Since its early years in the 1960s, Mechanical Technology Incorporated has been involved in the field of energy research and development. The company is involved in the field of micro fuel cells through its subsidiary, MTI MicroFuel Cells, and in the field of noncontact precision instrumentation through another subsidiary, MTI Instruments. MTI has also developed a growing presence in the field of alternative energy technologies starting with a 1997 joint venture with DTE Energy to form Plug Power, which is an independent company focused on stationary fuel cell development and manufacturing. Headquartered in Albany, N.Y., Mechanical Technology Incorporated is a publicly traded company on NASDAQ.