CCAT and CT DECD partnered to promote the states hydrogen and fuel cell industry at Hannover Messe in April.

East Hartford, CT May 06, 2015

The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT) partnered with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to showcase the states hydrogen and fuel cell capabilities at Hannover Messe 2015, the leading international trade show for industrial technology innovations held in Hannover, Germany. CCAT administers the Northeast Electrochemical Energy Storage Cluster (NEESC), which is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Connecticut Hydrogen Fuel Cell Coalition (CHFCC).

DECD and members of Connecticuts hydrogen and fuel cell industry, including Precision Combustion, Inc., Dexmet Corporation, Advent Technologies, Engineered Fibers Technology, LLC, and Proton OnSite participated at the show as part of the Group Exhibit: Hydrogen + Fuel Cells + Batteries.

"This was a very exciting trade event for us. With its strong leadership position in green technology, especially in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry, Connecticut, by far, had the best representation of any other state at the Group Exhibit," said Beatriz Gutierrez, executive director, DECD Office of Business Development.

"This trade show is one of the biggest in the world. It provides a great opportunity to showcase Connecticuts strengths and capabilities and to attract more investment from international companies looking to expand their reach," she added.

Commented Anthony Anderson, director, marketing and business development, Precision Combustion, Inc., "The support we received from the state of Connecticut and CCAT to help us attend this show has been tremendous. We learned of many good business opportunities at Hannover Messe and we expect this effort to lead to increased sales and exports."

Connecticut is home to current world leaders in the research, design, and manufacture of hydrogen and fuel cell technology. The Connecticut industry supply chain includes nearly 600 companies involved in the manufacture, development and deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell products. In 2012, the hydrogen and fuel cell supply chain had a significant economic impact contributing nearly $1.1 billion and more than 5,700 total jobs to the region.

More than 220,000 trade visitors - 70,000 of whom came from outside Germany - attended Hannover Messe this year. With its designation as the 2016 official show Partner Country, the United States will have even greater visibility to attract foreign investment and expand trade next year.

About CCAT
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT), a nonprofit economic development organization headquartered in East Hartford, Conn., is a leader and go-to resource for strengthening competitiveness and high-tech business development in the state, region and nation. CCAT focuses on three core areas: technology, efficiencies and workforce development, with expertise in manufacturing technology, IT, education and workforce strategies, and energy solutions. Through the synergy of its experienced teams, advanced technologies and extensive partnerships, CCAT provides manufacturers, educators, government, nonprofits and entrepreneurs with innovative solutions to tackle economic challenges, compete and succeed.

About DECD
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development is the state's lead agency for the development and implementation of policies, strategies and programs that support business growth and innovation. DECDs Office of Business Development (OBD) works closely with companies to address their short and long-term business needs, and strengthen their overall competitiveness in the global marketplace. OBIDs team of business advisors are the single point of contact for companies interested in taking advantage of the many resources available to them. The OBD staff is creative, flexible, and responsive when it comes to turning economic development plans and proposals into successful—and profitable—realities.

ABOUT CHFCC
Connecticut Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Coalition, administered by CCAT, is comprised of representatives from Connecticuts fuel cell and hydrogen industry, labor, academia, government, and other stakeholders. CCAT and the CHFCC work to enhance economic growth in Connecticut through the development, manufacture, and deployment of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies, and associated fueling systems. The Connecticut DECD funds the Coalition.

About NEESC
Northeast Electrochemical Energy Storage Cluster (NEESC) is a network of industry, academic, government and non-governmental leaders working together to provide energy storage solutions. Based in New England, New York and New Jersey, the network focuses on the innovative development, production, promotion and deployment of hydrogen fuels and fuel cells to meet the pressing demand for energy storage solutions. NEESC is administered by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. and its industry partners - Maine Hydrogen Energy Center (HEC), Massachusetts Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Stakeholders (MHFCS), New Energy New York (NENY), and the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA).