Cambridge EnerTech’s

Global Battery Manufacturing Production

Maximizing Production Efficiency & Quality to Deliver on Global Demand

March 25 - 26, 2026 ALL TIMES EDT



As the world scrambles to increase battery manufacturing capacity in order to fulfill the global demand for electric vehicles, automation of manufacturing processes becomes another critical component to the successful consumer adoption of EVs. It is estimated that the ramping up of global battery production will create an annual business opportunity for the equipment industry of $12-17 billion by 2030. This conference will bring together the major players in manufacturing automation for battery production. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from the organizations shaping the future of battery manufacturing from around the world.





Wednesday, March 25

Registration Open

Interactive Roundtables and Networking Luncheon (Sponsorship Opportunity Available)

Dessert Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing (Sponsorship Opportunity Available)

SCALING GLOBAL BATTERY PRODUCTION

Chairperson's Remarks

Alejandro Franco, PhD, Professor, Reactivity & Chemistry of Solids Lab, University of Picardie Jules Verne , Prof , Reactivity & Chemistry of Solids Lab , University of Picardie Jules Verne

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: Reducing the Cost of Batteries by Properly Apportioning the Risk of Failure

Photo of Celina Mikolajczak, Advisor to the Battery Industry , Advisor to the Battery Industry , Self Employed
Celina Mikolajczak, Advisor to the Battery Industry , Advisor to the Battery Industry , Self Employed

When considering the cost of batteries, we seldom consider the costs associated with warranty failures, particularly those related to thermal runaway failures that have driven major recalls. The costs of those recalls have typically fallen on cell makers, who must raise or maintain high prices to recoup losses. Recall driven cell costs then increase battery pack prices in the US market, where recalls are most prevalent. Review of recall data indicates that improvement of cell quality alone will not achieve failure rates typically considered acceptable in the US and that pack level, and OEM actions are required to bridge the gap. Economic analysis and review of available technology indicates that it should be possible to drop total battery pack costs, and vehicle total cost of ownership, by apportioning the responsibility for preventing thermal runaway between cell maker and OEM.

Key Success Factors for Efficiently Scaling-Up Battery Manufacturing

Photo of Hailong Ning, PhD, Co-Founder & CEO, VTA Technology , Co-Founder & CEO , VTA Technology PTE. Ltd
Hailong Ning, PhD, Co-Founder & CEO, VTA Technology , Co-Founder & CEO , VTA Technology PTE. Ltd

The talk explores essential strategies for scaling battery manufacturing effectively, highlighting innovations in technology, supply chain optimization, workforce development, and sustainable practices.

Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing (Sponsorship Opportunity Available)

Battery Report 2025: A Bird’s-Eye View of Battery Manufacturing

Photo of Michael Liu, Director, Research & Insights, Volta Foundation , Director of Research & Insights , Research & Insights , Volta Foundation
Michael Liu, Director, Research & Insights, Volta Foundation , Director of Research & Insights , Research & Insights , Volta Foundation

The battery industry has entered a new phase defined by global supply chain redistribution, a focus on deployment, and shifting competitive strategies among global cell makers. This talk distills the key insights from Battery Report 2025, providing a clear, data-backed view of how the sector evolved over the past year and where momentum is heading. We will walk through the most consequential developments shaping the global manufacturing landscape- from commissioning milestones and capacity swings to the emergence of new regional hubs. The session will highlight the technologies making meaningful progress in deployment, including advances in LFP manufacturing optimization, dry-electrode scaling, and early semi-solid-state production line activity. Beyond technology, the talk will analyze how leading cell manufacturers are repositioning: supply-chain realignments, JV restructuring, capex prioritization, and shifts in product strategy across EV, stationary storage, and high-performance applications. Attendees will leave with a concise, integrated picture of the manufacturing ecosystem- grounded in the latest data- and a clearer sense of the strategic currents shaping the next stage of industry growth.

BATT Coalition Advocacy for a Robust Domestic Battery Materials Supply Chain

Photo of David Howell, Vice President, Strategic Marketing Innovations (SMI) , Vice President , Strategic Marketing Innovations (SMI)
David Howell, Vice President, Strategic Marketing Innovations (SMI) , Vice President , Strategic Marketing Innovations (SMI)

The Battery Advocacy for Technology and Transformation (BATT) Coalition is a voice for the US battery materials manufacturers working to grow the upstream materials supply from extraction, synthesis, and processing. BATT advocates for legislative and federal policy that will promote market incentives and trade policies to support industry growth. This presentation will highlight the Federal policy landscape and Administration actions that support coalition objectives and the gaps that remain.

