Micro fuel cell technology manufacturer MTI MicroFuel Cells, Inc. (a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology Incorporated) has received $500,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to continue its development of Mobion technology for handheld electronic devices.

 

This bring DOE funding for the company to $1.8 million for 2007-2008.

 

“This program further validates our product vision including the commencement of manufacturing readiness for Mobion consumer products in 2008 and the shipment of products in the consumer market in 2009,” said MTI’s CEO, Peng Lim, in a statement.

 

Lim continued: “This program provides a pathway that will benefit the fuel cell industry in terms of a stronger supply base, reduction of costs, and proliferation of fuel cells as an alternative source of portable power.”

 

MTI’s Mobion technology is used in direct methanol micro fuel cells for portable devices. The company is marketing this technology for the military and consumer markets. Minority stakeholders in the company include DuPont and Gillette.