Growth Companies

Founded in 2000, Adaptive Materials (AMI) makes portable fuel cells that run ten times longer than conventional batteries, helping to reduce carbon emissions while catapulting this young company to the front of the list of successful Ann Arbor startups.

AMI develops 25-watt to 250-watt fuel cell systems for both military and commercial applications and is the first fuel cell company to produce electricity from readily available propane.

Since its founding the company has raised over $32 million through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and last year landed a $3.25 million contract with the Department of Defense’s (as part of on-going work with Special Operations Command) to help develop a portable power source for Special Forces Soldiers.

In 2006, AMI was awarded a $6.27 million loan through Michigan’s 21st Century Jobs fund to commercialize their products, creating flexible and secure grid-independent chargers for consumer battery operated electronics like laptops, medical devices, and cordless tools.

The company currently employs 50 but in the last four years they have seen a 400% growth in revenue and are track to add nearly 100 positions over the next five years. With that growth in mind AMI recently announced plans to invest $2.8 million in the relocation of their operations. The new Pittsfield Township facility will be nearly five times their current home.

AMI's successes have not gone unnoticed as co-president Aaron Crumm was chosen as Crain's Detroit 40 Under 40 and co-president Michelle Crumm was chosen as Crain's Most Influential Woman. The company was also selected as Michgan's 50 Companies To Watch as well as a Spark's 2007 FastTrack Award and landed on Inc.com's 5000 list. AMI is also notable for its certification as a woman-owned business, a rarity for companies with ongoing military contracts.