Impacts of AI on the Battery Industry—How Can AI Revolutionize Battery Development and Industrialization?

Photo of Ines Miller, Associate Partner, Battery Technology, P3 Group , Associate Partner | Energy Storage Technology , E Mobility , P3 group
Ines Miller, Associate Partner, Battery Technology, P3 Group , Associate Partner | Energy Storage Technology , E Mobility , P3 group

AI is transforming our daily work and the battery industry is no exception. From material discovery to manufacturing, AI has the potential to accelerate development, to enhance quality, and to enable smarter, data-driven decisions. In R&D, it can predict new materials and combinations and can also optimize cell and battery designs. In production, it can drive efficiency through predictive maintenance and real-time control. Yet adoption remains early, limited by data silos, security concerns, and missing organizational AI governance. Vertical integration will be key to success, providing end-to-end data access and ownership. The vision is clear: AI can revolutionize battery innovation—but the journey has just begun.

Analysis of Manufacturing Technology Progress of Chinese xEV Batteries in 2026

Photo of Mark Lu, PhD, Senior Industrial Analyst, Industrial Economics & Knowledge Center, Industrial Technology Research Institute , Sr Industrial Analyst , Industrial Economics & Knowledge Ctr , Industrial Technology Research Institute
Mark Lu, PhD, Senior Industrial Analyst, Industrial Economics & Knowledge Center, Industrial Technology Research Institute , Sr Industrial Analyst , Industrial Economics & Knowledge Ctr , Industrial Technology Research Institute

Chinese xEV battery manufacturing technology has developed special battery production technologies for solid-state batteries, new materials, and fast-charging batteries for the targets of reducing costs and energy consumption. Solid-state battery production has gradually derived from thermal composite and in situ solidification, as well as active-material composite solid-state electrolyte technologies. Fast-charging batteries put more effort to lamination accuracy, speed, and multi-tab design. This report will briefly analyze the latest developments.

Close of Day

Thursday, March 26

Registration Open and Morning Coffee

INNOVATION IN R&D FOR MANUFACTURING

Chairperson's Remarks

Ines Miller, Associate Partner, Battery Technology, P3 Group , Associate Partner | Energy Storage Technology , E Mobility , P3 group

Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall

Battery Booth Crawl with Bagels in the Exhibit Hall with Last Chance for Poster Viewing

Beyond the Pack: Scaling Battery Manufacturing for Resilience, Innovation, and Circularity

Photo of John Warner, PhD, Chief Customer Officer, American Battery Solutions , Chief Customer Officer , American Battery Solutions Inc
John Warner, PhD, Chief Customer Officer, American Battery Solutions , Chief Customer Officer , American Battery Solutions Inc

In “Beyond the Pack: Scaling Battery Manufacturing for Resilience, Innovation, and Circularity,” Dr. John Warner addresses the next phase of battery pack manufacturing. The session covers lessons learned from recent supply chain disruptions, strategies for localization and regional alliances, and the adoption of advanced technologies like automation, robotics, and AI. Emphasis is placed on circularity through recycling and sustainable gigafactory practices, as well as workforce development and policy adaptation. Attendees will discover actionable approaches for building resilient, flexible, and sustainable manufacturing operations, positioning their organizations to lead in the rapidly evolving battery industry and support the global energy transition.

From Academic Battery Manufacturing Modeling to Industrial Impact: Introducing the Startup Aikemics

Photo of Alejandro Franco, PhD, Professor, Reactivity & Chemistry of Solids Lab, University of Picardie Jules Verne , Prof , Reactivity & Chemistry of Solids Lab , University of Picardie Jules Verne
Alejandro Franco, PhD, Professor, Reactivity & Chemistry of Solids Lab, University of Picardie Jules Verne , Prof , Reactivity & Chemistry of Solids Lab , University of Picardie Jules Verne

Building on 12 years of academic research, I will introduce Aikemics, a startup that develops predictive computational models for battery manufacturing. Our software integrates physics-based simulations and hybrid AI to assist decision-making from electrode to full-cell assembly. This lecture highlights our unique approach and the transition from academic pilot-line validation to providing scalable industrial solutions.

Next Generation of Advanced Wet Electrode Slurry Processing

Photo of Kai Baer, PhD, Managing Director & President, adphos Innovative Technologies GmbH , Managing Dir & President , Management , adphos Innovative Technologies GmbH
Kai Baer, PhD, Managing Director & President, adphos Innovative Technologies GmbH , Managing Dir & President , Management , adphos Innovative Technologies GmbH

BearLITE-processing is patented wet slurry drying technology which enables defined, inline controlled processing within seconds, up to 90% energy reduction, and is CO2-free and a fraction of today's convection dryer investment costs.

