Contour Energy Systems Blog

ECN Magazine, Janary 25, 2012

The following is excerpted from an article in ECN Magazine by Contour Energy VP, Sales and Marketing, Joe Carcone.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) save thousands of lives annually for patients with weak or damaged hearts who are at heightened risk of sudden cardiac arrest. The ICD is battery-powered, and when the battery’s charge depletes, it must be replaced. How long can the battery be expected to last? The answer depends on the type of battery used. This article will evaluate the critical design characteristics of ICD batteries.

Of the many battery chemistries available today, only a few are suitable for being implanted in the human body. Some simply lack the longevity demanded by the application, or in order to fulfill the power requirements, would need to be too large to fit the rather compact space available. And some others that do satisfy these needs are simply too toxic, containing poisonous materials that prohibit their use.

Given the need for a battery that is both safe and long-lasting, Lithium/Carbon Fluoride has emerged as the most popular type for medical implants. These batteries have a relatively high volumetric energy density, enabling them to pack sufficient power in a small space. And although the manufacturing process is not without its share of environmental concerns, the battery itself is as benign as it is dependable.

Nano technology and other advancements have made some significant improvements in the performance of today’s Advanced Lithium/Carbon Fluoride batteries. Before examining those, however, it is beneficial to understand the two basic functions of an ICD from the battery’s perspective. The first function involves sensing when the heart is experiencing an abnormal rhythm. This requires a sustained but relatively low amount of current. The second function is to deliver a shock to the heart when necessary to restore a normal rhythm, and this requires a short but considerably higher pulse (no pun intended) current.

The performance advantage of the Advanced Carbon Fluoride battery derives from the ability to customize or tune its cathode to meet the specific requirements of both ICD functions. By altering how fluorine is introduced into the carbon structure at the atomic level during the manufacturing process, the battery’s fundamental properties are altered to achieve the optimal balance of energy and power densities. This enables the Advanced Carbon Fluoride battery to enjoy a substantially longer service life as it continuously monitors cardiac rhythms and periodically delivers its life-saving shock.

The customized cathode nearly doubles the volumetric energy density compared to Lithium/Manganese Dioxide, another popular battery chemistry used in certain medical applications. Specifically, Advanced Carbon Fluoride batteries have a volumetric energy density of 700 to 1000 Watt-hours per liter (Wh/l) compared to Manganese Dioxide’s typical 500-650 Wh/l in the form factors commonly used in medical implants. Although less important in ICDs, Advanced Carbon Fluoride batteries enjoy a higher gravimetric energy density of over 600 Watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) compared to Manganese Dioxide’s typical 200-250 Wh/kg.

Advanced Carbon Fluoride batteries can also be customized in other ways to meet the specific needs of the ICD manufacturer. Support for cylindrical, thin film and prismatic form factors, for example, allows the battery pack to be tailored to precisely fit the design of the ICD itself.

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About the Author

Joe Carcone is VP of Sales and Marketing at Contour Energy Systems. Carcone started his career with Bell Labs in engineering for terrestrial and aerospace battery systems. At GE, he worked in the rechargeable battery business. For over 20 years, Carcone was responsible for sales and marketing for North and South American Operations with SANYO Energy USA, and most recently with PowerGenix, a venture start-up company specializing in nickel zinc rechargeable batteries. Carcone holds a BS in electrical engineering and an MS in operations research from Rutgers University.

Next-Generation Battery Company Collaborates with In-Q-Tel (IQT) to Deliver Innovative Portable Power Solutions to U.S. Government Agencies

Azusa, CA – January 17, 2012 – Contour Energy Systems, Inc, an innovative portable power company commercializing next-generation battery systems, today announced the signing of a strategic investment and technology development agreement with In-Q-Tel, the independent, strategic investment firm that identifies innovative technology solutions to support the missions of the U.S. Intelligence Community.  This strategic partnership between Contour Energy Systems and IQT will advance portable power solutions for various terrestrial and emerging applications.

