As the global new energy industry enters a critical transformation phase with "lithium-sodium complementarity," the race for "solid-state battery" standardization, and the integration of the "low-altitude economy," the value of industry exhibitions is being redefined. Recently, the China International Battery Fair (CIBF), a key industry benchmark for 30 years, has unveiled its new role as a “super connection platform” in the industry.
Beyond its traditional exhibition role, CIBF is creating a full-chain ecosystem of "policy-technology-trade-standards," serving as a core engine for helping enterprises navigate industry cycles and achieve value co-creation. The 18th edition of CIBF, to be held from May 13-15, 2026, at the Shenzhen International Exhibition Center, is expected to cover over 280,000 square meters of exhibition space, attracting nearly 3,000 exhibitors and over 350,000 professional visitors to witness the new leap of China's battery industry.
Breaking Through Challenges: Creating a "Guide" for Policy and Enterprise Connection
Industry development begins with policy. In the face of an increasingly complex global trade environment and compliance requirements in niche sectors, CIBF has become a key bridge connecting "policy makers, industry associations, and enterprises."
In response to current industry concerns such as battery recycling chaos and the compliance challenges of enterprises going global, CIBF has built an efficient platform for policy interpretation, addressing the "last mile" of policy-enterprise connections. Through past exhibitions, CIBF has not only helped "white list" recycling enterprises clarify compliance paths but also provided practical solutions regarding the EU's new Battery and Waste Battery Regulations and new import-export rules for lithium-thionyl chloride batteries. Additionally, by releasing the "Annual Lithium Battery White Paper" and hosting frontier technology seminars, CIBF helps companies align with macro trends such as "lithium-sodium complementarity," turning policy incentives into tangible development momentum.
Innovation Source: Building an Accelerator for Technology Transfer
The greatest gap for new technologies is bridging the gap between the lab and mass production. CIBF is closely focusing on "solid-state battery standardization" and "low-altitude economy energy support" to create an innovation connection ecosystem between "R&D institutions, production enterprises, and capital."
At CIBF, key innovations were launched, such as CATL’s sodium-ion battery mass production solution, Huayou Cobalt’s solid-state electrolyte technology, and Ruipu Lanjun's low-altitude equipment customized batteries. These technological releases not only showcase innovation but also directly drive deeper supply chain collaboration. For instance, Honeycomb Energy's third-generation thermal composite fly-folding technology was integrated into a strategic procurement agreement with Kodali through the platform. CIBF accelerates the "R&D-Industry Transfer-Market Application" loop by efficiently matching resources.
Global Linkage: Activating the "Gravitational Field" of Trade Transactions
With a global network covering over 50 countries and regions, CIBF demonstrates its strong commercial attraction. According to data, under CIBF's precise matching system, a single enterprise, GCL-Poly Energy, secured more than 20 billion RMB in intent orders, while the Dongguan exhibition group generated nearly 4 billion RMB in potential sales, with the total value of core enterprises and regional groups reaching over 24 billion RMB.
In response to emerging demands in the low-altitude economy and green logistics, CIBF facilitates global trade by hosting overseas buyer matchmaking sessions. Not only does this help companies like Haopeng Technology expand diverse partnerships, but it also aids Chinese “light-storage-charging-inspection” technologies in reaching global markets, achieving efficient matching between international market needs and China's supply chain advantages.

Mastering the Narrative: Building China’s "Standardization Bridgehead"
High-end industry competition is essentially a competition for standards. CIBF is actively driving China’s transition from a "battery giant" to a "standardization powerhouse."
By establishing a platform for "domestic enterprises-international organizations-global markets," CIBF has achieved significant progress in promoting international standard recognition. From supporting CATL’s leadership in IEC power battery standards to releasing the "Low-Altitude Aircraft Battery Standardization White Paper" and initiating sodium battery industry standard discussions, CIBF is consolidating industry consensus on solid-state battery and other emerging technologies and providing important support for rule-making in new fields like zero-carbon manufacturing, helping Chinese enterprises take the lead in global industry competition.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Embarking on a New Industry Journey
As preparations for CIBF2026 begin, the platform’s functions will be further enhanced. The organizers plan to continue focusing on the industrialization of solid-state batteries and other core issues, strengthening the "exhibition-conference-matching-transformation" service capabilities.
For 30 years, CIBF has been more than just an exhibition; it is a microcosm and booster for the development of China’s new energy battery industry. In the new industrial cycle, CIBF will continue to empower global new energy companies, helping them find certainty amidst transformation and embarking on an innovative journey.