South Korea is rapidly advancing in the field of solid-state batteries, a next-generation technology recognized for its higher energy density and lower fire risk compared to conventional liquid electrolyte batteries. According to the Korean Intellectual Property Office, Korean patent filings in this sector grew from 45 in 2004 to 1,044 in 2023, marking an average annual increase of 18%. This growth rate is second only to China’s 33.6% globally. The government is prioritizing solid-state battery technology as part of its industrial strategy, aiming to secure a competitive edge in the evolving battery market.
The main stakeholders impacted by these developments include Korean battery manufacturers, global automotive companies, and emerging robotics sectors. Notably, Samsung SDI and LG Energy Solution ranked first and second worldwide for patent filing growth over the past three years. Among the top ten global patent applicants, four are Korean companies: LG Energy Solution, Samsung Electronics, Samsung SDI, and Hyundai Motor Company. This demonstrates Korea’s strong presence and leadership in the international solid-state battery landscape.
From 2004 to 2023, patent applications in the solid-state battery field submitted to the world’s five leading intellectual property offices (IP5) increased from 331 to 3,938 annually, with Korea holding the third-highest total number of filings. The Korean government plans to finalize the ‘2035 Secondary Battery Industry Technology Roadmap’ within the year and invest KRW 280 billion in next-generation battery R&D. Commercialization efforts are intensifying, with both government and industry targeting 2027–2030 for market entry, and the global solid-state battery market is projected to grow from $27.5 million in 2022 to $4 billion by 2030.
Frequently asked questions include: What is a solid-state battery? It is a battery that replaces flammable liquid electrolytes with non-combustible solid electrolytes, reducing fire risk and increasing energy density. Why is Korea focusing on this technology now? With electric vehicle battery demand temporarily slowing, new applications such as humanoid robots are driving interest, and Korea aims to lead in this emerging market. What support is available for industry players? The government is establishing communication and cooperation systems with industry and sharing patent analysis results to help Korean companies secure market leadership.
Metaqsol opinion: The data shows that South Korea is strategically investing in solid-state battery technology, with impressive patent growth and strong industry participation. The presence of four Korean companies among the top ten global patent applicants highlights the nation’s competitive edge. With government funding and a clear commercialization timeline, Korea is well-positioned to lead in both electric vehicle and robotics battery markets. Continued industry-government collaboration will be essential to maintain this advantage.