“Contour Energy Systems’ work in carbon-fluoride battery chemistry shows great promise in delivering significant improvements in energy density, power density and reliability across a wide range of operating environments,” said William Strecker, executive vice president and CTO at IQT.  “These performance attributes are critically important to applications where weight reduction, longevity and durability matter.”

IQT’s strategic investment in Contour Energy Systems provides funding for new battery developments that are directly applicable to current application power requirements at many U.S. government agencies.

Contour’s advanced lithium/carbon fluoride battery technology has a gravimetric energy density twice that of either sulfur dioxide or manganese dioxide.  This is significant for military applications because by doubling the energy density, the weight of a battery pack needed for a mission of a given duration can be cut in half, or the same size and weight in battery packs could double the mission’s duration.

Contour also delivers a higher volumetric energy density that allows for packing more power into a given space.  And combined with its higher gravimetric energy density this extra power adds no additional weight.

Another advantage of Contour’s advanced Carbon Fluoride battery is long shelf life and the ability to operate in a wide temperature range.  It also employs a solid cathode that eliminates heavy metals or other toxic materials to afford safe operation and handling.  In addition, it does not exhibit operational problems associated with Sulfur Dioxide and Manganese Dioxide batteries, such as passivation.

Contour’s Carbon Fluoride battery also has the ability to customize or tune its cathode to meet an application’s specific requirements.  By altering how fluorine is introduced into the carbon structure at the atomic level during the manufacturing process, the battery’s fundamental properties can be changed to achieve an optimal balance of energy and power densities, enabling new capabilities and/or better performance.

Available in a variety of standard and customized form factors makes the advanced carbon fluoride battery suitable for a wide range of military applications, including advanced soldier systems, radios, GPS receivers, night vision goggles,  thermal imagers and cameras, monitoring and sensing systems and digital messaging devices.

“In-Q-Tel’s strategic investment in Contour is significant on three fronts,” said Joe Fisher, Chief Executive Officer with Contour Energy Systems.  “First, they are a strategic investment firm with powerful ties and partnerships with U.S. government agencies that can take advantage of our advanced portable power technology.  Second, they have a vested interest in the commercialization of our technology above and beyond military applications.  And third, their investment follows closely on the heels of our recent Series C round of funding that provides us with tremendous market momentum heading into 2012.”

About Contour Energy Systems

Contour Energy Systems is an innovative portable power company commercializing customizable battery technologies for a wide range of cross-industry applications.  Contour’s next-generation battery systems are designed to deliver unprecedented improvements in energy and power density, and are capable of performing in extreme operating conditions at significantly improved costs.  Founded through the collaboration of Caltech and CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research, the company combines expertise in nano-materials science, patented Fluorine-based battery chemistries and manufacturing processes to significantly advance the state of portable power.  Headquartered in Azusa, CA, Contour Energy is managed by a world-class team of battery industry leaders from Caltech, Energizer, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, Sanyo and Valence Technologies.  The company is privately held.

About IQT

In-Q-Tel is the not-for-profit, strategic investment firm that works to identify, adapt, and deliver innovative technology solutions to support the missions of the U.S. Intelligence Community. Launched in 1999 as a private, independent organization, IQT’s mission is to identify and partner with companies developing cutting-edge technologies that serve the national security interests of the United States. Working from an evolving strategic blueprint defining the Intelligence Community’s critical technology needs, IQT engages with entrepreneurs, startups, researchers, and investors to deliver technologies that provide superior capabilities for the CIA and broader Intelligence Community. For more information, visit www.iqt.org.

Accolade Given to Companies and Industry Leaders that Foster Economic Competitiveness

Azusa, CA – November 15, 2011 – Contour Energy Systems, Inc, an innovative portable power company commercializing next-generation battery systems, announced that it has won the second annual 2011 Los Angeles Business Journal Patrick Soon-Shiong Innovation Award. The annual award acknowledges organizations and executives in southern California who foster economic competitiveness with proven leadership in innovation.

