BTV was thrilled to be part of the inaugural BAT Battery Material Decarbonization Challenge recently, in partnership with CM Venture Capital (one of our portfolio companies and a Venture Fund based in China).
The event was held on 8th November 2024 at the Innovation China Conference (Renewable Carbon) in Shanghai, and featured a Dragon’s Den / Shark Tank-style challenge with eight battery technology start-ups (seven from China and one from Singapore), curated by CM Venture Capital’s investment team.
Each team had to pitch for a brief from our parent, BAT, in the field of battery material decarbonisation, and was given just 15 minutes to present.
BAT sponsored the challenge with BAT Head of Sustainability, Ben Jenkins, and BAT Head of Circularity, Neelam Melwani, joining the judging panel.
“The Battery Decarbonization Challenge presented an opportunity to reimagine a more sustainable future, one where batteries cause less impact to the environment,”
says Ben.
“Each pitch was a testament to innovation and a shared commitment to protecting our planet. To all the pitching companies, thank you, we were truly inspired by your incredible solutions - meaningful change starts with bold visions and unwavering determination.
“We hope this is the beginning of a journey to create lasting impact and a more sustainable tomorrow.”
The top prize of USD $5,000 went to Singapore-based Green Li-ion’s innovative battery recycling solution. This Singapore-based lithium-ion battery recycling technology company produces modular hardware solutions that convert spent batteries into cathode and anode material that is ready to drop into battery manufacturing processes.
The second prize of USD $3,000 USD went to China-based, ToDawn Technology, a start-up spinout from Dr. Ju Li’s group at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Labs. It relies on unique mechanical/physical methods to regenerate LFP (lithium iron phosphate, an energy storage material) from waste batteries.
The third prize of USD $1,000 USD went to Botree Recycling Technologies, also based in China. It is dedicated to delivering total solutions for recycling critical battery materials.
With the success of the first-ever 15 min challenge as part of the Innovation China Conference agenda, we look forward to taking part in future challenges, each with its own unique brief.
“It was fantastic to help facilitate this great partnership between our portfolio company, CM Venture Capital, and BAT to spur innovation and bring new ideas to our corporate to help it reach its sustainability targets,”
says BTV’s Head of Legal and Communications, Peter Wozny.
“There were some very interesting companies that came through the competition, and we look forward to following their journey.”
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