Lilliputian Systems, developer of a MEMS based portable power solution for consumer electronics devices, announced that it has signed a wafer manufacturing supply agreement with Intel. Additionally, Lilliputian announced that Intel Capital has taken an equity stake in Lilliputian Systems. "Intel recognizes that portable power solutions will be essential to consumer electronics devices and is committed to manufacturing Lilliputian's technology," said Brian Krzanich, SVP and GM of Manufacturing and Supply Chain for Intel Corporation.
The Intel Capital equity stake in Lilliputian Systems helps ensure that resources for volume manufacturing are in place. "As computing and communication devices become more mobile, demand has increased for portable power solutions that allow consumers the ability to use their electronic devices for greater periods of time without having to plug them in," said Keith Larson, vice president of Intel Capital. "With this investment, we are bringing together the advanced expertise of our manufacturing team with Lilliputian Systems' innovative start-up technologies in an investment deal that could help deliver significant power and energy improvements for consumer electronics."
Since 1991, Intel Capital has invested more than $9.7 billion in over 1,100 companies in 48 countries. In that timeframe, 189 portfolio companies have gone public on various exchanges around the world and 258 were acquired or participated in a merger. In 2009, Intel Capital invested $327 million in 107 investments with approximately 50 percent of funds invested outside the U.S. and Canada.
Lilliputian says that it selected Intel as its wafer manufacturing supplier due to Intel's manufacturing experience, financial strength, and consistent history and commitment to delivering high quality silicon wafer products to the consumer electronics industry. In connection with the agreement, Intel will manufacture and supply production wafers, which are critical in the production of all of Lilliputian Systems' product lines, most importantly its first product. Wafer manufacturing will be conducted at Intel's 200mm facility in Hudson, Massachusetts.
"Intel is world renowned for its technology leadership, innovation and silicon wafer manufacturing expertise. We are pleased to have their talents focused on helping us commercialize our revolutionary technology," said Lilliputian Systems' CEO Ken Lazarus. "As we move into high volume manufacturing, we are confident our agreement with Intel will enable us to meet the significant customer demand for our products."
Lilliputian Systems has developed a solution targeted at the $50 billion portable power market. The company claims that its technology "delivers the only viable small form-factor battery replacement that provides the enormous run-time improvements demanded by today's consumer electronics devices." Lilliputian's patented technology is based on "highly efficient" solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and MEMS wafer fabrication methods, and is fueled by recyclable high energy butane cartridges. The company says that its technology is reliable, FAA approved and environmentally friendly. Lilliputian's solution is said to enable longer run-time by providing a 5-10X improvement in volumetric energy density and 20-40X improvement in gravimetric energy density at a fraction of the cost.
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