FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – ANN ARBOR, MICH. – AUGUST 30, 2010 — Adaptive Materials, the leader in portable power with its solid oxide fuel cells, recently ranked #3118 on Inc. Magazine’s “Inc. 5000” list.  The company ranked #69 in the Inc. ranking of energy companies.  The annual Inc. 5000 is an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies.

“Even in a down economy, Adaptive Materials continues to grow,” said Michelle Crumm, chief business officer.  “The consistent growth experienced by Adaptive Materials is a sign of market need; lightweight, portable power from readily-available fuels is the future of alternative energy.”

Adaptive Materials’ 65 percent three-year growth helped the company make the Inc. 5000 list.  The company was also part of the Inc. 5000 in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

According to Inc. Magazine, the Inc. 5000 list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. Music website Pandora, convenience store chain 7-Eleven, Brooklyn Brewery, and Radio Flyer, maker of the iconic children’s red wagon, are among the prominent brands featured on this year’s list.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found on www.inc.com.  A profile on Adaptive Materials can be found on http://www.inc.com/inc5000/profile/adaptive-materials.

About Adaptive Materials, Inc.

Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Adaptive Materials, Inc. is the first company to develop, demonstrate and deliver a portable, affordable, and fuel flexible solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system.  The company offers 50 and 250-watt fuel cell systems that are powered by globally available and energy dense propane, butane and LPG.  Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell system provides portable power to the United States Armed Forces as well as industries including leisure, remote monitoring, and medical devices.  For more information, visit www.adaptivematerials.com.

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Adaptive Materials works with the military and private sector to provide portable power to unmanned aerial vehicles.  Versus solar power, or battery power for that matter, we deliver portable power through lightweight fuel cells that run on propane, butane or most any other dirty fuel.

Our fuel cells push the envelope of what’s possible with unmanned planes.  We applaud Solar Impulse for doing the same.

For more information on Solar Impulse, check out http://www.solarimpulse.com.  An impressive media collection of the night flight is viewable here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MAY 18, 2010 – ANN ARBOR, MICH. – Adaptive Materials, the leader in portable power through solid oxide fuel cells, was recently awarded a contract to provide highly integrated, high efficiency fuel cells to the U.S. Navy.  The contract will fund research aimed at developing fuel cells powered by the Navy’s on-board fuels.

Adaptive Materials will develop a validated technical approach and implementation plan for the Navy.  Specifically, Adaptive Materials will investigate a variety of potential fuel cell applications and power levels.  The research will focus on fuel cells powered by fuels that are readily available to the Navy.

“Adaptive Materials will validate that our fuel cells can be powered by alternative fuel types, including kerosene, diesel and the Navy’s JP-5,” said Michelle Crumm, Adaptive Materials chief business officer.  “Since Adaptive Materials’ fuel cells are powered by propane, it’s a small technical leap to deliver portable power from fuel that’s current on-board Navy ships.  Creating power from inexpensive, readily-available fuels is what makes Adaptive Materials unique from our competition in the fuel cell space.”

The Navy’s use of fuel cells for portable power is tied to unmanned aerial vehicles that are used by the Navy to support Marine land operations.

The contract is valued at $150,000 and includes two additional contract options.   The second contract option, valued at $750,000, would fund delivery of Adaptive Materials fuel cells to the Navy.  The third contract option would fund optimization of the JP-5 fuel cell for specific Navy applications such as auxiliary power unit, battery replacement and supplement, and small primary propulsion systems.

About Adaptive Materials, Inc.

Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Adaptive Materials, Inc. is the first company to develop, demonstrate and deliver a portable, affordable, and fuel flexible solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system.  The company offers 50 and 250-watt fuel cell systems that are powered by globally available and energy dense propane, butane and LPG.  Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell system provides portable power to the United States Armed Forces as well as industries including leisure, remote monitoring, and medical devices.  For more information, visit www.adaptivematerials.com.

# # #

During the business forum, moderated by Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Michael A. Finney, participants shared with Assistant Secretary Fernandez their business challenges and opportunities. Funding and business development were key topics that forum participants discussed throughout the 90-minute roundtable.

“The current funding environment isn’t ideal for second stage companies, like Adaptive Materials, that are working towards commercializing their technology,” offered Michelle Crumm, the company’s chief business officer. “Government programs are geared towards very early stage companies or well-established companies, and there’s a void for companies that are in the middle. Filling the funding gaps can create better opportunities for business growth and success.”

For Finney, the business forum provided an opportunity to show how Ann Arbor SPARK’s work with entrepreneurs, including several in attendance, positively impacts company formation and growth. “Economic development organizations like Ann Arbor SPARK are an important catalyst to overall economic success in a region,” Finney explained. “Financial and other support for our work at the federal level enable Ann Arbor SPARK to help more businesses thrive.”

