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Zecotek Moves to Commercialize Photonic Technologies
March 13, 2008
Zecotek Photonics Corporate Update
Vancouver, BC, March 13, 2008 - Zecotek Photonics Inc. (TSX-V: ZMS; Frankfurt: W1I) is pleased to provide a summarized update of the Company’s progress and recent corporate activities as it moves the Company’s portfolio of photonic technologies into production and manufacturing. “We continue to successfully execute our business strategy of bringing photonic technologies to market through strong industry partnerships,�? said Dr. A. F. Zerrouk, Chairman, President and CEO of Zecotek. “In February 2008 we signed a manufacturing, commercialization and joint development agreement with Fujikura Ltd of Japan. By combining Fujikura’s outstanding manufacturing and product engineering capabilities with Zecotek’s strength in innovation, patents and product portfolio, we have created a new world-class laser enterprise with outstanding market potential. Furthermore, we have strengthened our internal marketing programs and have participated in a number of events such as the Photonics West trade show and the IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium, which have noticeably accelerated both inquiries and orders for all of our product lines. Our full range of laser products, high-performance crystals and solid-state photo detectors are meeting and exceeding quality and production parameters with a growing list of key Zecotek operates three distinct divisions: Laser Systems, Imaging Systems and 3D Display Systems and develops leading-edge enabling photonic technology and products: laser systems and component, advanced crystals, solid-state photo detectors and other imaging and 3D display technologies, which address central needs in the major markets of material processing,bio-science high- energy, new materials, research, multimedia and security. The Company has labs located in Canada, the United States, Singapore, Malaysia and Russia with its main in-house production facilities in Singapore and Novosibirsk, Russia. Zecotek has outsourced high-volume product manufacturing through strategic alliances with leading industry partners: Northrop Grumman (U.S.A) for Zecotek’s patented LFS scintiallation material, Fujikura Ltd. (Japan) for fiber and solid-state laser systems, Malaysian Institute of Microelectronics (Malaysia) for the solid-state MAPD photo detectors and Anteryon BV (Netherlands) for a key component of the 3D display screen. Lasers Systems With the recent announcement of a manufacturing and distribution agreement with Fujikura Ltd. of In recent months Zecotek has strengthened its sales and marketing efforts, which together with participation at key trade shows, has significantly increased sales inquiries and orders for its broad range of lasers systems and components. Revenue is growing and the Company looks to build off of recent sales success to leading research and development institutions: Laser Components In Q2 fiscal 2008 Zecotek’s Zecotek’s RFO vanadate crystal has both proven cost and performance superiority to competing crystals. Initial orders of the high-performance crystal have been delivered to a major laser supplier. Zecotek is expanding production facilities to supply growing demand from the existing laser market. Imaging Systems Zecotek has successfully developed two key photonic technologies for use in a broad range of medical and non-medical applications: Lutetium Fine Silicate (LFS) scintillation crystals and a new generation MAPD solid-state photo detector. The LFS scintillation crystal and MAPD photo detector offer significant performance and cost advantage to existing technologies used in a broad range of bio-medical, industrial and high-energy applications. Zecotek has a policy of sharing performance data and maintaining working relationships with key PET device manufacturers in the development of next-generation PET imaging development programs. To re 3D Display Systems Zecotek has demonstrated a fully operational 32�? commercial prototype of its proprietary Real-Time 3D2D Display System©, the first 3D display offering multiple viewers true volumetric visualization while exhibiting depth and parallax over a wide viewing angle. The demonstrations have been held at the Company’s Zecotek’s Real-Time 3D2D Display is a novel, proprietary display system for the visualization of images and data. Based on the auto stereoscopic principle, but with substantial patent pending innovation, it represents a new generation of 3D displays. The design provides for multi-user, multi-view, freedom of movement, high resolution in both 3D and 2D modes, superior image dynamic range in 2D mode, 2D and 3D simultaneous displays, common brightness, compatibility with existing applications and designed to be cost competitive. Zecotek Research & Development Programs - New scintillation material for medical imaging to eventually serve as a successor material to the LFS; Zecotek Product Summary - Growing portfolio of laser systems and components: Corporate Activities In December 2007, the Company completed an equity unit financing for gross proceeds of C$3.4 million with a number of institutions. The funding will be used for working capital purposes and for ongoing projects presently underway at its operating facilities in Singapore, Malaysia and Vancouver: finalizing the commercial production of the Zecotek's solid-state MAPD photo detector, addressing growing requests for the Company's fiber and solid-state lasers, initiating commercial scale production of the Company's high performance RFO vanadate laser crystals and establishing a strategic manufacturing and distribution partnership for the Company's 3D display system. “Much of the heavy lifting in research and development is complete and we have now turned our attention to commercializing our technologies,�? concluded Dr. Zerrouk. “We have attracted key strategic partners with Fujikura, Northrop Grumman and the Malaysian Institute for Micro-electronics Systems and we are gearing up for commercial production. Our photonic technologies have caught the attention of highly respected scientific organizations and sales are increasing. We remain focused on executing our business plan, increasing shareholder value and thank shareholders for their continued support.�? About Zecotek This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are based on management’s expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future results and trends may differ materially from what may have been stated. For product and technical information please contact: For corporate information please contact: For investor information please contact: The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. 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