Sonomax signs MOU for University Chair in auditory research

MONTREAL, June 9 /CNW Telbec/ - Sonomax Technologies Inc. (SHH:TSX Venture) signs a memorandum of understanding with the École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS) of the Université du Québec to create a five-year renewable $750,000 Industrial Research Chair to conduct unprecedented development of advanced in-ear technologies.

"This financial commitment will be leveraged by the government and ETS. It will give us a long-term cost-effective way to outsource costly and time-consuming, labour intensive R & D into the very capable hands of the university and its highly qualified research students," said Mr. Laperle, President and CEO, Sonomax Technologies.

The Sonomax Industrial Research Chair will be led by former Sonomax Chief Technology Officer and present ÉTS professor Dr. Jérémie Voix and will include a team of researchers supported by students in electrical and mechanical engineering.

The Chair's objectives will be to ensure a long-term strategic investment in the development of Sonomax's acoustical and electro-acoustical technologies, dubbed Sonomax Inside Technology(TM), to combine all existing in-ear features (hearing aid, hearing protector, cell phone and music player) into one "bionic ear".

This research will give Sonomax a commanding lead allowing the company to mature its products and technology and to overcome some of the barriers in hearing protection and communication earpieces in the consumer, industrial, military and medical markets.

It will also give the company an access to a pool of highly-skilled graduates in this field of study.

ÉTS will gain a base of intellectual property in the development of emerging technologies that will provide Québec companies with a high-value technology transfer enhancing and sustaining Quebec's ability to innovate and compete globally on a level playing field.

Sonomax has been collaborating with ETS since 2001 with Dr. Jérémie Voix's past involvement in the breakthrough development and maturing of SonoPass(TM), fielding an attenuation measurement system for hearing protection devices as well as acoustical filtering and the programming of digital signal processing.

The award winning research (ETS 2007 Award for Excellence) resulted in the development of an intelligent, instant custom-fit hearing earpiece. Sonomax's in-ear technology supersedes the capabilities of all existing earpieces and addresses the gamut of problems encountered in the industrial workplace and reduces the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.

This has fuelled Sonomax's reputation for innovation in the hearing protection industry. SonoPass was recently sold to Minnesota-based 3M Innovative Properties Company for $2.5 million (US).

"Chairs such as the Sonomax Industrial Research Chair helps attract and retain the best researchers in the country to our university and creates a rewarding academic experience for both industry and educational institutions," said Dr. Jérémie Voix, Professor, ETS.

About École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS)

Established in 1974 ETS (École de technologie supérieure), part of the Université du Québec network, educates professional engineers and researchers who are renowned for their practical and innovative approach. In the 35 engineering schools and faculties in Canada, ETS ranks among the best, with 40 research chairs, centres and laboratories, to which professors, PDFs and graduate students are associated. This synergy of expertise and experience contributes to scientific progress, higher industrial productivity and quality, as well as the training of a highly qualified workforce.

About Sonomax Technologies Inc.

Sonomax www.sonomax.com is a leader in the research, development and licensing of in-ear technologies. With over 50 patents worldwide, Sonomax pioneering innovation includes instant custom-fitting earpieces that deliver the most comfortable, protective and sound-enhancing experience in the world, as well as software driven solutions for validating earpiece performance. The latest V4 Self-Fit(TM) System offers our OEM, ODM and aftermarket clients a broader range of opportunities in customized earpieces for the Consumer, Industrial, Military and medical markets.

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Sonomax Technologies Inc. ("Sonomax"). Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Sonomax will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to whether the proposed plan of arrangement with Benvest New Look Income Fund will be completed. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Sonomax's management at the time the information is released and Sonomax does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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For further information: Nick Laperle, President and CEO, Sonomax Technologies Inc., [phone] ext. 2229, [email protected]