ElectraLith CEO - Charlie McGillWinning the WMF Grand Prix is an incredible validation of our team's hard work and the global potential of our DLE-R technology. I am proud to represent ElectraLith and Australia on this prestigious international stage as we work to build a cleaner, faster and more sustainable future for critical minerals. ”
Innovation Victoria-backed ElectraLith Wins Global Innovation Award in Paris
Melbourne company becomes the first direct lithium extraction technology provider to take out the prestigious World Materials Forum Grand Prix.
Innovation Victoria portfolio company ElectraLith has been recognised on the global stage, winning the Grand Prix at the 2026 World Materials Forum (WMF) Start Up Challenge in Paris.
The award, announced at the historic Paris School of Mines on September 4, is one of the world's leading honours for breakthrough materials and industrial innovation. ElectraLith was selected from a highly competitive field of deep-tech and advanced materials companies from around the globe.
The win marks a significant milestone for the Melbourne-founded company, with its pioneering Direct Lithium Extraction and Refining (DLE-R) technology becoming the first direct lithium extraction solution to receive the WMF's highest accolade.
The recognition follows ElectraLith's selection as a World Economic Forum Top Innovator in 2024, further cementing the company's position as a global leader in critical minerals technology.
ElectraLith Chief Executive Officer Charlie McGill accepted the award on behalf of the company.
Innovation Victoria CEO Rod Bristow said the achievement demonstrates the global potential of Victorian innovation.
This award is a fantastic recognition of ElectraLith's breakthrough technology and the team behind it. To be recognised as the world's best in such a competitive field is an extraordinary achievement. ElectraLith is exactly the kind of company we want to see emerging and growing in Victoria, combining world-class research, deep technical expertise and global ambition to solve challenges that matter. ”
Innovation Victoria CEO - Rod BristowTheir success highlights Victoria's strength as a place where innovators can develop transformative technologies, attract investment and compete on the world stage. ”
ElectraLith is developing a new approach to lithium production that could transform global battery supply chains.
Its DLE-R technology is designed to produce battery-grade lithium in a single step, reducing the need for water, chemicals and overseas refining. By enabling on-site processing, the technology has the potential to lower costs, reduce emissions and strengthen domestic critical minerals capability.
The company's success highlights the growing strength of Victoria's innovation ecosystem and the increasing global impact of locally developed technologies addressing some of the world's most significant industrial and sustainability challenges.
Innovation Victoria has supported ElectraLith as it scales its technology and expands its international footprint. The company is also backed by leading global investors and industry partners including Rio Tinto, Chevron Technology Ventures, Main Sequence, IP Group, Hostplus and In-Q-Tel.
As demand for critical minerals continues to grow, ElectraLith's global recognition demonstrates Victoria's ability to develop and scale world-class technologies that support the clean energy transition while creating economic opportunities for the state.
Innovation Victoria CEO Rod Bristow said the achievement demonstrates the global potential of Victorian innovation.
About ElectraLith
ElectraLith's DLE-R technology is emerging as one of the cleanest, most versatile and cost-efficient methods to extract and refine lithium. Its proprietary electrochemical process is designed to produce 99.5 per cent+ battery-grade lithium hydroxide or carbonate from a range of resources in a single, scalable and modular step, requiring no water or chemicals and eliminating the need for further refining, which is often undertaken overseas.
ElectraLith is backed by Rio Tinto, Chevron Technology Ventures, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Vista Energy, In-Q-Tel (IQT), IP Group, Main Sequence, Fathom Fund, Hostplus, Innovation Victoria and has received significant support from the Australian Government.
In 2024, ElectraLith was recognised as a Top Innovator by the World Economic Forum.