Promotional image for the 2024 LG Energy Solution Battery Challenge.

From recycling EV batteries to boosting battery performance, the 2024 LG Energy Solution Battery Challenge previews an exciting future for battery technology.

In partnership between New Energy Nexus and LG Energy Solution, the project attracted 141 companies worldwide, with 19 advancing to the interview stage. This year’s winners—Evyon and Iontra—each stood out with breakthrough products that could reshape the clean energy space. The winners are set to receive cash prizes and embark on pilot projects in collaboration with LG Energy Solution.

Evyon: Unlocking the potential of second-life batteries

The team at Evyon. Photo from Evyon

Founded in 2020, Evyon transforms spent EV batteries into high-value, modular and safe energy storage systems. Their proprietary hardware and Battery Cloud ecosystem repurpose EV battery modules into certified modular storage solutions for renewable energy applications.

Since being founded in Oslo in 2020, Evyon has delivered almost 1000 second-life battery modules across six countries, providing close to 10 MWh of energy storage across 25 projects, preventing 50 tonnes of battery waste, and avoiding 1000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions compared to using new battery cells.

Potential impact

• CO2 Reduction: Reusing EV batteries cuts lifecycle emissions by up to 85%.
• Waste Minimization: Repurposing prevents batteries from becoming waste, supporting a circular economy.
• Energy Transition: Provides affordable, reliable energy storage, accelerating the shift to renewable energy.

Why they won
Their innovative approach to battery repurposing opens opportunities for collaboration with LG Energy Solution. Their pilot project focuses on scaling modular energy storage systems across Europe, with long-term ambitions to expand globally.

Photo from Evyon

Iontra: Revolutionizing battery charging technology

Based in Colorado, USA, Iontra has developed a pioneering charging technology that enhances lithium-ion battery performance, safety, and lifespan. Utilizing electrodynamic principles, their patented charge control technology reduces degradation and maximizes efficiency, resulting in faster charging, longer battery life, and healthier batteries.

Potential impact

• Battery Efficiency: Iontra’s technology can double, and in some cases triple, the lifespan of batteries.
• 2nd and 3rd Use: By keeping batteries healthy, Iontra enables batteries to be more easily qualified and used for 2nd and 3rd life applications
• Environmental Benefits: Fewer battery replacements and reduced material demand lower CO2 emissions and waste.
• Market Transformation: Applications range from consumer electronics to electric vehicles, addressing challenges like cold-weather performance and battery lifecycle management.

Why they won
Iontra’s persistence and innovation paid off in the application process to the LG Energy Solution Battery Challenge. Iontra refined and customized their advanced charging technology to present a solution that secured the winner’s spot. This collaboration with LG Energy Solution opens avenues for deeper integration of Iontra’s various solutions into LG’s manufacturing and product ecosystems.

Photo from Iontra

The partnership behind the Battery Challenge

The 2024 Challenge marked the fourth time New Energy Nexus has partnered with LG Energy Solution to host this challenge.

Leveraging our global network of clean energy startups, we have scouted and recruited over 600 enterprises worldwide for the Challenge since its inception. By fostering industry connections and curating a platform for impactful discussions, NEX has empowered over 40 companies—which will now include Evyon and Iontra—to access invaluable investment opportunities through the Challenge.

Moving forward, this collaboration between NEX and LG Energy Solution will continue to advance clean energy innovation across the world, showcase amazing battery technologies globally, and drive a sustainable future through a steady stream of brilliant solutions.

A Vietnamese farmer cuts rice and harvests rice in the Mekong Delta.

Climate change is having a huge impact in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. The region is sinking 1.1 centimeters every year, and farmers are struggling with inconsistent weather cycles.

In response, its agricultural sector is embracing climate adaptation, powered by brilliant women entrepreneurs whose products are helping the region build resilience.

Through the Deltaccelerate program, funded by the Australian Government and managed by New Energy Nexus, six women entrepreneurs with climate-adaptive products received up to VND 1 billion (over US$39,000) to scale their businesses and strengthen their sustainable practices. These entrepreneurs were selected out of 14 competitive participants, all of whom underwent tailored training and gained networking opportunities.

