Dr. Karina Bobkin is an experienced Battery Cell Development Manager with more than 13 years in energy conversion and storage solutions, including 9 years in industrial battery cell engineering. At InoBat Auto j.s.a., she led pouch cell development from R&D and design through to large-scale production. Previously, at Continental AG, she contributed to the development of high-performance EV cells at scale, managed solid-state battery projects, and supported life cycle assessment activities.
With a strong technical background and passion for innovation, Karina is now focusing on the Battery Passport initiative—advancing data transparency, sustainability, and traceability across the battery value chain. She is committed to actively shaping this emerging field and developing tools to support its effective implementation.

Miha Podbreznik is Technology Manager at the Fraunhofer Research Institute for Battery Cell Production FFB. In this role, he conducts research on both established and emerging technologies in the field of battery cell production. His responsibilities include strategic technology assessment, technology screening and technology strategy development. In addition, Miha is actively involved in research projects and provides consulting services to industry partners. Miha's academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Production Engineering, both from RWTH Aachen University.

The Pop in Your Job:
I find my job exciting due to the interplay between innovation and sustainability in battery cell production. Each day presents an opportunity to contribute to the evolution of energy storage technologies, which is a crucial component in the global shift towards renewable energy. I enjoy navigating the complexities of emerging technologies and translating cutting-edge research into practical, sustainable solutions. This position not only challenges my technical and strategic skills but also aligns with my personal commitment to sustainability. Witnessing the impact of our work on advancing battery cell production fuels my passion and dedication. This intersection of professional challenges and personal values is what makes my job profoundly rewarding.

Dr. Wang's expertise is deeply rooted in metallurgy, chemical technology and materials engineering. She is a member of the prestigious European Urban Mining Research Group in Belgium and was Vice President of Beijing Ruidow Information and worked for the China business development subsidiary of Noble Group, a Fortune 500 company. Through her extensive involvement with various internationally renowned companies and clients in the rare metals industry as well as international organizations and institutions, she is a valued member of the global scientific community in the field of renewable energy.

Dr. Johannes Hattendorff leads global Business Development for OE and commercial vehicle customers at Webasto Battery Systems. With a background in physics and an MBA, he entered the lithium-ion battery field in 2011 through a joint PhD at BMW AG and TUM. Since joining Webasto in 2016, Johannes has held key engineering roles in Germany and Korea, supporting major battery projects before taking on his current global role in 2024.

Simon is an engineer and entrepreneur who is contributing to pushing the technological boundaries of battery technology and e-mobility. Initially trained by the PEM institute at RWTH Aachen University, Simon leveraged this expertise to develop and launch the CELLFAB battery pilot production line at RWTH. In his roles as Managing Director of the Electromobility Laboratory (eLab) and the Office for E-Mobility at RWTH Aachen, he supported the initiation and guided partners for successful research-industry collaboration. In his pursuit of informing professionals and the public about innovation pathways, Simon continues with the ‘E-Mobility Innovation Podcast’. Recently Simon founded BETTERE®, an engineering and consultancy firm providing operational and strategic support building upon a network of renowned, independent experts in the field of battery and E-Mobility engineering.