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�糵����, IL — March 3, 2006 —

Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy’s SECA Fuel Cell Program, the �糵���� Consulates-General of the United Kingdom and France, as well as local and State organizations are planning to organize “Illinois International Fuel Cell Alliance Initiative,” on March 6, 2006. Illinois Congressman Rahm Emanuel, several �糵����-based foreign consulates and private/public organizations have confirmed their participation in this event.

The objective of the meeting is to establish significant working relationships between Illinois organizations and companies active in research, development and commercialization of fuel cell technology and potential international partners. The meeting is designed to actively leverage the global surge of interest in fuel cells and establish Illinois as a major player in the development and commercialization of fuel cell manufacturing technology.

“The development of fuel cells is a major component of our future energy policy and technology,” said Said Al-Hallaj, Research Associate Professor and Coordinator of Renewable Energy Programs at IIT, who is organizing the event. “Illinois Institute of Technology, Gas Technology Institute and Argonne National Laboratory have been recognized globally as pioneers in this technology for over forty years; our intention is to work together to continue that leadership.”

Al-Hallaj is involved with several renewable energy projects, including working with the �糵���� Department of Fleet Management to refit a vehicle in the city’s hybrid fleet with a Li-ion powered energy system; spearheading the construction of a sustainable “House of the Future” on the campus of IIT; and developing for commercialization several renewable power sources through his IIT based startups, All Cell Technologies, LLC, and Sun Phocus Technology LLC.

Founded in 1890, IIT is a Ph.D.-granting technological university awarding degrees in the sciences, mathematics and engineering, as well as architecture, psychology, design, business and law. IIT’s interprofessional, technology-focused curriculum prepares the university’s 6,200 students for leadership roles in an increasingly complex and culturally diverse global workplace.