March 1, 2024, Albuquerque, NM - Pajarito Powder, a leading innovator in advanced catalyst materials and technologies for fuel cells and electrolyzers, proudly announces that its Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Michele Ostraat, has been appointed to the Industrial Advisory Board of the United States Department of Energy's National Consortium of Advanced High-Volume Manufacturing (AHVM) of Critical Clean Hydrogen Technologies.

The AHVM Consortium, a pivotal initiative within the Department of Energy's (DOE) Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO), and the renewed Roll-to-Roll (R2R) Consortium aims to accelerate the commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies by fostering collaboration among industry, academia, and national laboratories. As a member of the Industrial Advisory Board, Dr. Ostraat will provide strategic guidance and industry insights to support the Consortium's mission of advancing high-volume manufacturing processes critical for hydrogen adoption across various sectors. Through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funds, R2R will focus exclusively on clean hydrogen.

Dr. Ostraat brings to the Advisory Board over two decades of experience in the fields of materials science, electrochemistry, and clean energy technology. As Pajarito Powder's COO, she plays a key role in driving the company's growth and advancing scale-up of catalyst production technologies for fuel cells and electrolyzers. Her expertise in materials processes and optimizing production efficiency for commercial scale will be invaluable in guiding the Consortium's efforts to streamline the production of commercial catalysts to bring down costs.

"We are pleased to have Michele represent Pajarito Powder on the Industrial Advisory Board of the DOE's National Consortium of Advanced High-Volume Manufacturing," said Thomas J. Stephenson, CEO of Pajarito Powder. "Her deep knowledge of materials science and track record of operational excellence make her an ideal candidate to contribute to the Consortium's mission of accelerating the commercialization of fuel cell technologies."

"I am honored to join the Industrial Advisory Board of the AHVM Consortium and contribute to the advancement of high-volume manufacturing processes crucial for the widespread adoption of fuel cell technologies that will play a significant role in a sustainable energy future," said Dr. Ostraat.

About Pajarito Powder

Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, Pajarito Powder, LLC is a world leader in the development and commercialization of advanced electrocatalysts for fuel cells and electrolyzers. Pajarito Powder manufactures a range of catalyst products using its own intellectual property as well as intellectual property licensed from the University of New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique.

Pajarito Powder has received essential support from the State of New Mexico Economic Development Department through several programs including the Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP), SBIR Matching Grant, Technology Business Startup Grant, and the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) through the New Mexico International Trade Alliance. It has also worked with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (WIOA) and the City of Albuquerque’s One Albuquerque Workforce Development Program.

Pajarito Powder manufactures catalysts for use with proton exchange membrane (PEM) and anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers and PEM fuel cells. Pajarito Powder materials more effectively use the platinum group metals (PGM) component of catalysts, resulting in higher performance, better stability, and improved durability.

Pajarito Powder is a venture-backed startup funded by Bekaert, Hyundai Motor Company, Verge Fund, Omphalos Venture Partners, and other private investors.