Velocys’ microchannel process technology is a revolutionary advancement that could enable cost effective production of hydrogen from natural gas and other petroleum fuels. Wayne Simmons, CEO of Velocys, “sees this (Third Frontier Funding) as a great opportunity to move microchannel technology to the potentially very large fuel cell market.” He added “the funding of this and other projects by the Third Frontier Program will help establish a strong foundation of a fuel cell industry in Ohio.”

The project, which will tap into CWRU’s fuel cell expertise, will culminate with a long duration test of a Velocys Technology steam methane reformer.  CWRU will provide input regarding the hydrogen fuel needs of various fuel cell technologies and help assess which units would be most suitable to couple with Velocys hydrogen generators. Dr. Tom Zawodzinski, the F. Alex Nason Professor of Engineering at the Case Advanced Power Institute (CAPI), states, “Cost effective hydrogen generation is one of the biggest hurdles to wide scale commercialization of fuel cells.”

Mike McKay, Team Leader of the Ohio Fuel Cell Initiative for the Ohio Department of Development, praised all the 2005 Third Frontier Fuel Cell Program applicants, stating, “We were impressed by the quality of the proposals and the strong collaborations among Ohio companies, universities, and research organizations. Unfortunately, many worthy projects could not be funded this year.”

About Velocys
Velocys, Inc. is developing revolutionary processing systems that will provide chemical and energy companies with substantial capital cost savings, improved product yields and greater energy efficiencies.  Velocys was incorporated in 2000 by Battelle Memorial Institute to develop and commercialize a patented microchannel-based technology for the chemical and energy industries. Velocys has extended this licensed portfolio of intellectual property to create a new, disruptive technology capable of significantly increasing the profitability of chemical and energy processing. Velocys is headquartered near Columbus in Plain City, Ohio. For further information call 614-733-3300 or visit www.velocys.com.

About Case Advanced Power Institute (CAPI)

The Case Advanced Power Institute (CAPI) is a center for research, education, industry stimulation and outreach activities in energy efficient technologies. The current focus is on various fuel cell technologies. CAPI combines the strengths and legacy of fuel cell related research and development at Case Western Reserve University with new generation of leading scientists and engineers. Specifically CAPI R&D is focused on enabling the commercialization of fuel cells. The activities will range from studying the fundamentals of the phenomena taking place within the fuel cell to completing performance and system level studies and mathematical modeling.

About Centennial Associates

Centennial Associates LLC is a Dublin, Ohio based consulting practice that assists the management of start-up companies, and the new business and corporate development groups of larger corporations establish new businesses, grow revenues and enhance shareholder value. Founded in 2003, Centennial has provided business strategy, corporate funding, and technology licensing support to the management of high growth companies in various technology fields, including fuel cells, solar lighting, microchannel chemical processing, absorption cooling, corrosion control, facilities integrity and advanced (nano and electronic) materials.  More information can found by contacting Centennial directly at (614) 336-7956 or centennial7@earthlink.net

About Gibbard Research and Development Corp.

Gibbard R&D Corp. performs consulting and carries out research in the area of electrochemical power sources.  Founded in 1995 and with laboratory facilities in Haverhill, MA, the company currently is concentrating on research on fuel cells, alternative energy sources, hydrogen generation and purification, and advanced batteries.  Recent and current consulting activities include business development and technical support on Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells, hybrid systems of batteries and fuel cells, batteries for aerospace and undersea applications, and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells.  Contact Information:  603-679-1590 or e-mail fgibbard@earthlink.net.

About The Third Frontier Project

Governor Taft unveiled The Third Frontier Project in February 2002. This project is the state’s largest-ever commitment to expanding Ohio’s high-tech research capabilities and promoting innovation and company formation that will create high-paying jobs for generations to come. The 10-year, $1.1 billion initiative designed to: 1) Build world-class research capacity, 2) Support early stage capital formation and the development of new products and 3) Finance advanced manufacturing technologies to help existing industries become more productive