Ferrari joins University of Bologna and NXP at E-Cells Symposium 2026 on battery research
Ferrari took part in E-Cells Symposium 2026 at the University of Bologna, a day devoted to battery chemistry and to its joint laboratory with the university and NXP.
- 2024
- 21 September 2026
What Happened
Ferrari joined international experts from academia and industry at Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna for a day dedicated to the chemistry and technologies shaping the battery sector, and to collaboration between the university, Ferrari and NXP. Titled "E-Cells Symposium 2026: From Research to Industry", the event was moderated by Professor Catia Arbizzani of the Alma Mater and Wenzel Prochazka of NXP. Ferrari Chief Executive Officer Benedetto Vigna and Chief Research and Development Officer Ernesto Lasalandra were both present. The symposium brought together internationally renowned researchers, industry leaders and students.
The University of Bologna, Ferrari and NXP establish E-Cells Lab to advance research into lithium-ion cells through shared projects and equipment.
E-Cells Symposium 2026: From Research to Industry is held at the University of Bologna, marking a milestone for E-Cells Lab.
- Chemical research session: Martin Winter of the University of Münster, founder of the MEET Battery Research Centre; Ying Shirley Meng of the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering; and Karim Zaghib of Concordia University.
- Industry perspectives: Jiwoo Ahn, head of Samsung SDI R&D Europe, and Min Su, Vice President of Technology at Wanxiang 123 Systems, on the outlook for cell production and solid-state technologies.
- Closing electronics session: Philipp Welz of Munich Electrification, Ugo Sorge of FAAM, Francesco Monti, CEO of Podium Advanced Technologies, and Eric Huang of Sunwoda.
The programme explored the full battery value chain, from materials science to cell production, electronics and systems management. Addressing students at the event, Vigna said Ferrari has always understood that innovation cannot happen in isolation, and that research and development are at the heart of everything Ferrari does. He added that events like this one are a reminder that technological progress depends on working closely with the brightest minds in academia and industry alike.
2024
Joint laboratory of the University of Bologna, Ferrari and NXP for research into lithium-ion cells.
Why this matters
The symposium shows Ferrari working on battery technology through a joint laboratory with the University of Bologna and NXP rather than on its own, with its CEO and research chief in attendance. The programme covered the full battery value chain, from materials science to cell production and electronics. It also put students in the same room as researchers and industry leaders, which the source presents as central to technological progress.
Terms in This Story
- lithium-ion cells
- Rechargeable battery cells that store and release energy by moving lithium ions between two electrodes.
- solid-state
- A battery technology that uses a solid electrolyte instead of the liquid electrolyte found in conventional cells.
- battery value chain
- The full sequence of steps that turns raw materials into a working battery, from materials science through cell production to electronics and systems management.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.