MaRS Client Smart Energy Instruments and Hitachi High-Tech Launch New Solution to Improve Grid Reliability

Toronto (ots/PRNewswire) -

Smart Energy Instruments (SEI), a Toronto-based cleantech company
with a unique solution to improve electric grid reliability, and
Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation of Japan, today unveiled the
first component of SEI's planned chipset product line for smart grid
applications in an event at MaRS Discovery District.

SEI is a client of MaRS' Cleantech practice and a key investment
in the MaRS Cleantech Fund. Its semiconductor chipset is a
measurement and communications core for smart devices used in the
generation and transmission of electric power, with advanced time
synchronization capability to provide real-time measurements vital to
improving grid reliability and efficiency and accelerating the shift
to renewable energy sources.

"Escalating global climate and energy challenges in the next
decade speak to a dire need for technologies like ours," said D. Jeff
Dionne, CEO of SEI. "In most of the developed world we've been
spoiled with relatively good power reliability up to now. However,
events like Hurricane Sandy and the double blackout for 600 million
people in India last year, and Fukushima before that have shattered
that perception. We are elated that our first silicon was a success
and are excited about being the first to offer a high performance,
industry-specific solution."

Canadian government leaders have made it abundantly clear that
innovation leadership in smart grid is a key priority for Canada. SEI
is one of the few semiconductor companies in Canada in the cleantech
space, and the only one addressing grid infrastructure. Smart grid
and smart energy technologies have been cited by more than one
analyst as a trillion dollar opportunity, given the global importance
of electricity and its impact on greenhouse gas emissions and climate
change.

"To turn a grid into a smart grid, you need visibility. Highly
detailed, real-time visibility on the grid is what SEI's chipset
provides. It's so detailed you can even see which direction power is
flowing," said Tom Rand, co-managing director, MaRS Cleantech Fund
and SEI Board member. "Without low-cost, high-granularity visibility
into the grid there's just no 'smart' to 'smart grid.' SEI provides
unparalleled visibility at a highly competitive price."

"Our focus from the start has been global, as that is where the
real game must be played, with companies like GE and ABB," said
Dionne. SEI has an impressive list of global partners, including
Siemens and Hitachi High-Technologies of Japan, which is responsible
for IP licensing, commercialization and sales.

"With the growing importance of energy efficiency, reliability and
transition to renewable energy, not only in Japan but around the
world, we see a strong potential and societal benefit for SEI's
products. We are proud to be a leading strategic partner in the
commercialization and SEI's technology," says Seiji Seki, General
Manager, Electronic Materials Division, Hitachi High-Technologies.

About SEI

Smart Energy Instruments (SEI) develops game-changing, synchronous
measurement technologies for the burgeoning "smart grid" to address
today's global energy-environment challenges. SEI's mission is to
create a sustainable electricity future through higher grid
efficiency, reliability and renewables integration using ubiquitous
synchronized measurements. Incorporated in 2004, SEI is based in
Toronto, Canada with a wholly owned subsidiary in Tokyo, Japan. For
more information, visit http://www.se-instruments.com.

About Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation

Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo,
Japan, is engaged in activities in a broad range of fields, including
Electronic Device Systems, Fine Technology Systems, Science & Medical
Systems, Industrial & IT Systems, and Advanced Industrial Products.
The company's consolidated sales for FY 2012 were more than $6.1
billion. For further information, visit
http://www.hitachi-hitec.com/global.

About MaRS

MaRS Discovery District [http://www.marsdd.com ] (@MaRSDD
[http://twitter.com/MaRSDD ]) is a mission-driven innovation centre
located in Toronto. MaRS works with partners to catalyze, accelerate
and amplify innovation. MaRS supports entrepreneurs building Canada's
next generation of growth companies. MaRS' ventures have created over
4,000 jobs and, in the last three years alone, they have raised over
$750 million in capital and earned over $375 million in revenue.

About MaRS Cleantech Fund

MaRS Cleantech Fund (http://www.marsvf.com) is a privately-backed
Canadian venture fund focused on early-stage cleantech investing. The
Fund has developed a unique investment model through its partnership
with one of the largest innovation centres in the world, MaRS
Discovery District. Through MaRS, the Fund is able to provide
strategic advisory services and introductions to global corporate
partners. The fund is managed by Tom Rand (@trand
[http://twitter.com/trand ], http://www.tomrand.net) and Murray
McCaig (@murraymccaig [http://twitter.com/murraymccaig ]), two
experienced entrepreneurs who bring a wealth of startup experience to
their portfolio companies.

For further information:

Melissa Hughes
Manager, Media & Community Relations
MaRS Discovery District
+1-416-673-8200 ext. 2710
mhughes@marsdd.com

ots Originaltext: MaRS Discovery District
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