NexTech Batteries, the global leader in proprietary lithium-sulfur battery technology, today named Lucio Lanza, managing partner of Lanza techVentures, to its Board of Directors.

In announcing Lanza’s appointment, Bill Burger, founder, chairman and CEO of NexTech Batteries, praised him for his technical abilities, business acumen and ability to identify the promise of entrepreneurial ventures. “I had the pleasure of working with Lucio at Intel and know the valuable insights he brings to a company he believes in,” says Burger. “Lucio and I will work closely to meet NexTech’s mission to make batteries more affordable, more durable and safer.”

“NexTech is focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship,” notes Lanza. “It holds the promise of delivering solid-state batteries to revolutionize the automotive industry, renewable energy and grid storage applications and portable electronics while setting a new standard in energy density, safety and cost. With Bill Burger’s leadership, extensive experience and well-honed skillset, NexTech is certain to meet its goals to become the leading company in the world for energy storage. I’m delighted to be named to NexTech’s board.”

Headquartered in Carson City, Nevada, NexTech batteries develops lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery technology using processes and earth-friendly materials to produce batteries with energy densities and overall power superior to current lithium-ion batteries. It was founded in 2016 after securing license rights and patents to lithium sulfur battery technology developed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, recognizing the promise and scientific superiority of lithium sulfur.

About NexTech Batteries
NexTech batteries is a global leader in lithium-sulfur battery science underpinned by patented processes and materials that produce energy density far superior to previous generation batteries. The Carson City, Nevada- based company is positioned to offer lithium-sulfur batteries with unparalleled safety, superior performance, lower weight and lower cost to global vehicle electrification, consumer electronics, renewable energy storage, aircraft and more. Focus on a more ethical supply chain and environmental stewardship is reinforced by the company’s push for U.S.-sourced materials and no reliance on expensive or foreign commodities. NexTech batteries was founded in early 2016 and was the result of the exclusive license to the rights and patents to the lithium-sulfur battery technology developed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

About Lanza techVentures
Lanza techVentures is an early-stage investment firm that transforms innovative startups into high-value companies through unique vision, insight and a profound understanding of technology and its trends. Founded in 2001 by Lucio Lanza, Lanza techVentures acts as a strategic partner and advisor for early- to mid-stage companies in the design software and IP, semiconductor and the open-source silicon movement, healthcare and biotechnology market sectors. Dr. Lanza, who serves as Lanza techVentures’ managing partner, has been active in the technology sector as an engineer, an executive and an investor for more than 50 years. Computer and chip design done today directly benefits from the critical role that he and Lanza techVentures play in bringing key technologies to market, having invested in more than 50 companies in Silicon Valley and beyond. Many of these companies continue to be growing concerns, while others have reached successful outcomes through an IPO or by merger or acquisition with other companies.

Follow Lanza techVentures at:
Website: http://lanzatechventures.com/
Twitter: @LTechventures
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3CFKlxn

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Cape Town, Western Cape: May 24th, 2022 — DataProphet Operations Pty Ltd announced today that The Globee® Awards has named DataProphet a winner of both the Grand Trophy and a Gold Globee®.

The bestowal of the Gold Globee® and the Grand Trophy on DataProphet—by the organizers of the world’s premier business awards programs and business ranking lists—recognizes DataProphet’s global preeminence as a Disruptor Company in the manufacturing space. In their consideration, Globee® noted that in one advanced industrial context, DataProphet’s AI-as-a-Service achieved 2022% ROI within a year for a manufacturer client, simultaneously offsetting its own lifetime Co2.

DataProphet has created a novel and fully scalable IIoT system architecture (CONNECT) for its multi-award-winning flagship AI product (PRESCRIBE). Its product suite empowers manufacturers to achieve Digital Maturity (i.e., a fully connected factory) while putting the automating intelligence of prescriptive analytics, powered by deep learning discovery—at the fingertips of factory operators.

DataProphet delivers its AI-driven guidance via an intuitive HMI (human-machine interface) through which factory operators enact preemptive adjustments to control plans and machine setpoints. These course corrections allow them to meet and exceed production KPIs, drive sustainable production, and increase the useful lifecycle of a plant’s high-value production assets.

Because they run on industrial data already owned by the manufacturer, DataProphet’s process optimization and prescriptive maintenance solutions are non-capital intensive and apply across multiple manufacturing verticals. They are also deployed with collaborative value tracking and measurement for guaranteed RoI. For example, one deployment reduced the robotic stud welding defects of an automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for an annualized RoI of up to 75x the OEM’s investment.