Contour Energy Systems was listed among 15 of the most innovative companies in the Los Angeles area and was selected by a panel of esteemed professionals from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, USC’s Marshall School of Business, UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Abraxis BioScience and leadership at the Los Angeles Business Journal.  The Contour Energy management team and founders are battery industry heavyweights and include Dr. Robert Grubbs, a co-founder and world-renowned 2005 Nobel Laureate and professor of chemistry at Caltech.  Dr. Grubbs has received numerous professional fellowships and awards and is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

“This award marks another significant achievement and recognizes the incredible work and innovation of our Contour Energy team,” said Contour Energy Systems CEO Joe Fisher.  “We are honored to be a recipient of this award that recognizes our pioneering advancements in new fluorine-based battery chemistries, nano-materials science and manufacturing processes.”

About Contour Energy Systems

Contour Energy Systems is an innovative portable power company commercializing customizable battery technologies for a wide range of cross-industry applications.  Contour’s next-generation battery systems are designed to deliver unprecedented improvements in energy and power density, and are capable of performing in extreme operating conditions at significantly improved costs.  Founded through the collaboration of Caltech and CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research, the company combines expertise in nano-materials science, patented Fluorine-based battery chemistries and manufacturing processes to significantly advance the state of portable power.  Headquartered in Azusa, CA, Contour Energy is managed by a world-class team of battery industry leaders from Caltech, Energizer, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, Sanyo and Valence Technologies.  The company is privately held.

Next-Generation Battery Company to Leverage Over $20M in New Funding to Expand R&D, Ramp-Up Production Capacity and Apply Working Capital to Support Sales

Azusa, CA – October 6, 2011 – Contour Energy Systems, Inc, an innovative portable power company commercializing next-generation battery systems, today announced it has finalized its Series C round of financing that now includes SBI Jefferies Asia Fund L.P. as its newest investor.  The closed Series C round, totaling over $20 million, includes Singapore’s leading global fund, EDBI  as lead investor.  Contour Energy’s previous investors CMEA Capital, Harris & Harris, Schlumberger and U.S. Venture Partners also participated in this investment round. 

With this latest round of funding, Contour Energy Systems will continue to expand its breakthrough R&D efforts in carbon-fluoride chemistries being developed to significantly increase the energy and power densities of next-generation batteries for a broad cross-section of markets.  The company will also apply its new financing to expand production capacity and allocate working capital in support of projected sales growth.  A key objective of this strategic investment round is to commercialize and accelerate time-to-market cycles for its portfolio of next-generation primary and rechargeable batteries targeting applications in consumer, industrial, medical, military and specialty markets worldwide.

“Contour Energy’s next-generation battery technology has significant potential to disrupt the portable power industry,” said Masaki Takayanagi, managing director and CEO of SBI Ven Capital Pte Ltd.  “Based on our evaluation of Contour Energy’s core technologies, the company is poised to deliver considerable battery performance improvements in areas where it counts most—energy density, power density and reliability across a wide range of operating environments.”

In addition to broadening its R&D efforts in carbon fluoride chemistry, Contour Energy will continue to advance its nanomaterials science and manufacturing processes for next-generation primary and rechargeable portable power systems.  

Comprised of decorated battery industry veterans and research specialists including co-founder Dr. Robert Grubbs, a Nobel Laureate in chemistry with Caltech, Contour has amassed over 45 patented and patent-pending technologies.  The company also maintains exclusive technology licensing agreements with the California Institute of Technology, CNRS and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as strategic partnerships with Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA, Schlumberger, and other academic and private institutions.

“Closing out our Series C round with the addition of SBI Jefferies Asia Fund provides us with another strategic partner that maintains important relationships in key Asian markets,” said Joe Fisher, Chief Executive Officer with Contour Energy Systems.  “We now have one of the industry’s most elite corps of investors and substantial new capital to accelerate our ambitious technology and product development initiatives that we believe will reshape portable power.”

