Tenant Profiles
Gecko Energy Technologies
Putting fuel cells to work
Gecko Energy Technologies plans to put the latest in fuel cell technology at the fingertips of consumers--literally.
Gecko, the first fuel cell research firm to locate in Innovista, has pioneered a novel twist on the fuel cell, creating a battery-like fuel cell skin that coats the surface of laptops and other electronic devices.
The New Jersey-based technological firm's patented technology, aptly named PowerSkin™, shifts the power source from inside electrical devices to the surface. The Powerskin™ saves space, weight, and energy in common electronics, essentially replacing the plastic that normally covers electronic devices.
Gecko Energy Technologies, a wholesale subsidiary of Millennium Cell, plans to manufacture its products for direct sale. Gecko was formed in 2004 for licensing such technologies created by co-founders Ronald Kelley and Steve Pratt.
Long-lasting batteries
The radical new technology created by PowerSkin nearly quadruples the life of traditional batteries. With a brush of water, the battery is activated, hydrogen is released, and the fuel cells are powered to produce electricity.
Gecko soon plans to manufacture the batteries for use by emergency workers.
Having seen the destruction of hurricanes when Gecko was located in Florida, the team came together to develop a long-lasting, lightweight battery as a vital power source in times of disaster.
"Coming from Florida, we found a need for basic and efficient light sources," says Kelley, Gecko's CEO. "Using LED technology, these batteries can produce cool, efficient lighting with a USB connection for cell phones and other devices."
The company hopes to later expand its efficient lighting source into the camping and outdoor market.
"There is a large market opportunity for this type of product. It is easy to see the steps we can take to continue penetrating a larger and larger market," Kelley says.
Partnering with its parent company, Millennium Cell, Gecko intends to manufacture 10,000 batteries by 2009. A surge in manufacturing over the next few years may generate up to 100 new jobs in the Columbia area.
Combining research and manufacturing
Gecko Energy Technologies will continue its mission conducting research in fuel cells and nanotechnology while testing and manufacturing its products in Columbia.
"By working hand-in-hand, developing products and doing research, we become more proficient in finding out what research needs to be conducted," Kelley says. "Doing both at the same time increases productivity."
The company will continue to maintain the synergy driven by its partnership with the College of Engineering and Computing to find additional uses for fuel cells.
A community effort
News of fuel cell manufacturing brings high hopes to University and state officials in helping advance South Carolina's "knowledge-based" economy.
"Having fuel cell companies to sell products -- that is what is going to change our economy," Columbia Mayor Bob Coble says.
The Gecko founders have seen first-hand South Carolina's dedication to technological advancement.
"The Greater Columbia Fuel Cell Challenge shows the community support behind fuel cell technology and will allow us to defer costs for research and marketing our products," Kelley says. The fuel cell challenge encourages firms to implement new hydrogen fuel cell technologies and applications within a University- and city-sponsored Fuel Cell District.
Gecko will initially be located in the University's Technology Incubator with three full-time staff members--and a heaping expectation for additional growth and a probable move to Innovista's Horizon Center.
"We intend to build Gecko Energy Technologies in the Carolinas as aggressively as we can," Kelley says.
— By Courtney Robinson
Gecko's PowerSkin™, shown enclosing a laptop computer.
Photo: Gecko Energy Technologies