Symyx Technologies and North Dakota State University Enter into Third Discovery Tools Agreement
Symyx Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:SMMX) announced it has entered into a third Discovery Tools purchase agreement with North Dakota State University (NDSU). These Discovery Tools enable NDSU researchers to synthesize, test and evaluate large numbers of polymers and coatings formulations for applications including the discovery of novel marine coatings under a program supported by the Office of Naval Research, U.S. Department of Defense. This research is performed by NDSU’s Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering and its Department of Polymers and Coatings.
Symyx and NDSU entered into their first agreement in September, 2002, for the purchase of an integrated workflow consisting of four modules: a high throughput polymer synthesis station, a robotic formulation station for the preparation of complex, multi-component and viscosity-controlled mixtures, an automated coatings preparation station, and a surface energy measurement station for evaluation of these coatings. The second agreement was in June, 2003, for the purchase of a parallel dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer and a high throughput adhesion screening module, to enable researchers to test the coating strength. This most recent agreement is for the purchase of modules enabling new polymer synthesis capabilities and the rapid measurement of polymer molecular weight and molecular weight distribution. Modules from all three deliveries will be integrated under Symyx Renaissance(R) Software, which provides complete design, automation, data acquisition and data analysis capabilities. Symyx delivered the modules under this third agreement to NDSU during the second quarter, 2004.
About Symyx
Symyx develops and applies high-throughput experimentation to the discovery of innovative materials for the chemical, life science, electronics, consumer goods, and automotive industries. Symyx works with companies through research collaborations to discover new materials and processes, the sale of automated Discovery Tools(R), and the license of discovered materials, intellectual property, technology and software. Information about Symyx, including reports and other information filed by Symyx with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is available at www.symyx.com .
The statements contained in this release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, without limitation, statements regarding the delivery, delivery timing and use of Symyx Discovery Tools. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including: (1) the availability of funding from the Office of Naval Research; (2) the ability of Symyx to manufacture and deliver working Discovery Tools and the associated software; (3) market acceptance of products; (4) uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; (5) future growth strategy, including impact of acquisitions, mergers or other changes in business strategy; (6) general economic conditions in the United States and in major North American, European and Asian markets; (7) exposure to risks associated with export sales and operations; (8) natural disasters, power failures and other disasters; (9) and other risks that are described from time to time in Symyx’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, (including but not limited to Symyx’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, and Symyx’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004). If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes or any of the assumptions proves incorrect, Symyx’s results could differ materially from Symyx’s expectations in these statements. Symyx assumes no obligation, and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.
