ANN ARBOR, MICH - OCTOBER 6, 2008 - Adaptive Materials, the leading manufacturer of solid oxide fuel cells, recently placed second among 47 competitors in the Department of Defense Research & Engineering’s Prize. The company’s lightweight fuel cells rose to the challenge, outperforming leading battery and fuel cell companies to help the company capture the competition’s $500,000 second prize.

“Adaptive Materials’ performance in the Prize competition validates the company’s technology and its focus on propane as fuel of choice. We’ve shown that fuel cell technology has evolved from the lab into reality,” said Michelle Crumm, chief business officer, Adaptive Materials. “Prior to the Prize competition, awareness of Adaptive Materials’ propane-powered solid oxide fuel cells was limited to industry experts, so it’s an exciting win that will build visibility and credibility for technology that a lot of people didn’t even know exists. Additionally, when many in the power business are focused on methanol or hydrogen, Adaptive Material’s propane fuel cell shows the potential for a globally-available and inexpensive fuel source.”

The Department of Defense Research & Engineering 2008 Prize challenged energy companies to develop a lightweight, wearable power. Competitors had to demonstrate a complete, wearable system that produced 20 watts average power for 96 hours and weighed less than 4 kilograms.

Key to Adaptive Materials performance is the size and weight of its portable power fuel cells. In fact, the competition rank was based on system weight and Adaptive Materials lost first place ranking by 28 grams.

Unlike competing power sources, Adaptive Materials’ fuel cells produce power from lightweight, globally available propane. The availability and cost of propane supports commercialization efforts and continued adoption of Adaptive Materials’ solid oxide fuel cells in military sectors.

Adaptive Materials will share $30,000 of its Prize with all employees. The funds will be awarded as a performance bonus to all Adaptive Materials’ employees with the company on August 31, 2008.

About Adaptive Materials, Inc.
Adaptive Materials, Inc. is the leader in the development of portable power made from solid oxide fuel cell technology. Leveraging its patented single step process in the manufacturing of micro-tubular fuel cells, Adaptive Materials has developed the ideal portable power solution. At the forefront of portable power innovation, Adaptive Materials is the first company to develop, demonstrate and deliver a portable, affordable, and fuel flexible solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system. Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell system is provides portable power to the United States Armed Forces as well as industries including recreational vehicles, boating, and medical devices. For more information, visit www.adaptivematerials.com.

Filed under: High Tech