TJ Technologies

Innovation Fuels Power for Ever-Shrinking Electronic Devices
The surge in the popularity of portable devices, from cell phones to laptops to iPods, may have taken the consumer electronics industry by surprise, but T/J Technologies saw it coming 15 years ago.

T/J Technologies is a pioneer in developing new materials for increasing the power and energy of batteries used in portable electronic devices.

"Locating in Ann Arbor was a decision dictated by the fact that T/J Technologies' founders were Ann Arbor residents and University of Michigan alumni," explained chief executive officer Maria Thompson. "Throughout its evolution, its Ann Arbor location has been a benefit to T/J Technologies. The ability to leverage the quality of life here in Ann Arbor has bolstered T/J Technologies' efforts to attract top talent."

Levi Thompson, a noted chemical engineering professor and director of the University of Michigan Hydrogen Laboratory his wife, Maria, and colleague Mike Wixom founded T/J Technologies Inc. in 1991. A privately held research and development company, T/J Technologies is a recognized leader in the development of advanced materials for energy storage devices for defense and aerospace applications.

The nano and micro structured materials specifically address the concerns of performance, cost and reliability of batteries and fuel cells. The company focuses on the development and manufacture of materials and particles whose architecture is controlled at the nanometer scale; using its patented technologies, T/J Technologies increases the power, safety and rate capability of batteries.

T/J Technologies saw a tremendous business opportunity in developing advanced materials to support a growing demand for alternative energy, long before alternative energy was the buzz industry it is today. T/J Technologies has been able to establish distinct market leadership by clearly defining its target markets, developing relationships with key players within its target markets and hiring experts with unique technical and creative skills.

Thompson credits T/J Technologies tremendous success in part to a creative atmosphere where innovation can flourish. "In a highly competitive market, the ability to provide breakthrough ideas and innovations is a key differentiator for T/J Technologies," Thompson said. "Ann Arbor is widely known for its innovative and unique approach to business and community. Limited resources, common to new or emerging businesses, makes creativity key to business success."

T/J Technologies has also benefited from its proximity to leading institutions of higher learning. "Renting equipment from a lab or working with a professor at either University of Michigan or Michigan State University has supported T/J Technologies efforts numerous times," Thompson added. "T/J Technologies has been able to partner with the academic community to enhance its research capabilities

T/J Technologies, Inc. has been awarded contracts from the Army, Air Force, BMDO, NASA, Navy, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy and National Institute of Standards and Technology as well as commercial companies. These awards include an Advanced Technology Program (ATP), Phase I and II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contracts and grants.

NASA Headquarters honored T/J Technologies in 2005 with a "Special Recognition Award," named one of Crain's Detroit Business' "20 Largest Technology-Based Companies," as well as one of "50 Companies to Watch in Michigan." Minority Enterprise Advocate magazine honored Thompson as one of "Fifty Influential Minorities in Business," a national recognition, and Crain's Detroit Business selected Thompson one of "Metro Detroit's Innovators."

T/J Technologies has been awarded two prestigious and highly competitive ATP grants from the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the development of new battery anode materials and fuel cells. T/J Technologies also received the Nunn/Perry Award from the Department of Defense for its ultracapacitor development with Lockheed Martin.

"Leveraging the quality of life in Ann Arbor has bolstered T/J Technologies' efforts to attract top talent."

Maria Thompson,
Chief Executive Officer
T/J Technologies