About SBI Jefferies Asia Fund

SBI Jefferies Asia Fund is a joint venture fund between SBI Group, a TSE listed Japan based financial services conglomerate and Jefferies Group, a NYSE listed global investment bank. The investment advisor to this fund is SBI Ven Capital Pte Ltd, the overseas private equity arm of SBI Group. SBI Group is the largest Japanese private equity/venture capital house, with more than USD $4B of committed capital. SBI Ven Capital primarily focuses on providing growth capital to promising companies in the mid market sector in Asia. With its base in Japan, SBI Group has an extensive network across Asia including Singapore, China, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei, Indonesia and India. More information on SBI Group is available at www.sbigroup.co.jp/english.

About Contour Energy Systems

Contour Energy Systems is an innovative portable power company commercializing customizable battery technologies for a wide range of cross-industry applications.  Contour’s next-generation battery systems are designed to deliver unprecedented improvements in energy and power density, and are capable of performing in extreme operating conditions at significantly improved costs.  Founded through the collaboration of Caltech and CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research, the company combines expertise in nano-materials science, patented Fluorine-based battery chemistries and manufacturing processes to significantly advance the state of portable power.  Headquartered in Azusa, CA, Contour Energy is managed by a world-class team of battery industry leaders from Caltech, Energizer, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, Sanyo and Valence Technologies.  The company is privately held.

Finalist for “Game Changer of the Year Awards” to be Presented in November

Azusa, CA – September 28, 2011 – Contour Energy Systems, Inc, an innovative portable power company commercializing next-generation battery systems, today announced that it has been named by Grow-California to the California 2011 Clean Tech Innovation “Top 40.”  Grow-California LLC, is an organization dedicated to fostering jobs and wealth creation in California by connecting entrepreneurs, growth companies and market leaders with capital, talent and customers.

Founded in 2007 out of the collaboration of Caltech and CNRS, the French National Center of Scientific Research, Contour Energy Systems is a next-generation battery company reshaping the portable power industry. The company is pioneering breakthrough advancements in new fluorine-based battery chemistries, nano-materials science and advanced manufacturing processes.

“We are pleased to have been recognized by a selection committee comprised of clean tech industry experts, banks, venture capital firms, and academia,” said Contour Energy Systems CEO Joe Fisher.  “We are honored to be distinguished because of our focus on innovation and important contributions to California’s economic growth, and  very proud of the company’s significant advancements.”

Grow-California will host the Clean Tech Innovation “Top 40” event Nov. 2-3 at the Kaiser Center in Oakland, Calif., and each of the 40 companies has an opportunity to receive one of 15 “Game Changer of the Year Awards” to be presented in the form of official State of California Resolutions.

About Contour Energy Systems

Contour Energy Systems is an innovative portable power company commercializing customizable battery technologies for a wide range of cross-industry applications.  Contour’s next-generation battery systems are designed to deliver unprecedented improvements in energy and power density, and are capable of performing in extreme operating conditions at significantly improved costs.  Founded through the collaboration of Caltech and CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research, the company combines expertise in nano-materials science, patented Fluorine-based battery chemistries and manufacturing processes to significantly advance the state of portable power.  Headquartered in Azusa, CA, Contour Energy is managed by a world-class team of battery industry leaders from Caltech, Energizer, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, Sanyo and Valence Technologies.  The company is privately held.

AZUSA, CA, September 14, 2011 – Contour Energy Systems, an innovative portable power company commercializing next-generation battery systems, today announced that it has been chosen by AlwaysOn as one of the GoingGreen Global 200 winners.  Inclusion in the GoingGreen Global 200 signifies leadership amongst its peers and game-changing approaches and technologies that are likely to disrupt existing markets and entrenched players. Contour Energy Systems was specially selected by the AlwaysOn editorial team and industry experts spanning the globe based on a set of five criteria: innovation, market potential, commercialization, stakeholder value, and media buzz.

 Contour Energy Systems and the GoingGreen Global 200 companies will be honored at AlwaysOn’s GoingGreen Silicon Valley event on September 27, 2011, at San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco.  This two-and-a-half-day executive event features CEO presentations and high-level debates on the most promising emerging green technologies and new entrepreneurial opportunities

 “Picking this year’s GoingGreen Global 200 was a very competitive process, as literally dozens of great greentech companies are emerging out of the pack, raising big money, and gaining significant market traction,” says Tony Perkins, founder and editor of AlwaysOn. “This year’s winners clearly represent some of the highest-growth opportunities we’ve seen in the private company marketplace and underscore that many of the greentech sectors VCs have been betting on are booming.”

