Member Connect: Battery Innovation Center Les Alexander, President and CEO, The Battery Innovation Center (BIC), will present "Leading the Charge for Innovation," highlighting the rapid evolution of the energy storage market driven by technological advancements, market expansion, environmental imperatives, and workforce demands. With the battery industry projected to reach $112 billion by 2030, his presentation will explore emerging technologies like solid-state and sodium-ion batteries, sustainability efforts in recycling and eco-friendly materials, and the increasing need for skilled professionals in chemistry, software, and battery management. He will outline the industry's full value chain—from mineral extraction to second-life applications—while emphasizing BIC’s role as a leader in R&D, testing, and commercialization. Through a unique public-private partnership, BIC accelerates battery technology readiness by providing advanced manufacturing, technical consulting, and accredited workforce training, bridging the gap between innovation and commercialization.