20년의 고체전해질 연구,
꿈의 배터리의 열쇠가 되다

“Solid electrolytes are broadly classified into three material systems: polymer-based, oxide-based, and sulfide-based. Among these, the oxide-based system was the first to attract attention. But I have consistently argued that the sulfide-based system is the most promising and that it must be the sulfide-based system. Other materials have low ionic conductivity, which limits their applicability in large-scale batteries.”

Professor Dongwook Shin’s conviction ultimately proved right, as the market has since come to widely recognize the sulfide-based system as the most suitable core material for solid electrolytes. However, the sulfide-based system has remained a highly advanced technological domain that has never been mass-produced until now. Professor Dongwook Shin, who has been researching sulfide-based materials for over 20 years, has once again pioneered his own path. Unlike domestic competitors who primarily adopted dry processing for mass production, he chose a wet processing method, which is more advantageous for large-scale manufacturing.

“This is the optimal solution derived from a deep understanding of the material’s intrinsic properties and a meticulous approach. Originality that sets one apart ultimately comes from years of dedicated research. The stable mass production system was brought to completion with the construction of a large-scale manufacturing plant in Hoengseong, Gangwon-do, fully equipped. With its completion this year, the facility is expected to produce 42 tons of solid electrolyte annually.”

Outside the laboratory, Professor Dongwook Shin has successfully transformed into a bold and innovative startup CEO. Backed by technological prowess and a proactive approach in taking a different path from others, Solivis has established itself as a company actively sought out by investors. In its founding year, the company secured KRW 1 billion in initial funding through seed investment and the Tech Incubator Program for Startups (TIPS). To date, it has raised a cumulative investment of KRW 42.2 billion, with a company valuation of KRW 112.5 billion. These figures demonstrate that Solivis is a leading company in the solid-state electrolyte market and possesses strong potential for continued growth. With more than half of its 54 members dedicated to research and development, Solivis not only boasts technological competitiveness but also secures stable in-house production capabilities, establishing a strong presence in the market.

“When stepping out of school to start a business, fear often comes first. But we must take on the challenge. Highly skilled professionals in science and engineering should help transform their exceptional capabilities into a competitive advantage for society. One such way is through entrepreneurship. If the past 20 years of my life were spent on research, the next 20 years will be devoted to entrepreneurship and practical application.”

Having made the leap from the lab to the industrial field through a startup, Professor Dongwook Shin asserts that it is well worth the challenge. He also encouraged Hanyang people to take on the world with their own capabilities. He also emphasized the need for more sophisticated systems, both at the university and government level, to help aspiring entrepreneurs overcome the fear of failure and succeed.

“To promote lab-based entrepreneurship, there must be a system in place that formally recognizes startup activities by university members as official academic achievements. After all, diverse entrepreneurial activities ultimately contribute to enhancing the university’s competitiveness. Of course, it is not an easy path. Not only is technology development challenging, but the process of attracting investment is also demanding. Solivis has also undergone a rigorous verification process that requires clear confidence from raw material selection to mass production. However, I firmly believe that every step of the process is a worthwhile journey.”

Batteries hold the key to the future. Innovation in next-generation mobile devices, such as electric vehicles, robots, and unmanned aerial vehicles, requires a safe and sustainable energy source. All-solid-state batteries are at the heart of ushering in a new energy era, and Solivis is keeping pace with the next-generation energy industry as a key materials company. Professor Dongwook Shin pledges to elevate the company to a world-class enterprise through proprietary mass-production technology for solid electrolytes and over 100 related domestic and international patents.

“Korea, Japan, and China are leading the global race in battery technology, and Korean secondary battery companies are already among the most competitive in the world. Solivis aims to contribute to enhancing South Korea’s energy competitiveness by serving as a stable supplier of solid electrolytes. Furthermore, we plan to expand our research into raw material localization and battery material recycling. Our goal is to make a significant mark in the future intelligent energy industry by establishing an integrated system that encompasses energy production, storage, and utilization.”

Professor Dongwook Shin continues to quietly forge his own path. As he embarks on the next 20 years grounded in intense research, there is growing anticipation for how his challenges and creativity will illuminate the future of energy.