 The GoingGreen Global 200 winners were selected from among thousands of domestic and international greentech technology companies nominated by investors, bankers, journalists, and greentech industry insiders.  The AlwaysOn editorial team conducted a rigorous three-month selection process to finalize the 2011 list.

 Amassing over 45 patented and patent-pending technologies, Contour is developing advanced primary and next-generation rechargeable battery systems optimized to meet the most demanding power and energy density, reliability and safety requirements. Its battery systems are also being designed to perform in the most extreme operating environments with significantly improved price/performance. Contour is commercializing and licensing its technology portfolio to address a wide range of applications spanning the consumer, industrial, government/defense, medical, portable electronics and transportation markets.

A full list of all the GoingGreen Global 200 winners can be found on the AlwaysOn website at:

http://www.aonetwork.com/AOStory/Announcing-2011-GoingGreen-Global-200-Top-Private-Companies

 “Considering that only 200 privately-held companies are selected for the GoingGreen Global 200, it is deeply satisfying to be among such a prominent short list of innovators,” said Joe Fisher, CEO of Contour Energy Systems.  “It’s particularly gratifying to be recognized for the significant advancements we’re pioneering in new fluorine-based battery chemistries, nano-materials science and advanced manufacturing processes.” 

About AlwaysOn

AlwaysOn is the leading business media brand networking the Global Silicon Valley. AlwaysOn helped ignite the social media revolution in early 2003 when it launched the AlwaysOn network. In 2004, it became the first media brand to socially network its online readers and event attendees. AlwaysOn’s preeminent executive event series includes the Silicon Valley Innovation Summit, OnMedia, OnHollywood, Venture Summit Mid-Atlantic, OnDemand, Venture Summit Silicon Valley, OnMobile, and GoingGreen Silicon Valley. The AlwaysOn network and live event series continue to lead the industry by empowering its readers, event participants, sponsors, and advertisers like no other media brand.

About Contour Energy Systems

Contour Energy Systems is an innovative portable power company commercializing customizable battery technologies for a wide range of cross-industry applications. Contour’s next-generation battery systems are designed to deliver unprecedented improvements in energy and power density, and are capable of performing in extreme operating conditions at significantly improved costs. Founded through the collaboration of Caltech and CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research, the company combines expertise in nano-materials science, patented Fluorine-based battery chemistries and manufacturing processes to significantly advance the state of portable power. Headquartered in Azusa, CA, Contour Energy is managed by a world-class team of battery industry leaders from Caltech, Energizer, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, Sanyo and Valence Technologies. The company is privately held.

Keele, UK – August 1, 2011 – Contour Energy Systems, Inc, an innovative portable power company commercializing next-generation battery systems, today announced a distribution agreement with INEC Medio Informatico LDA to maximize coverage in Spain and Portugal.  Founded in 1997 and based in Zamora, Spain, INEC  offers the largest selection of electric tools,  electronic products and network connectivity solutions in the region—with over 12,000 products in active stock—which positions INEC as one of the market leaders in this region.

Together with the INEC NiMH range of AA and AAA batteries, INEC will be stocking Contour Energy’s complete suite of portable power products, which includes its next-generation coin cell product family featuring the company’s patented Fluorinetic™ technology.  This distribution agreement represents the latest expansion for Contour Energy Systems into the Spanish and Portuguese markets.

“For INEC Medio Informatico it is with great satisfaction to include Contour Energy’s products in our catalogue as we always offer to our customers the best quality products,” said Jorge Alvarez, INEC product manager.  “We understand that Contour Energy’s products offer the best solution that we can provide to our market and anticipate that this is only the beginning of a long and successful relationship.”

“Based on its strong reputation and broad reach, the INEC partnership represents a perfect fit for Contour Energy’s distribution strategy,” said Simon Lee-Overy, Contour Energy Systems European Managing Director.  “Contour Energy’s advanced portable electronics span multiple vertical industries, which are driving global demand for lithium coin cells in demanding applications for high performance batteries that can deliver optimal run times, long shelf life and high voltage.”