This program follows a positive trend for diversity in the country’s private sector. Women now own over 20 percent of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country. As they rise in numbers, so does their role in shaping the future of sustainable business in Vietnam.

The six women entrepreneurs receiving funding from the Deltaccelerate program.

Whether they’re using coffee to make mugs, or cat houses from water hyacinth, here are the women-led businesses at the forefront of climate innovation in the Mekong Delta:

Mekong Coconut Oil Company Limited (Cocovie)

Founded by Hoang Thanh Thuy, the company produces quality cosmetic and food products made from coconut oil in the Ben Tre province. They have been utilizing and preserving over 10,000 hectares of coconut trees, estimated to have absorbed 75,000 tons of CO2.

Cau Ke Macapuno Coconut Processing Co., Ltd (VICOSAP)

Lam Ngoc Tu’s business uses macapuno coconuts to produce confectionery, baking ingredients and drinks. Cultivated by the Khmer community of Tra Vinh province, macapuno coconuts are known for their high saline tolerance—making them an ideal climate-adaptive crop.

Palmania JSC

Co-founded by Chau Ngoc Diu, the company produces Palmania, an organic sugar substitute made of sweet nectar from palmyra trees in An Giang province. The business provides jobs to indigenous farmers and taps palmyra trees in a way that does not shorten the trees’ 100-year lifespan.

Ben Tre Village in the Mekong Delta.

AirXCarbon/Veritas Vietnam JSC

Represented by Chief Strategic Officer Tran Thanh Thao, AirXCarbon turns materials such as coffee grounds, rice, and coconut husks into bioplastics, used to make zero-carbon products ranging from mugs to alternative packaging.

Dam Doi Sesarmid Cooperative

Tran Thi Xa’s business produces a wide range of sustainable products made from sesarmids and shrimps caught in the Ca Mau province.

Ecoka JSC

Led by Quang Chan Chan, this company manufactures and distributes handicrafts made entirely from natural materials in the Ha Giang province—including water hyacinth, bulrush, rattan, bamboo, and macrame. Their products include bags, coasters, and even cat houses.

About Deltaccelerate

Deltaccelerate is made possible by a unique partnership between the Australian Government and New Energy Nexus through the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) Climate Adaptation Partnerships in the Mekong Delta, announced in November 2023.

Deltaccelerate is a business accelerator funded by the Australian Government providing direct support, tailored training, and networking opportunities for enterprises that work in the Mekong Delta’s agricultural sector, which are led by or significantly benefit women and contribute to the sector’s resilience to climate adaptation.

The Partnerships are part of the Australian Government’s AU$94.5 million investments for climate change adaptation in the Mekong Delta.

We’re excited to present the seventh cohort of CalSEED Concept Awardees—early-stage innovators ready to help reshape California’s energy landscape. After a rigorous five-month selection process, CalSEED Cohort 7 was chosen from nearly 100 applicants, each bringing a unique approach to solving California’s biggest energy challenges. Each awardee will receive a $200K grant to develop their concepts.

Our mission was clear: identify clean energy technologies with the potential to benefit California’s electricity ratepayers and support the state’s ambitious energy and climate goals. To achieve this, we launched a comprehensive outreach campaign in March 2024, reaching innovators through virtual info sessions, webinars, and targeted social media while highlighting the journeys of past CalSEED awardees. This year’s focus centered on four essential technology areas:

1. Battery circularity – Innovations in recycling, reuse, and sourcing alternative materials for EV batteries.
2. Long-duration energy storage – Affordable, safe, and long-lasting solutions for energy storage during periods when wind and solar aren’t generated.
3. Electrifying medium- and heavy-duty vehicles – Technologies that drive transportation electrification at a larger scale, replacing diesel trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles with zero-emission electric models to reduce air pollution.
4. End-use electrification – Advanced solutions to electrify industrial processes, EV charging, and next-generation heat pumps.

To ensure we selected the best, CalSEED employed a two-step application process. Applicants first submitted a preliminary application, and those meeting our eligibility requirements advanced to a full application stage. Of the initial 97 applications, only 28 met the rigorous screening criteria, including alignment with EPIC objectives, a California base, and a funding cap under $1 million. The most common reason for disqualification? Misalignment with our targeted technology areas, proving just how competitive this year’s cohort was.

