News Release

PPS announces formation of Scottish based company

Business Announcement

University of Strathclyde

Pressure Profile Systems, Inc. (PPS), the world-leader in distributed pressure sensing technologies for OEM and instrumentation products, has announced the formation of a new subsidiary called PPS UK. PPS UK will act as the R&D center for the PPS family of companies which also includes Medical Tactile and Impress, developing exciting new pressure sensing technologies for medical devices, robotics, ergonomics, automotive, industrial and consumer products. Furthermore, PPS UK will establish a sales and marketing presence in the EU, empowering PPS to extend its success in the U.S. and Asia into Europe.

PPS has a strong link with the University of Strathclyde through a recently established five year research partnership. PPS UK will be the first 'spin-in' company at Strathclyde's Technology and Innovation Centre, in which the University contributes resources and technical expertise to enable California-based PPS to create an EU foothold and world-leading R&D team.

PPS will be licensing its patent portfolio of 12 issued and 6 patents pending and its decades of know how in the field of tactile sensing to PPS UK, in addition to making cash and in-kind contributions. The University of Strathclyde will support PPS UK through joint PhD sponsorship opportunities, joint R&D programs, the opportunity to work in the Technology and Innovation Centre's state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, as well as engagement with world leading engineering researchers such as Dr Gordon Dobie, Strathclyde Academic and Director of PPS UK, Professor Robert Stewart, also acting as PPS UK Advisory Board Member, and Professor Tony Gachagan, Head of the internationally renowned Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering (CUE).

"PPS UK presents an exciting opportunity to bring Californian style entrepreneurship to Scotland through the creation of a high-tech engineering company. I am grateful to the support to date and confidence placed in the PPS UK team by both PPS and the University of Strathclyde." says Dr Gordon Dobie, co-founder and Director of PPS UK.

PPS UK will be joining a family of companies with a proven track record. Over the past decade, PPS founded two medical device companies: Sierra Scientific Instruments (SSI) and Medical Tactile (MTI), where PPS sensor technology was the backbone of the company's products. Both companies received millions of dollars in government grants and private investment. In addition, Given Imaging Ltd (NASDAQ: GIVN) acquired SSI for $35 million. PPS also recently formed Impress Technology Co., Ltd to focus on manufacturing force input devices. Impress is currently working with one of the world's largest electronics companies to incorporate force input devices into their mobile phones.

"I am thrilled to partner with some of the brightest scientists in the world from University of Strathclyde to push the boundaries of science and develop cutting edge products that accomplish better outcomes for the world. We have countless collaboration opportunities to introduce new innovations and I can even envision PPS UK outgrowing our success of SSI." says Dr. Jae Son, founder and CEO of PPS.

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