game changers in real industrial settings. Building on the strong cooperation framework established here, we will unveil world-leading K-battery core technologies by 2029.”

Meanwhile, in celebration of its 50th anniversary this year, KRICT set up a commemorative photo zone at the forum and provided specially produced souvenirs to all participants. Attendees joined in celebrating KRICT’s half-century legacy while expressing support for the institute’s next 50 years of innovation driven by next-generation battery technologies.

Looking ahead, K-BIC will continue its strategic efforts to strengthen the global competitiveness of next-generation secondary battery technologies through sustained research and collaboration, contributing to Korea’s leadership in the global battery market.

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KRICT is a non-profit research institute funded by the Korean government. Since its foundation in 1976, KRICT has played a leading role in advancing national chemical technologies in the fields of chemistry, material science, environmental science, and chemical engineering. Now, KRICT is moving forward to become a globally leading research institute tackling the most challenging issues in the field of Chemistry and Engineering and will continue to fulfill its role in developing chemical technologies that benefit the entire world and contribute to maintaining a healthy planet. More detailed information on KRICT can be found at https://www.krict.re.kr/eng/