About Contour Energy Systems
Contour Energy Systems is an innovative portable power company commercializing customizable battery technologies for a wide range of cross-industry applications.  Contour’s next-generation battery systems are designed to deliver unprecedented improvements in energy and power density, and are capable of performing in extreme operating conditions at significantly improved costs.  Founded through the collaboration of Caltech and CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research, the company combines expertise in nano-materials science, patented Fluorine-based battery chemistries and manufacturing processes to significantly advance the state of portable power.  Headquartered in Azusa, CA, Contour Energy is managed by a world-class team of battery industry leaders from Caltech, Energizer, Sanyo, General Electric, ConocoPhillips and Hewlett-Packard.  The company is privately held with funding from CMEA Capital, Harris and Harris, Schlumberger, US Venture Partners and EDBI (EDB Investments Pte Ltd.).

Latest Funding Round for Next-Generation Battery Company to Expand R&D Efforts, Production Capacity Expansion and Working Capital Funding

AZUSA, CA – June 21, 2011 – Contour Energy Systems, an innovative portable power company commercializing next-generation battery systems, today announced it has successfully raised a Series C round of financing from Singapore’s leading global fund, EDBI (EDB Investments Pte Ltd.) and previous investors CMEA Capital, Harris & Harris, Schlumberger and U.S. Venture Partners.

Contour Energy will apply this latest round of funding to expanding its breakthrough research and development efforts, production capacity expansion and funding working capital growth. These parallel initiatives are specifically designed to commercialize and accelerate time-to-market cycles for its portfolio of next-generation primary and rechargeable batteries targeting applications in automotive, consumer, industrial, medical and military markets worldwide.

“We view Contour’s next-generation battery technology as potentially disruptive and differentiated from existing energy storage alternatives,” said Ms. Chu Swee Yeok, Chief Executive Officer of EDBI. “Locating Contour’s Asian headquarters and R&D center in Singapore, an international business hub with a vibrant R&D landscape, will expedite the commercial rollout of Contour’s game-changing technology. Contour will be well placed to tap on EDBI’s extensive networks and connections to expand its global footprint through new business opportunities in Asia and the world.”

Contour Energy is applying its breakthrough advancements in carbon fluoride chemistry, nanomaterials science and manufacturing processes for next-generation primary and rechargeable portable power systems.

“In this turbulent economy, Contour’s ability to raise another significant round of funding is an impressive achievement and another key milestone for the company,” said Mr. Maurice Gunderson, Contour Energy Systems’ chairman of the board and venture partner with CMEA Capital. “And with the addition of Singapore-based EDBI as another strategic investor, Contour is adding a key partner with important ties in Asia.”

Comprised of decorated battery industry veterans and research specialists including co-founder Dr. Robert Grubbs, a Nobel Laureate in chemistry with Caltech, Contour has amassed over 45 patented and patent-pending technologies. The company also maintains exclusive technology licensing agreements with the California Institute of Technology, CNRS and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as strategic partnerships with Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA, Schlumberger, and other academic and private institutions.

“Our latest funding round is especially gratifying on two fronts,” said Mr. Joe Fisher, Chief Executive Officer with Contour Energy Systems. “We’ve added another strategic investor with the addition of EDBI and we’re the beneficiaries of continuing investment support and counsel from our original investors CMEA Capital, Harris & Harris, Schlumberger, and US Venture Partners. With the involvement of EDBI, Contour has strategic in-roads into key Asian market opportunities and R&D initiatives.”

