October 29th, 2009
Texas State partners with green energy company

MicroPower Chairman Max Lewinsohn, left, and CEO Ali Murdoch, right.

STAFF REPORT

Texas State is partnering with Arizona-based MicroPower Global to develop cutting-edge “green energy” technology, with the possibility that the energy company could re-locate to an off-campus commercialization center being developed by Texas State with the City of San Marcos.

The Texas Emerging Technology Fund and the Innovate Texas Foundation facilitated the partnership, which initially, will have MicroPower using the new Multifunctional Materials Laboratory at Texas State for a 12-month proto-type development.

“Our investment through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund has helped create partnerships like those between Texas State University and MicroPower, and is moving Texas forward by developing cutting edge technology that will continue to enhance our state’s global competitiveness and eventually introducing these technologies into the marketplace,” said Governor Rick Perry.

Further cementing the relationship is the agreement in principle for MicroPower to relocate operations to the Interstate -35 corridor. MicroPower would be a key early tenant in the commercialization center, for which the groundbreaking is expected within a year.

The company and university researchers hope to build on technology already planned for the 2010 BMW 5 Series, which converts heat into electricity for the car’s air-conditioning and other power systems. MicroPower said the work will yield new efficiencies that will, in turn, open up vast new applications, such as heat recovery from jet engines.

The plan is expected to bring at least 28 jobs to Texas and to play in a potential $330 billion market.

“It is clear Texas State has much to offer with their first-class research expertise and facilities and a strong desire to see technologies commercialized,” said MicroPower Chairman Max Lewinsohn. “We hope to strengthen our relationship with the university as we work to eventually introduce this breakthrough technology into the marketplace.”

In the initial phase, MicroPower will build its first thermoelectric-chalcogenide based chips, a device that can convert heat directly into electricity, leading to significant energy savings. The chips’ targeted efficiencies are in excess of 15 percent, or three times more efficient than the conventional material.

“Landing MicroPower with us in Texas is a direct result of the faculty talent and commercialization platform we have been able to assemble due to support from the Emerging Technology Fund and the vision of the university administration,” said Terry Golding, director of the Center for Research Commercialization at Texas State.

While working with Texas State, MicroPower’s goal is to develop the world’s first 20 percent efficient modules, which will revolutionize the thermoelectric market. In addition, the clean, green technology is expected to save energy, reduce harmful emissions and lead to the availability of substantial carbon credits.

“Having searched extensively for a suitable development facility, it was immediately clear Texas State was the perfect fit for MicroPower,” said Ali Murdoch, MicroPower CEO. “As well as providing an ideal environment in which to complete this technology and grow the company, the support we have been afforded makes me extremely positive about MicroPower’s long-term future in Texas.”

For more information on MicroPower, go to www.micropower-global.com. Further information is also available on the web for the Texas Emerging Technology fund, www.emergingtechfund.com, and the Innovate Texas Foundation, www.InnovateTexas.org.