As the Administrator of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), Fernandez is charged with leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the global economy.

“Roundtable forums like this one allow for an open dialogue where the voice of the business owner can be heard, and their feedback can be taken back to Washington where it can directly impact change,” Fernandez said. “Having the chance to connect with business owners provides a valuable opportunity to gain a better understanding of how the federal government can assist in business growth.”

About Adaptive Materials, Inc.

Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Adaptive Materials, Inc. is the first company to develop, demonstrate and deliver a portable, affordable, and fuel flexible solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system. The company offers 50, 150 and 250-watt fuel cell systems that are powered by globally available and energy dense propane, butane and LPG. Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell system provides portable power to the United States Armed Forces as well as industries including leisure, remote monitoring, and medical devices. For more information, visit www.adaptivematerials.com.

ABOUT ANN ARBOR SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is the driving force in establishing the Ann Arbor region as a destination for business expansion, retention, and location by identifying and meeting the needs of business at every stage, from startups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK represents all communities in the Washtenaw County. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, Michigan Works!/ETCS, Washtenaw County, the City of Ann Arbor, the Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.

“Adaptive Materials is ready to move forward the fuel cell technology developed for soldiers in the field to provide portable power to consumers on the go,” explained Michelle Crumm, chief business officer. “Funding from COEE provides the extra boost we need to break into the consumer market and deliver a truly game-changing technology. This market expansion will create the meaningful company growth that leads to more jobs for Michigan.”

Adaptive Materials currently manufactures two different fuel cells. A 50-watt fuel cell that delivers portable power to soldiers in the field and a 250-watt unit that powers unmanned military vehicles. The companyʼs 250-watt unit is the basis for its RV and consumer leisure market fuel cell; Adaptive Materialsʼ fuel cells can provide the auxiliary power needed for TVs, radios, laptops, microwaves, and other creature comforts in an RV.

Unlike other fuel cells that run on hydrogen or other hard to source fuels, inexpensive and globally available propane, butane and LPG power all Adaptive Materials fuel cells. “By focusing our technology on readily-available fuels, Adaptive Materials solved a problem associated with fuel cells: Consumers could certainly find need for a fuel cell, but no fuel to actually sustain the unit,” Crumm added.

The COEE program, administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corp., supports the development, growth and sustainability of alternative energy sectors throughout the state. Adaptive Materials was selected for the COEE program because of its collaborative work with MichiganWorks!, University of Michigan and its supply-chain infrastructure for commercialization of innovative energy technology.

The COEE program focuses on where the state has competitive advantages in areas of the workforce, intellectual property and natural resources but where funding is required to overcome technical and supply-chain hurdles that could prevent or stall the commercialization
process.

About Adaptive Materials, Inc.

Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Adaptive Materials, Inc. is the first company to develop, demonstrate and deliver a portable, affordable, and fuel flexible solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system. The company offers 50, 150 and 250-watt fuel cell systems that are powered by globally available and energy dense propane, butane and LPG. Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell system provides portable power to the United States Armed Forces as well as industries including leisure, remote monitoring, and medical devices. For more information, visit www.adaptivematerials.com.

The fuel cell systems that Adaptive Materials will deliver to the U.S. Army will provide a lightweight, portable power and energy resource that soldiers can use to charge battery-powered devices in the field.

“Winning the 300-watt contract from the Department of Defense is a huge accomplishment for Adaptive Materials,” said Michelle Crumm, chief business officer. “Adaptive Materials continues to demonstrate superior value and win fuel cell contracts to provide portable power to our soldiers. Having to demonstrate the ruggedness, durability and reliability of fuel cells has narrowed down the field of viable manufacturers, and we’re extremely pleased that Adaptive Materials is able to demonstrate, time and again, its leadership.”

Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell systems are being designed to serve as a portable battery charger capable of charging up to six batteries simultaneously. These six batteries can be any combination of lithium ion batteries used by the U.S. Army for its field operations. The fuel cell systems will also provide a 28-volt output.

In keeping with its established product performance in the field, Adaptive Materials will focus on delivering reliable energy output durable in a rugged 300-watt fuel cell with extended service life. Its fuel cell will also minimize weight and volume, ultimately providing a lightweight and portable power source for soldiers on the move.

Prototypes of the 300-watt fuel cell developed by Adaptive Materials will be delivered to the U.S. Army in June.

About Adaptive Materials, Inc.

Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Adaptive Materials, Inc. is the first company to develop, demonstrate and deliver a portable, affordable, and fuel flexible solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system. The company offers 50, 150 and 250-watt fuel cell systems that are powered by globally available and energy dense propane, butane and LPG. Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell system provides portable power to the United States Armed Forces as well as industries including leisure, remote monitoring, and medical devices. For more information, visit www.adaptivematerials.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MARCH 10, 2010 – ANN ARBOR, MICH. — Adaptive Materials, the leader in developing and manufacturing solid oxide fuel cells, was recently awarded a $2.9 million contract to develop a 300-watt fuel cell system for the Department of Defense. This contract award also includes three option phases that, if awarded, could include delivery of more than 100 fuel cells, increasing the total value of the contract to $5 million.

The fuel cell systems that Adaptive Materials will deliver to the U.S. Army will provide a lightweight, portable power and energy resource that soldiers can use to charge battery-powered devices in the field.

“Winning the 300-watt contract from the Department of Defense is a huge accomplishment for Adaptive Materials,” said Michelle Crumm, chief business officer. “Adaptive Materials continues to demonstrate superior value and win fuel cell contracts to provide portable power to our soldiers. Having to demonstrate the ruggedness, durability and reliability of fuel cells has narrowed down the field of viable manufacturers, and we’re extremely pleased that Adaptive Materials is able to demonstrate, time and again, its leadership.”

Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell systems are being designed to serve as a portable battery charger capable of charging up to six batteries simultaneously. These six batteries can be any combination of lithium ion batteries used by the U.S. Army for its field operations. The fuel cell systems will also provide a 28-volt output.

In keeping with its established product performance in the field, Adaptive Materials will focus on delivering reliable energy output durable in a rugged 300-watt fuel cell with extended service life. Its fuel cell will also minimize weight and volume, ultimately providing a lightweight and portable power source for soldiers on the move.

Prototypes of the 300-watt fuel cell developed by Adaptive Materials will be delivered to the U.S. Army in June.

About Adaptive Materials, Inc.

Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Adaptive Materials, Inc. is the first company to develop, demonstrate and deliver a portable, affordable, and fuel flexible solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system. The company offers 50 and 250-watt fuel cell systems that are powered by globally available and energy dense propane, butane and LPG. Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell system provides portable power to the United States Armed Forces as well as industries including leisure, remote monitoring, and medical devices. For more information, visit www.adaptivematerials.com.

“Over the last 10 years, Adaptive Materials has been a leader in the development and delivery of portable, lightweight, and safe fuel cells to the U.S. military, and we continue to drive the innovation of fuel cell technology,” said chief business officer Michelle Crumm.  “Adaptive Materials fuel cells provide the convenience, durability and reliability that is redefining how our military meets the power needs of soldiers in the field.  We are confident that procurement of Adaptive Materials’ fuel cells for widespread military use is the next step in our evolution.”

The driving impetus behind Adaptive Materials work with the United States Air Force is to determine the feasibility of fuel cells to power communications, surveillance and other technologies for soldiers in the field.  The fuel cells developed by Adaptive Materials will meet power needs that are not currently available through either in-house military procedures or under existing contracts.

Specifically, Adaptive Materials will focus on fuel cell ruggedization, reliability, power density and startup time throughout the development of its 60-watt systems for the United States Air Force.  The propane-powered fuel cells delivered to the United States Air Force by Adaptive Materials will be designed with a 72-hour mission in mind.

Adaptive Materials will begin delivery of 60-watt fuel cells to the United States Air Force for testing at the end of 2010.

About Adaptive Materials, Inc.

Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Adaptive Materials, Inc. is the first company to develop, demonstrate and deliver a portable, affordable, and fuel flexible solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system.  The company offers 50, 150 and 250-watt fuel cell systems that are powered by globally available and power dense propane, butane and LPG.  Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell system provides portable power to the United States Armed Forces as well as industries including leisure, remote monitoring, and medical devices.  For more information, visit www.adaptivematerials.com.

Supply convoys carry everything from fuel, ammunition, batteries, to food. They are highly vulnerable to attack and extremely costly to protect both in lives and dollars. The study states that the cost of protecting convoys from the ground and air can actually be 15 times the actual purchase price of fuel. Like moving fuel, the movement of batteries to and from the battlefield exposes convoys to the same risks.

Adaptive Materials fuel cells have been successfully demonstrated in war fighting experiments to displace batteries and operate many common battlefield pieces of equipment, including satellite communications/radios, sniper detection units, unmanned ground and aerial vehicles. Because the fuel cells operate off of propane that can be sourced in theater, they significantly reduce the need to source fuel (hydrogen, methanol, etc.) or batteries from outside the theater, thereby eliminating convoys.

