October 5, 2007 – AmberWave Systems and the U. of California/Santa Barbara (UCSB) have agreed to collaborate on and fund materials science research targeting mesoporous materials, in a move to open non-semiconductor business doors for the company.

Mesoporous materials are a class of engineered materials including silicas, refractory oxides, carbons, and multi-component composites, possessing qualities of high porosity, processability, functionability, and single- and double-digit nanometer pore sizes. Applications being pursued at UCSB include electrical generation and storage in the form of fuel cells, high-performance batteries, and ultracapacitors.

“Early identification, in-licensing, and development of materials innovations are key to our growth strategy,” said AmberWave president/CEO Richie Faubert in a statement, adding that the UCSB platform “gives AmberWave a springboard into a broad range of markets.”

Amberwave is known for its strained silicon IP, having signed a multiyear licensing deal with Intel back in March. It also working with Purdue U. to jointly develop technologies for integrating semiconductor devices on III-V materials.