|
 |
||||||||
| Zurich – Montreal, February 2009 Vol. 5 | |||||||||
SDC Materials (Tempe, Ariz. - USA) Advanced materials lie at the heart of the cleantech revolution, and SDC Materials from Tempe, Arizona, stands out in this space as a company to watch. SDC has developed a proprietary method for the production of advanced materials suited to two main markets: catalysts used in the chemical and automotive sectors, and synergy ceramics that can be used, for example, to make antiballistic armor. Its process is flexible -- in terms of feedstock and scale -- and the company counts among its early customers many of the Top 10 chemical and materials companies in the world. In chemical industry, catalysts play an important role as an enabler. Stability, cost of production, selectivity, and productivity are essential value drivers. SDC is working closely with many of the top-tier global chemical companies on catalysts that have proven impossible to create using rival processes. At least one major partner in the chemical industry has moved beyond the discovery phase to a pilot project using custom catalysts produced at SDC's new German facility. Other key accounts have maintained their interested in SDC's products and continue to place orders as they position for improved market conditions. In the automotive sector, the focus is on reducing the cost and improving the performance of emission controls. As regulations get tougher, innovation around catalytic converters becomes increasingly important. A core cost element in catalytic convertors is the precious platinum group metal (PGM) component. According to Johnson Matthey, in diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) alone, the industry consumed about three million ounces of platinum in 2007. Under the direction of Dr. Maximilian Biberger, CEO, and with the support of his team, SDC has recently achieved an exciting milestone in addressing the automotive catalysis sector. SDC has coated their platinum base catalyst on standard automotive DOC supports, i.e. monoliths (or honeycombs) and has tested their performance against not only the Mercedes Benz A-Class DOC, but also the Volkswagen TDI catalyst. In both cases, third party results indicate equivalent performance with about a 50% reduction in precious metals. Discussions are underway with others in the DOC value chain. To a multi-billion dollar global COGS line-item, the value proposition is clear and attractive. SDC is an early-stage investment carrying all of the opportunity and risk typically associated with such enterprises. Emerald Technology Ventures is delighted to support such a highly skilled team in its effort to develop novel products addressing very large markets and creating value for both its customers and investors. Xunlight Corp. (Toledo, Ohio - USA) Xunlight Corp. continues to position itself as a leader in the development of flexible and lightweight solar modules made of thin-film silicon. Production capacity has been expanded, and on Dec. 22 the company was given another $7 million (U.S.) loan from the State of Ohio. This follows a $4.9 million grant that was awarded last July. The loan includes $3 million from the Research and Development Investment Fund and $4 million from the Ohio Enterprise Bond Fund. The proceeds will be used to accelerate the construction of a 25-megawatt photovoltaic production line located in Toledo, Ohio. "Xunlight is fortunate to be headquartered in a state where the top elected officials are committed to supporting the renewable energy industry and sustained job growth," said Xunming Deng, chief executive officer of Xunlight. "Both Lt. Governor Fisher and Ohio Treasurer Cordray have visited Xunlight and shared with us their visions of Ohio's future in solar manufacturing." On Jan. 29 Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, during his State of the State Address, cited Xunlight as a good example of a company that will create green-collar jobs. "Strong support like this is critical to Xunlight's ability to attract institutional investments from leading venture capital and private equity firms all over the world," said Deng. Lt. Governor Lee Fisher said Ohio was committed to Xunlight's success, while Treasurer Richard Cordray called Xunlight an example of innovative small businesses in the state that form the engine of Ohio's economy. A complete list of our portfolio companies can be found under: |
|||||||||
