Press Release

Enschede, Netherlands, April 11, 2002

Lion Photonix Technologies BV and the business-unit Micro System Technologies of 3T BV, both based in Enschede, The Netherlands have joined forces for the development of Lab-on-a-chip systems.

Lion Photonix Technologies BV, a provider of microsystems services specialized in integrated optics, and the business-unit Micro System Technologies of 3T BV, specialized in microfluidics development, have decided to join forces for the development of Lab-on-a-chip systems. All the activities of this business-unit have been transferred to Lion Photonix Technologies BV and this transfer has been paid for in shares to 3T. In addition, new venture capital has been acquired and an IPR agreement on microfluidics technology from the research institute MESA+ has been concluded with the University of Twente.

Hans van den Vlekkert, President and CEO of Lion stated: "We are very excited about the technology of 3T, already being built up since the late 80’s. Combined with our integrated optics based sensor expertise it will give us an unrivalled competence in the field of Lab/Process-on-a-chip for Life Sciences and Industrial Process Control. To a large extent this technology is also applicable for our telecommunication activities as it enables us a further integration of integrated optics and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) into MOEMS technology."

Marten Eggink, managing director of 3T BV commented: "Our leading knowledge in accurate sensor interfacing and signal processing together with their microfluidics and integrated optics will enable new products for our customers. With this joined forces we will have a stronger connection with the rapidly emerging Microsystems market. I am convinced that our microelectronics expertise will have a growing added value to the Lab-on-a-chip systems developments".

In order to cover the new activities, the name has become LioniX. LioniX’ mission is to be a leading provider of development, production and supply services in the area of integrated optics and microfluidics, for high added value, innovative components and (sub) systems for next generation products of its (OEM) customers. LioniX will focus on the emerging product-market combinations components and (sub)systems in Telecom and on instruments and equipment in Life Sciences and Industrial Process Control markets (Lab/Process-on-a-chip). LioniX is partnering with a variety of providers of complementary technology services and MST-foundries in order to deliver complete solutions to the customer.

For more information, please contact:

Lion Photonix Technologies (new LioniX BV)
Hans van den Vlekkert or Henk Leeuwis
Phone: +31 53 489 3827
Fax: +31 53 489 3601
e-mail: info@lionphotonix.nl
www.lionixbv.nl

3T BV
Marten Eggink
Phone: +31 53 433 6633
Fax: +31 53 433 6869
e-mail: mail@3t.nl
www.3t.nl