PARIS, FRANCE – June 11, 2025 – Upcell is proud to announce the formation of its Advisory Board. Composed of high-profile experts from across industry, policy, finance, and academia, the Advisory Board will support Upcell’s mission to strengthen battery manufacturing capabilities across global regions and drive innovation across the value chain.

Originally launched in Europe in 2022 as the European Battery Manufacturing Alliance, Upcell is now expanding in Asia and America, driven by the growing need for international collaboration. Embracing a “global with local-for-local” approach – Upcell promotes cross-regional knowledge exchange while supporting the development of local ecosystems.

Consequently, the Advisory Board will provide strategic guidance to Upcell’s leadership, providing guidance on market trends, technology, and global cooperation. The collective and internationally representative expertise will be instrumental in shaping Upcell’s long-term vision and operational roadmap.

“We are honored to bring together such a distinguished group of leaders who share our ambition for a sustainable and battery-powered future”, said Claude Laperiere, President at Upcell Alliance. “Their guidance will be instrumental as we scale our initiatives and build a connected, world-class ecosystem.”

The Upcell Advisory Board, chaired by Prof. Jamal Saghir, will work to inform strategy, strengthen the network, and support key initiatives, such as the recent launch of Upcell Turnkey Solutions.

Prof. Jamal Saghir added, “Upcell is an important player for supporting and speeding up the growth of the battery manufacturing industry which is now at its critical juncture. The Advisory Board will provide strategic advice and critical thinking; advance ideas or innovations that haven’t yet had the opportunity to surface; and support Upcell’s goals and growth.”

Advisory Board members include:

• Prof. Jamal Saghir, Former Director at the World Bank, current Professor of Practice at McGill University (Chair of the Board): “Upcell Alliance is an important player for supporting and speeding up the growth of the battery manufacturing industry which is now at its critical juncture. The Advisory Board will provide strategic advice and critical thinking; advance ideas or innovations that haven’t yet had the opportunity to surface; and support Upcell’s goals and growth.”

• Gwenaelle Avice-Huet, Executive Vice President of Schneider Electric’s Europe Operations: “Europe’s success in the battery sector depends on our ability to collaborate across borders and industries. Batteries play a vital role in enabling distributed generation and scaling the energy transition. As we build a more resilient and sustainable energy system, flexibility becomes essential – and storage is a key enabler. That’s exactly what Upcell is here to help deliver.”

• Gareth Hagan, Chief Executive Officer of OCO Global: “If one industry characterizes the world’s economy in 2025, it has to be the battery sector. It stands for innovation and technological advancement; it is a key enabler of sustainability; and it is truly global. I look forward to bringing OCO Global’s expertise and connectivity across the world’s most forward-thinking and dynamic economies to contribute to Upcell’s future success.”

• Prof. Emmanuel Trélat, Director of the Jacques-Louis Lions Laboratory at Sorbonne University: “As a mathematician, I am pleased to join Upcell’s Advisory Board. Mathematics contributes essential tools for modeling, optimization, and systems analysis – key components in tackling the complex scientific and technological challenges of the sector. I look forward to supporting Upcell’s mission by contributing to its strategy and helping shape a more resilient and sustainable energy future.”