GA-iX challenge: Innovative Solutions for Second Life Batteries

Hinckley Group, a Nigerian electronic waste recycling company, is responsible for processing a wide variety of waste streams, one of the most complex of which is lithium batteries.

They are actively looking for innovative solutions for second life opportunities for their used Lithium-Ion batteries.

It may be tricky for second-life batteries to displace new batteries due to the former’s limited lifespan. However, there will be opportunities to repackage them in innovative formats.

This would save importing new cells from Asia which is expensive. Hinckley Group believes there are many innovative entrepreneurs requiring Lithium-Ion cells, whose biggest problem is the procurement cost and availability. Hinckley Group is especially looking to work with local entrepreneurs to solve this challenge.

Hinckley Group are particularly interested in:

• Providing power in unusual/bespoke battery configurations for people who can’t source the configuration they require
• Providing cheaper power for the identified sectors for users who cannot afford to buy new batteries on the open market.

Hinckley Group will be taking a modular approach to configure cells to end users` requirements. They are able to manage the battery packs’ loading and balancing with battery management systems expertise. Alongside this challenge, they will be liaising with end users such as commercial kiosk owners for proof of concept and access to testing environments.

Hinckley Group is enthusiastic about the many possibilities of this project. While, they would like to explore a broad range of solutions, their initial focus is on solutions for:

• The informal retail sector, such as roadside kiosks
• Local Mobility, such as scooters and e-bikes
• Light Provision for homes and businesses
• Cooling Provision for homes and businesses

Related Challenge

This challenge will complement another challenge being run concurrently to build a robust battery inventory process. Together, the solutions will help to solve the problem of valuable power resources being discarded, which creates unnecessary expense and pollution. The solutions will help to minimise batteries’ negative environmental impact and support the local circular economy. They will also create opportunities for local businesses to play their role in achieving NetZero as well as supporting innovative businesses.

Rewards & Benefits

Successful applicants will be given the opportunity to pitch their solution to Hinckley Group.

The winning applicant, as selected by Hinckley, will get the opportunity to collaborate with Hinckley on a trial project.

The package may also include:

• Up to 25k seed funding (subject to T&C). Note: seed funding is only available for up to 12 months, so longer term projects should be scheduled to reach milestones within this period.
• Access to Hinkley Group facilities (workshop at Lekki Axis) and batteries
• Technical support and mentorship from Hinckley Group team
• Mentorship programme with Startup Discovery School (facilitated by KTN)
• Industry sector expertise from KTN
• Support in the development of a prototype or pilot
• Invitation to attend or present at KTN events
• Investor introductions (if investment is required)
• Application support for any Innovate UK or similar competitions that are relevant.

Entrants to this competition must be:

• Established businesses, startups, SMEs or individual entrepreneurs
• Africa-based entrants are prioritised but solutions from the UK or RoW are also invited to apply

For further details on the challenge, technical and functional requirements, and how to apply, visit the GA-iX site.