About EDBI

EDBI (EDB Investments) is a leading strategic investment firm headquartered in Singapore with a worldwide presence investing to drive growth opportunities within the knowledge and innovation-intensive sectors of Biomedical Sciences, Clean Technologies, Internet & Digital Media, as well as other strategic industry clusters with commercial potential. As a value adding investor, EDBI creates sustainable and synergistic partnerships with its portfolio companies, leveraging on its broad network of resources and experience to facilitate the companies’ growth in Asia and the world, through their operations in Singapore. For more information on EDBI, please visit http://www.edbi.com/

About Contour Energy Systems

Contour Energy Systems is an innovative portable power company commercializing customizable battery technologies for a wide range of cross-industry applications. Contour’s next-generation battery systems are designed to deliver unprecedented improvements in energy and power density, and are capable of performing in extreme operating conditions at significantly improved costs. Founded through the collaboration of Caltech and CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research, the company combines expertise in nano-materials science, patented Fluorine-based battery chemistries and manufacturing processes to significantly advance the state of portable power. Headquartered in Azusa, CA, Contour Energy is managed by a world-class team of battery industry leaders from Caltech, Energizer, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, Sanyo and Valence Technologies. The company is privately held.

Contour Energy Systems Partners with Gem to Market Consumer Portfolio in Europe

AZUSA, CA – June 21, 2011 – Contour Energy Systems, an innovative portable power company commercializing next-generation battery systems, today announced a strategic partnership with Gem Distribution Limited to launch its next-generation coin cell product family featuring the company’s patented Fluorinetic™ technology.

In July, Contour will go to market with the new high end “Game Changing Ready to Use” program that will offer the European consumer market the “World’s Best Battery.” This leading edge range of AA, AAA and chargers will be come in unique, cool and vibrant packaging and offer the consumer a three-year warranty. The batteries that are manufactured in Japan are ready to use straight out of the packaging and stay pre-charged for three years retaining 75 percent capacity if not used.

Gem has a history of success that includes distribution partnerships with Microsoft as well as Logitech, Nintendo, Sandisk and Symantec. Gem also offers exclusive UK distribution of Codemasters, Livescribe, NCsoft, Take Two and Xbox 360, producing an annual group turnover in excess of £450 million.

Gem will supply the Contour range of products to an extensive customer base including well-known high street and Internet retailers, corporate resellers, mail order companies and independent retailers. They also recently extended their category reach into new sectors of the market including audio/visual, digital pens and video cameras.

“Contour is a company that possess some of the most exciting new technologies ever seen, so we needed a high caliber partner with respect in the industry to help us market our game-changing products,” said Simon Lee-Overy, Contour Energy Systems European Managing Director. “Gem was the only choice and we are excited to work with them in reshaping portable power.”

About Contour Energy Systems

Contour Energy Systems is an innovative portable power company commercializing customizable battery technologies for a wide range of cross-industry applications. Contour’s next-generation battery systems are designed to deliver unprecedented improvements in energy and power density, and are capable of performing in extreme operating conditions at significantly improved costs. Founded through the collaboration of Caltech and CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research, the company combines expertise in nano-materials science, patented Fluorine-based battery chemistries and manufacturing processes to significantly advance the state of portable power. Headquartered in Azusa, CA, Contour Energy is managed by a world-class team of battery industry leaders from Caltech, Energizer, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, Sanyo and Valence Technologies. The company is privately held with funding from CMEA Capital, Harris and Harris, Schlumberger and US Venture Partners.

Developer of Next-Generation Portable Power Systems Bolsters Technical Leadership with Addition of World-Class Advisors from Caltech, MIT and Blaise Pascal

AZUSA, CA – May 4, 2011 – Contour Energy Systems, an innovative portable power company commercializing next-generation battery systems, today announced the formation of a new Scientific Advisory Board comprised of leading authorities in chemistry, inorganic materials, energy storage, materials science and applied physics that will extend the company’s technical leadership in the development of next-generation battery systems.

Contour Energy’s Scientific Advisory Board consists of Dr. Robert Grubbs, a Nobel Prize winner in chemistry and professor at the California Institute of Technology; Dr. Andre Hamwi, co-founder of Contour Energy Systems and professor in the Inorganic Materials Laboratory at the University of Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Dr. James Akridge, an internationally acclaimed electrochemist and president of JRA Advisors; Dr. Marc Dubois, professor in the Inorganic Materials Laboratory at the University of Blaise Pascal; Dr. Yang Shao-Horn, professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and Dr. Brent Fultz, professor of Materials Science and Applied Physics at the California Institute of Technology.