One Adaptive Materials fuel cell and a kilogram of locally procured propane can eliminate the need to transport fifteen (15) BA-5590 standard military batteries. Adaptive Materials fuel cells have also operated without refueling a ground robot for over 12 hours and 40 miles, and a hand-launched UAV in excess of 10 hours.

Adaptive Materials stands firmly committed to resolving the challenges as laid out by Commandant General James Conway at the U.S. Marines Corps’ (USMC) 2009 Energy Summit.

* Improved and aggressive research and development, acquisition, and fielding

* Sustainment of equipment that has

* Inherent force protection capability

* Lighter and easier to maintain

* Promotes efficiency

* Ensures interoperability

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – NOVEMBER 13, 2008 – The longest fuel cell powered flight of a radio-controlled aerial vehicle has been achieved by students at the University of Michigan and engineers at Ann Arbor-based fuel cell manufacturer Adaptive Materials, Inc.

Their plane, named Endurance, flew for 10 hours, 15 minutes and 4 seconds in a flight that lasted from sunrise to sunset on Oct. 30, 2008 at Field of Dreams Park in Milan, Mich. The previous world record, held by a California-based company, lasted just over 9 hours.

The student SolarBubbles team built the airframe, which has an 8-foot wingspan. Adaptive Materials funded the project and built the aerial vehicle’s propane-powered solid oxide fuel cell. The Adaptive Materials fuel cell for the aerial vehicle was a hybrid battery system.

“It’s great to be at the forefront of aerial vehicles,” said Nick Rooney, a senior aerospace engineering undergraduate who is leader of SolarBubbles. “I’m really excited about this and proud of all the people who have worked on it.”

Adaptive Materials has worked extensively in the air vehicle space, and will work with SolarBubbles to achieve a 20-hour test flight.

“It’s critical for unmanned aerial vehicles to have extended flight times to provide the functionality needed for military missions,” said Michelle Crumm, chief business officer at Adaptive Materials. “The flight time achieved with the SolarBubbles team surpassed any of Adaptive Materials’ previous work with aerial vehicles and shows that we’re just scratching the surface for what’s possible with a lightweight, reliable fuel cell.”

Endurance had enough fuel to fly for five more hours, but it had to land at dusk because it wasn’t made to fly at night.

The plane flew almost 99 miles over the course of the day as students took turns flying it in a holding pattern.

The SolarBubbles team designs, builds and tests unmanned aircraft. In addition to this fuel cell project, students are working to build a solar-powered unmanned aircraft with a wingspan smaller than 15 feet that can fly for more than 36 hours

About Adaptive Materials, Inc.
Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Adaptive Materials is the leader in fuel cell innovations. 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 system. Unlike other fuel cells, Adaptive Materials’ systems are powered by lightweight, inexpensive and globally available propane. Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell system 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.

Michigan Engineering:
The University of Michigan College of Engineering is ranked among the top engineering schools in the country. At more than $130 million annually, its engineering research budget is one of largest of any public university. Michigan Engineering is home to 11 academic departments and a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center. The college plays a leading role in the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute and hosts the world class Lurie Nanofabrication Facility. Michigan Engineering’s premier scholarship, international scale and multidisciplinary scope combine to create The Michigan Difference. Find out more at http://www.engin.umich.edu/.

“Adaptive Materials has enjoyed phenomenal growth and success over our 10 year history, and a large part of our success is attributable to our team,” said Michelle Crumm, Adaptive Materials’ chief business officer. “Our evolution from fuel cell developer into manufacturing took the company into uncharted waters, and thanks to our team, it’s been smooth sailing. We are excited to see where Adaptive Materials will be in 10 years.”

Adaptive Materials team members who have served the company for five years or more were awarded a vacation package of their choosing. In a show of commitment to the state where Adaptive Materials has grown over the last 10 years, team members were awarded a custom vacation package to any destination in Michigan.

The service awards celebrated at Adaptive Materials 10 year anniversary were:

5 years

• Matt Hoffman, controller
• Mike Gorski, controls engineer
• Miguel Tovar, manufacturing engineer
• Jason Krajcovic, electrical engineer
• Corey Patterson, technician

6 years

• Rick Martin, manufacturing engineer team lead
• Steve Ross, manufacturing technician

7 years

• Tim LaBreche, director of technology
• Jon Rice, product application engineer

About Adaptive Materials, Inc.

Based in Ann Arbor, Mich., Adaptive Materials, Inc. is the first company to develop, demonstrate and deliver a portable, affordable, and fuel flexible solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system. The company offers 50, 150 and 250-watt fuel cell systems that are powered by globally available and power dense propane, butane and LPG. Adaptive Materials’ fuel cell system provides portable power to the United States Armed Forces as well as industries including leisure, remote monitoring, and medical devices. For more information, visit www.adaptivematerials.com.