NineSigma to Support the World's Largest Innovation Network

US-EU Match to Connect American Companies With Innovators From U.S. and European Union


CLEVELAND, OH--(Marketwire - October 1, 2008) - As part of an international effort to enhance transatlantic support for business innovations, NineSigma, Intrasoft International, RTI International, and the European-American Business Organization have formed the US-EU Match consortium. The group is focused on connecting U.S. organizations to potential partners in 40 countries via the Enterprise Europe Network. US-EU Match is the exclusive U.S. member in the Enterprise Europe Network.

As a successful network for connecting market needs to technology solutions, the Enterprise Europe Network is a merger of two successful, long-running networks, the Innovation Relay Centers and the European Information Centers. Both have proven successful in blending tools and personnel to make connections. As a result of the merger, the Enterprise Europe Network has become the world's largest network for technology and business internationalization services. NineSigma, the leading provider of open innovation solutions for Global 1000 companies will connect clients to the more than 1 million members of the Enterprise Europe Network representing business, academia, and government.

With operations in Europe, Japan and the United States, NineSigma is delivering comprehensive open innovation services for companies around the world, as well as facilitating partnerships between European and U.S.-based organizations and international solution providers. NineSigma will provide US-EU Match and its partners with a consistent stream of technology requests from global innovation seekers, which represent a variety of industries, including manufacturing, packaging, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and medical, and consumer goods.

"NineSigma is working to extend the benefits of open innovation to innovation seekers and solution providers around the world," said Charles Brez, vice president, Innovation Alliances for NineSigma, Inc. "US-EU Match combines the best practices of expert technology transfer professionals and proven IT tools. I can't imagine any need that can't be solved by this exceptional pool of technical and business talent. The Network has tremendous potential to increase transatlantic activities, reduce barriers of entry for small and medium-sized companies to play in the global marketplace, and further shrink the world of business."

The US-EU Match network is focused on providing companies and research institutes with a variety of services to facilitate transatlantic business and partnerships, including:

--  Access to NineSigma's requests for proposals, solutions and partners;
--  Networking opportunities to connect U.S. businesses and researchers to
    European counterparts;
--  Network website (www.us-eu-match.com); and
--  On-demand support services responding to client needs.
    

"NineSigma and the other members of the U.S. consortium will significantly enhance the transatlantic trade initiatives between two of the world's biggest economies," said Angelos Pangratis, deputy head of the Delegation of the European Commission. "US-EU Match has established a strong foundation of industry leaders that understand the role of innovation and the importance of technology exchange. Together, they can make a significant impact on the volume and success rate of business opportunities between U.S. and European companies."

About EABO

The European-American Business Organization, Inc. (New York City) is a full service consulting firm advising European and U.S. firms on doing business abroad including regulatory issues, competitive analysis, regional marketing opportunities, tax and legal issues, trade mission management, and government policies.

About INTRASOFT

Intrasoft International (Luxembourg) is a 700 person, private Information and Communication Technology services company who managed the IRC network for 10 years. As a subsidiary of the INTRACOM SA HOLDINGS (www.intracom.com), INTRASOFT International was established in October 1996 to better serve Western Europe. For more information visit: www.Intrasoft-intl.com.

About RTI International

RTI International (Research Triangle Park) is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides research and technical services to governments and businesses. RTI has over 40 years experience commercializing technology, including matching technologies & markets to form new partnerships. For more information, visit www.rti.org.

About NineSigma

NineSigma partners with Global 1000 companies to help them overcome business and technology challenges by connecting them with innovative solutions not readily available in the public domain. NineSigma's open network of innovators is the largest of its kind and spans industries, geographies and technical disciplines. Companies such as DuPont, GlaxoSmithKline, Kraft, P&G, Philips, Unilever and Xerox engage NineSigma to build new innovation capabilities that leverage global research and innovation to deliver greater value to their customers. In 2008, NineSigma ranked among the top 20 percent of companies on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in the United States. The company also has operations in Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.ninesigma.com.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Dan Dyer 513-478-7818