A distinguished review committee of experts—from industry leaders to representatives from California’s top energy agencies—scored the full applications on Innovation, Social Impact & Energy Equity, and Team & Approach. After weeks of careful evaluation, the top-scoring innovations rose to the top, culminating in a final selection meeting in July.

CalSEED Cohort 7 Concept Awardees are pioneering technologies accelerating California’s journey toward a sustainable, zero-emission future. Each project promises to drive tangible benefits for California communities, creating jobs, improving energy equity, and addressing critical gaps in the clean energy landscape.

You can watch the California Energy Commission business meeting where the awards where approved and listen to the positive public comments about the importance and impact of this program.

So join us in welcoming the newest CalSEED companies shaping the future of energy in California!

Ralph Ebora, NEXPH Program Manager for Startup Development, discusses the topic of transitioning to a clean energy economy.

The challenge of transitioning to clean energy

The transition to a 100% clean energy system is a complex undertaking. Energy systems are deeply foundational, influencing every aspect of human society. Transforming infrastructures built over centuries requires collaboration among multiple stakeholders, resources, innovative approaches, and precise timing to succeed.

Key issues such as transforming transport systems, increasing renewable energy adoption, and enabling energy consumers to use energy more efficiently are regularly discussed in conferences and meetings. While some ideas inspire change in communities, many remain just discussions due to limited resources and a lack of clarity on how to proceed.

Participants of Ready, Spark, Charge 2024: Hacking the Future of Energy

What are hackathons for?

Hackathons are events that bring together individuals from diverse sectors to brainstorm and develop innovative solutions to pressing challenges. They provide an impactful platform for turning discussions into action.

The concept of a hackathon combines “hack” (exploratory coding) with “marathon,” emphasizing intensive teamwork and rapid prototyping. While originally centered on software, hackathons have evolved to encompass broader challenges, including those in energy and climate innovation.

Participants of Ready, Spark, Charge 2023

Climate and energy hackathons in the Philippines

Over the past four years, New Energy Nexus Philippines has hosted an annual hackathon to gather energy and climate innovators. These events provide participants with feedback from industry practitioners, improving the feasibility and marketability of their ideas, as well as resources to develop their solutions further.

Continuing this tradition, Ready, Spark, Charge 2024: Hacking the Future of Energy assembled over 30 participants from across the Philippines for 2.5 days of collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation. Teams left not just with ideas but with actionable solutions ready for testing and implementation.

Bradley Cua, resource speaker, engages participants during the gallery walk session, discussing the challenge statement on energy efficiency in industries and offering additional insights.

The hackathon began with participants arriving with eager minds and a shared commitment to solve some of the country’s most pressing energy challenges. The first two days saw participants discuss key energy topics in the Philippines, such as energy efficiency, sustainable transport, and renewable energy adoption.

Drawing from the discussions, they then teamed up to brainstorm viable energy solutions. Experienced business and tech mentors helped narrow down their concepts based on feasibility, marketability, and potential impact.

Joshua Bascos of Team WATTsUp presenting their startup idea during the Day 2 mentoring session.

On the final day, the teams had a few minutes to pitch their solutions to a panel of judges, who probed their ideas, which ranged from eco-friendly briquettes to AI-powered energy assistants. In the end, four standout teams were recognized: Greenewables, SmartER, SolScribe, and WATTsUp.

The hackathon succeeded by generating innovative solutions through a collective effort from its participants. More importantly, it built strong bonds among the country’s future energy changemakers.

Engr. Erickson Tacda and Dr. Marilyn Calub of Greenwables receive the RSC 2024 Grand Champion and Best Pitcher Award.

The impact of collective innovation

The hackathon demonstrated the potential of collaborative innovation in addressing decades-old energy challenges. By bringing together passionate individuals and providing them with resources and guidance, New Energy Nexus Philippines fostered a space where transformative ideas could take root.

The real challenge lies ahead—ensuring that these promising innovations continue to develop and deliver the impact they envision. As these solutions progress, they serve as a beacon of hope for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future in the Philippines and beyond.

Participants of Ready, Spark, Charge 2024: Hacking the Future of Energy

Brenda Valerio is the country director of New Energy Nexus Philippines.