The University of Hawaii-Manoa is helping Honolulu-based Hoku Scientific develop fuel-cell technology. UH-Manoa facilities
to aid fuel-cell researchStar-Bulletin staff
The company will have access to university equipment and facilities for a fixed price under an agreement with the university.
Bruce Liebert, associate professor in mechanical engineering, said, "We are looking forward to working with Hoku Scientific and contributing to their fuel-cell development efforts. Hoku Scientific's success will help to establish the university's place in local business."
Keith Mattson, director of University Connections, said, "It's vitally important to Hawaii's tech development efforts that UH work more closely with local companies.
"Simply having a great university is not enough to stimulate tech sector development."
University Connections is a UH-Manoa program that works at linking UH researchers with the business and finance community to stimulate development and growth of knowledge-based companies.
Hoku Scientific recently was awarded a National Science Foundation contract to test a new membrane intended for use in fuel cells.
Dustin Shindo, chief executive officer of Hoku Scientific, said the university presents the company with "tremendous advantages."