Speakers 2026

Roland Chavasse is the Secretary General of the International Lithium Association (ILiA), the global industry body representing the lithium value chain, which he co-founded with Anand Sheth in 2021. In his role, Roland is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Association, representing the interests of its members, and promoting the sustainable development of the lithium industry globally. His work involves engaging with various stakeholders, including industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers, to address challenges and opportunities within the lithium supply chain. His leadership at ILiA focuses on fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and advocating for best practices in the production and use [...]

Francesco Capuzzo works in ANDRITZ Sovema as Head of Sales Management.  His almost thirty years of experience in the battery manufacturing industry allowed him to hold different positions in the sales department and as Field Service and Operations Manager. During the years he could support customers in defining their projects and innovative solutions, meeting the battery manufacturers’ requirements and developing strong technical expertise.  

Dr. Paolo Cádiz combines a background in physics and electrical engineering with experience in lithium-ion cells, materials engineering, and battery manufacturing. He earned his Ph.D. from RWTH Aachen, with doctoral and postdoctoral research at Forschungszentrum Jülich, resulting in patents in silicon-based materials synthesis for batteries and solar cells. At Mercedes-Benz AG, he worked in battery systems project management and advanced R&D for anodes, cell metrology, and electrolyte filling. Today, as Technology Management Expert for Batteries & Photovoltaics at Exyte, he helps clients scale cell chemistry and manufacturing innovations from pilot lines to gigafactories by translating process needs into tailored dryroom, cleanroom, [...]

In over 30 years, Hans Buurman has played many roles in research and development of medical devices and applications, mainly around imaging. He has switched multiple times between product research and development, test and release, realizing that he is truly committed to making sure that great ideas make it to the end user. He has spent many years as a technical lead and in staƯ roles, where he learned the pleasure of creating an environment where people thrive. Out of that time, 25 years Hans spent in Philips, working as a Principal Scientist and Architect. Later, Serving as Head of Development [...]

Roman Buchheit is a sales engineer at Math2Market, specializing in electrochemistry applications such as batteries. With his material science background, he is helping Math2Market’s customers to use the software GeoDict for battery material development by optimizing the microstructure and to feed users’request back into the GeoDict development team.

Jean-Sébastien Bridel is the Anode Science Director at The Extra mile , where he leads the scientific strategy for next-generation silicon anode technologies. With more than 18 years of experience in electrochemistry, advanced materials, and lithium-ion battery development, he has built a career at the intersection of research, industrialization, and business strategy. After earning his PhD in electrochemistry in France, Jean-Sébastien held international roles across Europe and Asia, contributing to the development of cathode and anode materials, advanced cell technologies, and customer-driven innovation programs. His experience spans the full value chain, from fundamental materials science to commercialization. A recognized voice in [...]

Kristina Borzutzki works as group manager of the group of process engineering at the Fraunhofer FFB in Münster. She and her team focus on process optimization and establishing of innovative processes. Besides the state-of-the-art battery production processes, a strong focus lies on evaluation and empowerment of new technologies for a resource-conserving and sustainable battery cell production. Kristinas background includes studies in engineering physics and physics and a doctoral degree in physical chemistry where she was working on material development for LiBs and PLiBs.

Michele is Sales Director at Digatron Systems Italy, bringing over three decades of experience in the battery industry, with a strong specialization in advanced manufacturing equipment. He partners with leading organizations worldwide, including industrial players, research institutions, and universities. In his current role, Michele drives strategic initiatives and key international projects, spanning from pilot-scale cell prototyping to fully automated battery production lines, as well as formation and testing systems. His expertise supports customers in scaling innovative technologies into reliable, high-performance industrial processes.

Dr. Wolfgang Bernhart has more than 30 years of experience in consulting and has been a Senior Partner at Roland Berger since 2007. Within Roland Berger’s Automotive and Industrials platform, he serves as Global Co-Head of the Advanced Technology Center, where he supports automotive, industrial, and technology clients worldwide in addressing the challenges and opportunities that emerging technologies bring to their businesses and markets. One of his core areas of expertise is the lithium-ion battery industry and strategies for critical minerals. Since 2008, he has advised OEMs and other battery customers, most of the globally relevant cell suppliers, as well as [...]