CEO Frans Cronje co-founded DataProphet in 2014, inspired by the significant, measurable value that prescriptive AI could bring to local manufacturers as an industry consultant. Since then, his purpose has been to establish this innovative, results-driven company as the leading global provider of AI-as-a-Service for manufacturing. In response to receiving this award, Frans Cronje had the following to say:

“The DataProphet team is delighted to be recognized by The Globee® Awards as a Gold Globee® Grand Trophy winner. Through our AI-as-a-Service and AI-driven product suite, we’re committed to helping manufacturers achieve their Industry 4.0 goals and build a solid foundation for data-driven solutions towards autonomous manufacturing. We believe this recognition from Globee® is further validation that DataProphet is moving in the right direction.”

About the Globee® Awards
Globee Awards are conferred in nine programs and competitions: the American Best in Business Awards, Business Excellence Awards, CEO World Awards®, Cyber Security Global Excellence Awards®, Disruptor Company Awards, Golden Bridge Awards®, Information Technology World Awards®, Sales, Marketing, Service, & Operations Excellence Awards, and Women World Awards®. A judging panel of industry peers and experts recognizes the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of companies, business executives, and professionals worldwide.

In DataProphet’s case, the Gold Globee® and the Grand Trophy are testaments to disruptive technology applied as an innovative solution for transforming the consumer experience of manufacturing process and machine health optimization.

About DataProphet
DataProphet is a venture-backed AI-as-a-Service company pioneering the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize advanced manufacturing. Its team of 50+ data scientists and solution engineers do this across key industry verticals throughout Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia. DataProphet customers include manufacturers of automotive, cast iron, aluminum, minerals, semiconductors, and EV batteries. Part of the company’s expansion strategy is to extend partnerships with its technology integrators (including Machine Builders) as it continues to expand globally. A WEF Global Innovator, DataProphet’s mission is to safely guide the machines making the world to next-generation production and measurably contribute to a more sustainable and connected future.

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Boston / London June 2022 – Leading surplus asset management company, EquipNet Inc., announced enhancements to its Equipment Sustainability Programs. Since 1999, EquipNet has been helping global manufacturers to track, redeploy, buy, and sell surplus manufacturing assets, contributing to clients’ overall sustainability goals even before those goals were created.

EquipNet has improved its proprietary Asset Management System (ARMS), a web-based tracking software, to not only track idle equipment throughout the enterprise but measure landfill avoidance on a global scale. This comprehensive software ensures cost savings through the redeployment of equipment from facilities that no longer have a use for the assets to locations that can use the machines. Now with the landfill avoidance tracking, the system also contributes to sustainable management. Just in the last few years, EquipNet’s clients have diverted 200,000 tonnes of waste from landfills.

“Creating a more sustainable environment for global manufacturers has been at the heart of what we do for almost a quarter of a century,” says Ben Potenza, VP of Sales & Marketing. “Redeploying and selling well-maintained equipment is only part of the story. Now we can help our clients illustrate real impact on the circular economy by tracking landfill avoidance.”

Equipment Sustainability Programs unlock idle machinery potential and contribute to positive corporate citizenship by extending machinery’s useful life, as well as delivering substantial cost avoidance to the enterprise. It’s the essence of a circular economy.

About EquipNet
EquipNet is a leading provider of proactive asset management solutions and services to leading corporations in the pharmaceutical, chemical, electronics, industrial, and consumer packaged goods industries. EquipNet’s vision is to revolutionize the way companies manage their surplus assets by maximizing financial returns and minimizing the risks associated with idle capital assets. If you have surplus you are looking to sell, or are looking for pre-owned equipment at an affordable price, visit us at www.EquipNet.com.

Press Contact
Sarah Kilburne
Director of Marketing, EquipNet
[email protected]

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CHANDLER, AZ — Yield Engineering Systems (YES) has leased 123,000 square feet within the Price Corridor in Chandler, Arizona. The facility will support YES in serving the region’s thriving semiconductor industry.

YES develops and manufactures thermal, deposition, and wet process equipment that is used in semiconductor, life sciences, and display manufacturing. The Chandler facility will house a “Technology Center” with R&D functions, cleanroom operations, advanced manufacturing, customer support, and office space.

“Our new Technology Center will provide us with valuable proximity to key customers and vendors, as well as access to the highly skilled workforce that defines Chandler’s business ecosystem,” said Rezwan Lateef, President of YES. “We are grateful to Chandler’s Economic Development team, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and Arizona Commerce Authority for their assistance with this major milestone in our mission to serve the semiconductor market as a preferred provider.” Mark Donahue is the local YES manager overseeing the project.

The company plans to have approximately 100 highly educated employees based at the Chandler facility, mostly in technology and engineering positions. The multi-million-dollar capital investment to build out the space will enable the development of advanced technology that supports the US semiconductor manufacturing sector.

