AmberWave Systems and the University of California, Santa Barbara Partner to Develop Pioneering Technologies with Mesoporous Materials

Business Wire, Oct 4, 2007

Materials Science in-Licensing Agreement to have Broad, Commercial Market Applications

SALEM, N.H. -- AmberWave Systems, a leader in the research, development and licensing of advanced technologies for semiconductor manufacturing, announces an in-licensing agreement with the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) to collaborate on, and fund, materials science research within the field of mesoporous materials.

UCSB is among the leading academic institutions pursuing work in the field of mesoporous and mesostructured materials, which encompasses electrical generation and storage in the form of fuel cells, high-performance batteries and ultracapacitors. The acquisition of this technology will expand AmberWave's holdings of materials science within its portfolio of already existing silicon germanium and aspect ratio trapping (ART) platform technologies. Mesoporous materials will also broaden the scope of AmberWave applications beyond semiconductors.

"We are pleased to formally bring UCSB and mesoporous materials into the AmberWave family of strong university partnerships to develop pioneering technologies with broad market applications," said Richie Faubert, president, CEO and chairman of AmberWave Systems. "Early identification, in-licensing, and development of materials innovations are key to our growth strategy. The University of California, along with the faculty and staff at the Santa Barbara campus are delivering an outstanding platform that gives AmberWave a springboard into a broad range of markets."

Mesoporous materials are a broad class of engineered materials that include silicas, refractory oxides, carbons and multi-component composites; all characterized by high porosity, processability, functionalbility, and engineered, single- and double-digit nanometer pore sizes.

"AmberWave's vision of commercialization of materials science technologies was a primary motivation for us to seek a partnership with them," said Professor Brad Chmelka of the Department of Chemical Engineering at UCSB and one of the co-inventors of the technology. "Furthermore, AmberWave's commitment to continued development of the technology makes them an ideal candidate to move these ideas from the university laboratory to the marketplace."

About the University of California, Santa Barbara

The University of California, Santa Barbara is one of only 62 research-intensive institutions elected to membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities. The distinguished 980-member faculty includes five Nobel Prize winners and scores of elected members or fellows of elite national academies and associations. The campus is also home to 12 national centers and institutes, eight of them sponsored by the National Science Foundation. U.S. News and World Report's guide, "America's Best Colleges," ranks UCSB number 13 among all public universities in the nation.

About AmberWave Systems

Founded in 1998, AmberWave Systems has become a leader in the research, development and licensing of advanced technologies for semiconductor manufacturing. By funding and guiding university research, AmberWave Systems is bringing new technology developments to fruition through patents and technology licensing. In conjunction with its university research projects, AmberWave Systems conducts its own research, development and limited manufacturing in its semiconductor fabrication facility in Salem, New Hampshire. In addition, AmberWave Systems collaborates with other technology focused companies to further expand and develop its research. For more information about the company, please visit its Web site at http://www.amberwave.com.