Business Weekly - Cambridge, UK

Generics spin-out and the Russian based research consortium, ASPECT, have entered a non-exclusive collaboration under which CMR will provide Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) specifications relating to the its unique mixed reactant flow-through fuel cell architecture.

The programme, which will be partly funded by the Russian Government, will focus on applying ASPECT’s expertise in the fabrication of multi-layered porous membranes to the production of solid state porous MEAs for CMR’s patented architecture.

As well as the development of an optimised porous MEA, APSECT will also be looking to apply their experience in roll-to-roll production techniques for cost efficient mass production of CMR fuel cell MEAs.

The agreement does not change CMR’s internal MEA development plans and adds diversity to the eventual product sourcing options available to CMR. Under the agreement CMR will retain all rights over its patent portfolio.

Vadim Tarassov, marketing director at ASPECT, said: “Having closely examined CMR’s revolutionary approach to fuel cell architecture we are delighted to have entered into this collaborative project.

“It is our belief that the CMR proposition will play a key role in bringing about the commercial viability of a mass market fuel cell and it is our ambition to be a key component supplier into that market.

“Overall this collaborative project has two key advantages. On the one hand we are able to contribute to the acceleration of the commercialisation of CMR’s mixed reactant flow-through technology and on the other hand we are able to position ourselves as a potential mass volume supplier of component pieces to the CMR product.”