“YES marks another California-based company drawn to Arizona, highlighting the state’s unmatched business climate,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “We are grateful to YES for their commitment to Arizona, creating new jobs while strengthening the state’s robust semiconductor supply chain.”

"The Greater Phoenix semiconductor ecosystem has quickly become a top global destination for leading manufacturers like YES," said Chris Camacho, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. "This multimillion-dollar investment provides high-quality job opportunities for residents, and we look forward to supporting YES in its future growth and successful integration into the market."

“The long-term vision for Price Corridor continues to be realized as we welcome another dynamic and market-leading company to Chandler,“ said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. “We would like to thank YES for their investment and trust in Chandler, as we know there are many options throughout the world for cutting-edge facilities like this.”

Yield Engineering Systems’ Chandler facility adds to the state’s booming semiconductor industry. In the past six months, EMD Electronics announced an expansion of its chemical delivery systems business at a new factory in Chandler, creating over 100 jobs and Edwards announced a new manufacturing facility also in Chandler, creating 200 jobs.

Media Contacts
Victoria Barnes, Yield Engineering Systems, [email protected]
Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, [email protected]
Stephanie Romero, City of Chandler, [email protected]

About Yield Engineering Systems (YES)
Yield Engineering Systems, Inc. (YES) is a preferred provider of high-tech, cost-effective equipment for enhancing surfaces and materials. The company’s product lines include thermal processing systems, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems, and wet process equipment used for the precise surface modification of semiconductor substrates, semiconductor and MEMS devices, LED displays, and biodevices. Customers ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies rely on YES systems to create and volume-produce innovative products in a wide range of markets. YES is headquartered in Fremont, California, with a growing global presence. For more information, please visit yieldengineering.com.

About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter @azcommerce.

About City of Chandler, Arizona
Chandler, Arizona has built a reputation as a Community of Innovation. Life in Chandler goes beyond a thriving and dynamic business community with progressive entrepreneurship. Known for its rich diversity, the City offers an outstanding quality of life for all generations with great schools and recreational opportunities. Chandler has grown to become the state's fourth largest City with a population of more than 281,000. Chandler has been named one of the nation's Best Places to Find a Job and Best Cities for Women in Tech. The City also is one of the safest communities in the nation and boasts AAA bond ratings from all three national rating agencies, one of only 40 communities to achieve this distinction. For more information, visit the City website, or connect with the City on social media.

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Würzburg, Germany / Brisbane, Australia – The Australian National Fabrication Facility – Queensland Node (ANFF-Q) based at the University of Queensland, Australia has placed a purchase order for the recently launched Two-Photon Polymerization tool MPO 100. The system, developed by Multiphoton Optics GmbH and manufactured by its parent company Heidelberg Instruments Mikrotechnik GmbH, will provide cutting-edge fabrication capability in nano- and microfabrication to ANFF-Q.

“ANFF-Q is an open-door R&D facility assisting clients from industry and academia to progress their products. To expand our fabrication capabilities, ANFF-Q was looking for a nano 3D printer with highest printing resolution as well as advanced fabrication techniques and the MPO 100 met all our criteria”, says Anthony Christian, ANFF-Q Manager. “The technical details of the MPO 100 stand out from other potential candidates - especially the achievable resolution of 100 nanometers as a pivotal parameter and the very attractive stitching-free fabrication capability”, adds Juan Li, Senior Professional Officer Micro- and Nanofabrication at ANFF-Q.

ANFF-Q serves a wider scope of applications than normal R&D facilities and provides a safe, IP neutral environment where the clients’ designs and developments remain their property. The MPO 100 will be used for target applications in micro-optics, microfluidics, micro needles, and diffractive optical elements. The system will be the third Heidelberg Instruments machine after the MLA 150 and a µPG101, which are already in place at ANFF-Q.

“The MPO 100 was officially introduced into the market end at the end of January in 2022. The purchase of the tool by ANFF-Q was one of the first orders and confirms the customer-oriented development of the system. We are looking forward to a close collaboration with ANFF-Q”, says Dr. Benedikt Stender, CEO of Multiphoton Optics.

During the tender, Multiphoton Optics was supported by Heidelberg Instruments’ local distributor Nano Vacuum, which have already worked closely on several successful projects with ANFF-Q. “We are thrilled to be able to bring the first MPO 100 system to Australia. With over 25 years of experience in the nanofabrication industry, Nano Vacuum is always eager to see the conception of innovative tools and cutting-edge technologies in the research space!”, says Dr. Ava Faridi, Product Manager at Nano Vacuum.

• Read more about MPO 100 GOES AUSTRALIA: ANFF-Q PURCHASES 3D NANOPRINTER