BTU International, Inc. (Nasdaq NM: BTUI), a leading supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment for the electronics manufacturing and energy generation markets, today announced the signing of a license and joint development agreement with Boston University, focused on improving processes used to manufacture solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). The technology is applicable to both high-temperature and intermediate-temperature material systems. The development program will be conducted in BU's Manufacturing Engineering Department by Professors, Uday Pal and Srikanth Gopalan.

"The insight and knowledge regarding SOFC material systems to be contributed by BU is significant," said Paul J. van der Wansem, chairman and chief executive officer of BTU International. "Combining this with BTU's extensive experience in thermal processing applications will allow us to develop a unique and important body of knowledge that will be used for the cost-effective manufacturing of solid oxide fuel cells."

"BTU and BU have had a productive relationship for several years," said Donald A. Seccombe, Jr., director of research of BTU International. "We are expecting that this joint development will allow us to address topics--such as one-step co-firing, lower sintering temperatures and faster binder removal--that have an impact on planar SOFC manufacturing costs."

"We chose to partner with BTU on this program because of their significant knowledge in thermal processing technology and integrated manufacturing systems," said Dr. Uday Pal, of BU. "BTU provides invaluable applications knowledge and real world experience which has been instrumental in the success of our program to date."

About BTU International

BTU International is a market-leading supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment to the electronics manufacturing and energy generation markets. BTU manufactures reflow furnaces for printed circuit board assembly as well as a wide range of equipment for the semiconductor packaging market, including state-of-the-art systems for wafer bumping and wafer-level packaging. BTU also provides thermal process solutions for the solar cell, fuel cell and nuclear fuel industries. BTU, with headquarters in North Billerica, MA, operates worldwide with direct sales and service offices in the USA, Asia and Europe. Information about BTU International is available on BTU's website at www.btu.com.

About Boston University

Boston University, with an enrollment of more than 29,000 in its 17 schools and colleges, is the fourth-largest independent university in the United States.

The Boston University College of Engineering draws on the strengths of the entire university to educate engineers for success in an inherently interdisciplinary world in which engineering concepts play a vital role. It includes departments in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Manufacturing. Ongoing research programs in clean energy include work in solid oxide fuel cells, novel approaches to hydrogen generation, hydrogen storage via chemical hydrides and programs that explore clean uses of coal.