- ESIC Energy Storage Innovation Competition
ESIC, the International Energy Storage Innovation Competition, is an innovation platform connected with ESIE and CNESA. Initiated by the International Energy Storage Alliance (INESA) and the China Energy Storage Alliance (CNESA), ESIC is designed to identify, evaluate, and promote breakthrough energy storage technologies, products, projects, companies, patents, research outcomes, and outstanding individuals.
Since its launch in 2017, ESIC has attracted more than 900 project submissions and has become one of the recognized public competitions in China's energy storage industry. ESIC 2026, the 10th edition of the competition, was organised under the theme "Innovation Drives Energy Storage Transformation, Digital Intelligence Empowers a Zero-Carbon Future." The competition uses a professional review system supported by academicians, academic leaders, project experts, industry specialists, and business representatives. It focuses on fairness, impartiality, transparency, technical value, application potential, safety, business model innovation, market performance, and contribution to the high-quality development of the energy storage industry. ESIC creates visibility for participating companies and projects through expert review, media promotion, online voting, finals, award announcements, and an award ceremony held during ESIE. Participating projects may receive exposure through ESIE's exhibition platform, alliance media channels, partner media, investment and financing connections, and industry cooperation opportunities. To apply, participants contact the organiser by email to obtain the application form and submit the required materials. ESIC 2027 information will be updated separately as the new competition cycle is confirmed. The ESIC 2026 information below is provided as a reference for international companies, technology providers, project developers, startups, investors, media, and partners interested in energy storage innovation.
Keywords: ESIC, ESIC 2026, Energy Storage Innovation Competition, ESIE innovation competition, energy storage awards, BESS innovation, energy storage startups, energy storage technology, energy storage products, energy storage applications, energy storage patents, CNESA, ESIE 2027.
Energy Storage Innovation Competition
Innovation Drives Energy Storage Transformation. Digital Intelligence Empowers a Zero-Carbon Future. ESIC recognizes breakthrough technologies, products, projects, companies, patents, research outcomes, and individuals shaping the energy storage industry.
Competition Overview
Organizer and Platform
ESIC was initiated by the International Energy Storage Alliance (INESA) and the China Energy Storage Alliance (CNESA), and is connected with ESIE's exhibition, conference, media, and industry network.
Expert Review
The review system brings together academicians, academic and project leaders, industry experts, business representatives, and specialists across energy storage technology and application fields.
Competition System
The competition includes call for entries, material submission and review, preliminary rounds, online voting, grand finals, award announcement, and an award ceremony during ESIE.
Award Categories
Technology Category
For innovative energy storage technologies with major breakthroughs.
- 2026 Energy Storage Technology Innovations Award Top 10
- Core technology, safety, integration, and 3S tracks
Application Category
For energy storage projects that have been put into operation across source-side, grid-side, and user-side scenarios.
- 2026 Energy Storage Application Innovations Award Top 10
- Large-scale storage and user-side tracks
Product Category
For energy storage products ready for mass production, including systems, PCS, BMS, EMS, safety and fire protection, and core components.
- 2026 Energy Storage Product Excellence Award Top 10
- Core technology, safety, integration, 3S, and electrical equipment tracks
Patent Category
For energy storage patents granted by the China National Intellectual Property Administration, including invention patents, utility model patents, and patent portfolios.
- 2026 Energy Storage Patent Innovations Award
Soft Science Category
For research outcomes such as monographs, papers, research reports, survey reports, and studies with policy, industry, or market reference value.
- 2026 Energy Storage Soft Science Innovations Award
Company and Individual Categories
For emerging enterprises, future unicorns, outstanding energy storage companies, and individuals with meaningful contributions to corporate or industry development.
- Young Enterprise Award
- Unicorn of Tomorrow Award
- Distinguished Individual Award
Evaluation Focus
Technology Value
Advancedness, innovation, safety, application prospects, energy intensity, power intensity, cycle life, conversion efficiency, breakthrough difficulty, and cost reduction potential.
Project and Product Value
Operational safety, scenario innovation, utilization rate, system efficiency, investment payback period, business model replicability, functionality, user experience, shipments, and market performance.
Industry Contribution
Contribution to high-quality energy storage development, policy and decision-making value, industry influence, social benefits, market impact, and ability to support broader energy transition goals.
ESIC 2026 Timeline
Participant Benefits
Publicity Support
Participating projects may receive exposure through CNESA's official website, WeChat, partner media, public announcements, project displays, and media promotion.
ESIE Showcase
An International Energy Storage Innovation Competition Showcase Zone was planned within ESIE 2026, presenting projects to more than 200,000 professional attendees.
Financial and Industry Support
The competition invited more than 30 venture capital institutions and fund companies to provide financing advisory and connection opportunities for selected projects.