Enjoy Lunch on Your Own

SCALING BATTERY MANUFACTURING

Chairperson's Remarks

Kai Baer, PhD, Managing Director & President, adphos Innovative Technologies GmbH , Managing Dir & President , Management , adphos Innovative Technologies GmbH

University Pilot Lines: Where Battery Ideas Become Scalable, Market-Ready Technologies

Photo of Greg Less, Director, University of Michigan Battery Lab , Director at University of Michigan Battery Lab , University of Michigan
Greg Less, Director, University of Michigan Battery Lab , Director at University of Michigan Battery Lab , University of Michigan
Photo of William Mustain, PhD, Director, Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation, University of South Carolina , Dir , Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation , Univ of South Carolina Columbia
William Mustain, PhD, Director, Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation, University of South Carolina , Dir , Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation , Univ of South Carolina Columbia

University-operated pilot lines can be key partners in bridging the gap between research and manufacturing—helping companies to scale battery innovations from concept to commercial viability, and supporting validation for OEMs, tier-ones, and agencies. The University of Michigan and University of South Carolina both aim to offer IP-neutral, pilot-scale manufacturing and testing, with over 20k combined square feet. In 2025, UM opened an expanded facility and USC will be fully operational in 2026. This talk will focus on existing and future capabilities, including formats, chemistries, etc.

Visualizing and Contextualizing Data to Rapidly Assess Process Adjustments for Battery Manufacturing and Material Refining

Photo of Stephanie Van Kirk, Industry Leader, Battery, Rockwell Automation , Industry Leader , Battery Bus Dev , Rockwell Automation
Stephanie Van Kirk, Industry Leader, Battery, Rockwell Automation , Industry Leader , Battery Bus Dev , Rockwell Automation

This talk presents data visualization and contextualization tools that enable rapid assessment of process changes in battery manufacturing and material refining.

Beyond Gigafactories: Unlocking Value in Niche and Performance Cell Programs

Photo of James Hoxey, Director, Monkscroft Advisory, Ltd. , Director , Leadership , Monkscroft Advisory Ltd
James Hoxey, Director, Monkscroft Advisory, Ltd. , Director , Leadership , Monkscroft Advisory Ltd

The battery industry has been fixated on gigafactories, but high-value applications in aerospace, defence, and performance automotive require a different approach. This talk will show how niche programs not only deliver solutions where scale players cannot, but also act as innovation engines and sovereign supply proof points that shape the wider industry.

BRIDGING THE TALENT GAP

Battery Workforce Trends & Insights

Photo of Matt Anders, Founder & Lead Recruiter, VoltForce , Founder & Lead Recruiter , VoltForce
Matt Anders, Founder & Lead Recruiter, VoltForce , Founder & Lead Recruiter , VoltForce

Closures, cancellations, and stalled projects have exposed a hard truth: the US battery industry cannot succeed without a stronger workforce. Factories and funding may grab headlines, but execution depends on people. This session examines the lessons behind recent setbacks, the state of today’s talent landscape, and what it will take to build for the future. From recruiting to training to retention, we’ll explore the priorities leaders must embrace to keep the US competitive.

Transition to Closing Plenary

CLOSING PLENARY PANEL DISCUSSION

Panel Moderator:

Navigating the Global EV Growth in Harmony with Shifting US Policy, Demanding Energy Security, and Big-Data Requirements

Christina Lampe-Onnerud, PhD, Founder and CEO, Cadenza Innovation , Founder and CEO , Exec Mgmt , Cadenza Innovation Inc

In a world where EV momentum continues to evolve, the industry is facing great uncertainty in policy and energy priorities. In this Plenary Closing Discussion, we are ending the conference with a thought-provoking and insightful panel of experts led by Christina Lampe-Onnerud to help us think through: Where is the US EV market going in the aftermath of the Big Beautiful Bill and how is this different in Europe and Asia? What are the effects on US electricity infrastructure with Energy Security, EV growth and Big Data supercharge? How do we as an industry navigate these uncertain times?

Close of Conference


For more details on the conference, please contact:

Craig Wohlers

Executive Director, Conferences

Cambridge EnerTech

Phone: (+1) 617-513-7576

Email: cwohlers@cambridgeenertech.com

 

For sponsorship information, please contact:

 

Companies A-K

Sherry Johnson

Lead Business Development Manager

Cambridge EnerTech

Phone: (+1) 781-972-1359

Email: sjohnson@cambridgeenertech.com

 

Companies L-Z

Rod Eymael

Senior Business Development Manager

Cambridge EnerTech

Phone: (+1) 781-247-6286

Email: reymael@cambridgeenertech.com