18 September 2026

Aula Absidale di Santa Lucia, Bologna

 

Leading experts from the international academic and industrial communities come together with students to share knowledge, insights and innovations in the field of battery technologies.

An opportunity to discuss key topics in chemical research, cell manufacturing and electronics, and to explore the challenges and opportunities driving the evolution of the sector.

 

Agenda

 

08:45-09:30 | Registration

09:30–09:45 | Conference Opening

Institutional Welcome Addresses. Prof. Giovanni Molari, University of Bologna Rector

09:45–10:45 | Chemistry Research: perspectives from leading academics

  • Prof. Martin Winter: Considerations on energy density and specific energy of advanced secondary batteries
  • Prof. Ying Shirley Meng: All solid-state battery – A reality closer than you think
  • Prof. Karim Zaghib: 30 Years of R&I on Olivine Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries: from concept to worldwide implementation

Moderator: Prof. Catia Arbizzani, University of Bologna

10:45–11:05 | Q&A

 

11:05–11:45 | Brunch break for all participants

 

11:50-12:30 | Cell Production: the battery cell industry today and tomorrow, with a deep dive into solid-state technologies from international company CTOs

  • Jiwoo Ahn, Head of R&D Center Europe and Team Head of TPM EU at Samsung SDI: The world of cells: today to 10 years from now 
  • Min Su, Vice President of Technology, Wanxiang A123 Systems: Deep dive on solid state

Moderator: Prof. Catia Arbizzani, University of Bologna

12:30–12:50 | Q&A

 

12:50–14:10 | Electronics: the latest trends and solutions from industry leaders

  • Philipp Welz, Team Manager Battery Science and Data of Munich Electrification: Why a BMS cannot judge battery safety yet
  • Ugo Sorge, Modeling and Simulation Manager of FAAM: Intelligence Inside ESS Control Systems: An Industrial Perspective
  • Francesco Monti, CEO of Podium Advanced Technologies: 

    From Racing to Broader Mobility: BMS Experience in High-Performance Battery Applications

  • Henry Huang, Battery Management System Fellow of Sunwoda: Intelligent Cell for Safety, Long-life, effective Management  

Moderator: Wenzel Prochazka, Senior Product Manager Electrification Systems of NXP

14:10–14:30 | Q&A

 

14:30–14:45 | Closing Remarks

Benedetto Vigna, Chief Executive Officer, Ferrari S.p.A.

Jens Hinrichsen, Executive Vice President, NXP Semiconductors

Prof. Simona Tondelli, Deputy Rector, University of Bologna 

The conference will be held entirely in English.