Konarka Press Release
 
 

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Konarka Technologies Acquires Patent Assets from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden

Konarka and Chalmers University of Technology Forge Research and Development Partnership

Lowell, MA, U.S.A. — April 27, 2004 — Konarka Technologies, Inc., an innovator in developing and manufacturing breakthrough products that convert light to energy-- anywhere, announced that it has acquired patent assets from Chalmers University of Technology related to Konarka’s development of photovoltaic products for the global market. This adds to Konarka’s already substantial intellectual property estate.

Chalmers University of Technology, located in Göteborg, Sweden, carries on broad-based education and research within engineering science, natural science and architecture. “Our relationship with Chalmers University furthers our strength in Europe,” said Howard Berke, Chairman and CEO, Konarka Technologies, Inc. “As an international company, Konarka seeks the best technology and ideas from around the world as we continue to broaden our intellectual property portfolio focused on developing and manufacturing third-generation, flexible, plastic-based photovoltaics,” he added.

“It is a win-win situation,” said Ingvar Andersson, Managing Director, Chalmers University of Technology. “The intellectual property comes into the hands of a company well suited to commercialize it. The relationship enables us to continue exploring new ideas. It is also marks the beginning of a longer research cooperation between Konarka Technologies and Chalmers University of Technology,” said Andersson.

“It is very exciting that Konarka is interested in our research,” said Chalmers University of Technology Professor Mats Andersson. “A collaboration like this gives us further opportunities to commercialize our research,” he added.

About Konarka Technologies, Inc.
Konarka builds products that convert light to energy – anywhere. Konarka is the leading developer of polymer photovoltaic products that provide a source of renewable power in a variety of form factors for commercial, industrial, government and consumer applications. Konarka's photovoltaic nanotechnology is focused on delivering lightweight, flexible, scalable and manufacturable products. Konarka has a broad portfolio of patents, technology licenses and an accomplished technical team. Nobel Laureate Professor Alan Heeger (UC Santa Barbara) is a chief scientist for Konarka and Dr. Michael Grätzel (Ecole Polytechnic Fédérale de Lausanne) is a senior scientific advisor. Konarka is funded by Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Zero Stage Capital, Ardesta LLC, NGEN, ChevronTexaco (NYSE: CVX) and Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN). Konarka Technologies is headquartered in Lowell, MA, U.S.A. and has subsidiaries in Austria and Switzerland. For more information, visit http://www.konarka.com or contact Joe Romano, Partner, HighGround, Inc. at 781-279-1320 x 208 or .

About Chalmers University of Technology
Chalmers University of Technology was founded in 1829 and offers MArch, MScEng, BScEng courses and nautical courses as well as licentiate and Ph.D. programs. As a leading university of technology, Chalmers is making a positive contribution to the development of industry and the community. The University has an extensive research program and offers a range of continuing professional development courses. There is also a broad-based exchange scheme for teaching staff and students. Chalmers has 2,400 employees and 8,000 students. Chalmers University of Technology is located in Göteborg, Sweden. For more information, visit http://www.chalmers.se or call + 46-31-772-1000.