February 10, 2022: The deadline for entries to BCI’s annual innovation award will close tomorrow (Friday, February 11). The winners will be announced at this year’s convention and power mart, which will be held on May 1-4 in Naples, Florida.

BCI reports that at least six applications have been received so far. The council’s executive vice-president, Roger Miksad, told Batteries International: “We are very excited by the calibre of innovations we have received so far, and look forward to the difficult judging process that is sure to be required.”

Candidates for the award can later prepare a video about their company and product that will be screened during the opening morning of the conference.

Companies that are interested, but have questions about the submissions process, can contact Andrew Hamill at BCI HQ (ahamill@batterycouncil.org). Factors to consider when putting forward an idea include sustainability, safety, cost, performance, uniqueness and value.

Hammond won the award, for a second time, at the last convention, This was for its pioneering work on the use of lead silicate as a cure for acid stratification, hence decreasing lead sulfation and extending the battery life.

Other former winners include AACarbon, NorthStar, Gridtential and RSR Technologies.

The award has been a fixture at BCI conventions since 2016 — in honour of Sally Breidegam Miksiewicz, the former CEO of East Penn Manufacturing, who died in a running accident in 2014 at the age of 52.