“The formation of our Scientific Advisory Board, that features some of the greatest minds in the development and advancement of portable power systems, is a huge addition,” said Dr. Simon Jones, vice president, technology at Contour Energy Systems. “Securing multi-disciplinary talent of this caliber not only assists us in the development of breakthrough battery systems, but will help accelerate our speed-to-market efforts as well.”

Scientific Advisory Board Backgrounds
• Dr. Robert Grubbs: Victor and Elizabeth Atkins Professor of Chemistry at the California Institute of Technology and a co-Founder and Director of Contour Energy Systems. Dr Grubbs has also established several additional high technology materials companies, leveraging more than 40 years experience in the fields of catalysis, organic, organometallic and polymer chemistry. Throughout his career, Dr. Grubbs has been honored with many awards, including election to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the 2005 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
• Dr. Andre Hamwi: Co-Founder of Contour Energy Systems, and a Professor in the Inorganic Materials Laboratory at the University of Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France. Dr. Hamwi has over 30 years of experience with electrochemistry and materials chemistry, holds over 30 patents, and is a globally recognized specialist in fluorine chemistry. Much of the core technology currently being commercialized by Contour Energy has its origin in the breakthrough research performed in Dr. Hamwi’s
laboratories.
• Dr. James Akridge: Internationally acclaimed electrochemist who has held numerous senior positions with Energizer, Sion Power and Valence Technologies. Dr. Akridge provides a comprehensive source of knowledge in all aspects of the energy storage business, from fundamental battery chemistries to the management of a publicly traded battery company, gathered throughout a career of more than 30 years from the laboratory to the boardroom. He is currently President of JRA Advisors, LLC, engaged in consultation to the global battery, fuel cell and portable power markets on all aspects of corporate structure and staffing with concentration on technical hurdles of the development of battery cells and packs.
• Dr. Marc Dubois: Professor in the Inorganic Materials Laboratory at the University of Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France. Dr. Dubois is an expert on the synthesis and characterization of inorganic and carbonaceous fluoride materials from the laboratory to the industrial scale, and has numerous publications describing their application in many fields from electrochemistry to solid lubrication.
• Dr. Yang Shao-Horn: Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a member of the MIT Presidential Energy Research Council. Dr. Shao-Horn has substantial experience in the field of electrochemical energy storage and conversion in both fundamental research and commercial application, having been employed by Energizer Holdings, Inc. prior to joining the MIT faculty. Dr. Shao-Horn’s expertise is particularly acute in the application of thin films and nanomaterials towards new methods for energy storage. Her honors include the Charles W. Tobias Young Investigator Award of the Electrochemical Society, the Tajima Prize of the International Society of Electrochemistry, the DuPont Young Faculty Award, and the Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award.
• Dr. Brent Fultz: Professor of Materials Science and Applied Physics at the California Institute of Technology. Dr. Fultz is a world-renowned expert in the physics and chemistry of materials for energy applications, with a particular focus on the fundamental thermodynamics of lithium and hydrogen storage. He has authored over 300 publications, including a graduate-level textbook on diffraction and microscopy of materials (now in its 3rd edition), and has received many honors including the Presidential Young Investigator Award and the TMS EMPMD Distinguished Scientist Award for 2010.

About Contour Energy Systems
Contour Energy Systems is an innovative portable power company commercializing customizable battery technologies for a wide range of cross-industry applications. Contour’s next-generation battery systems are designed to deliver unprecedented improvements in energy and power density, and are capable of performing in extreme operating conditions at significantly improved costs. Founded through the collaboration of Caltech and CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research, the company combines expertise in nano-materials science, patented Fluorine-based battery chemistries and manufacturing processes to significantly advance the state of portable power. Headquartered in Azusa, CA, Contour Energy is managed by a world-class team of battery industry leaders from Caltech, Energizer, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, Sanyo and Valence Technologies. The company is privately held with funding from CMEA Capital, Harris and Harris, Schlumberger and US Venture Partners.