Commercialization issues of MEMS/MST/micromachines: an updated industry report card on the barriers to commercialization

Roger H. Grace

doi:10.1117/12.407488

22 November 2000 Commercialization issues of MEMS/MST/micromachines: an updated industry report card on the barriers to commercialization

Roger H. Grace

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4124, High-Resolution Wavefront Control: Methods, Devices, and Applications II; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.407488
Event: International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, 2000, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The last five years have witnessed unprecedented interest in MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems), MST (Microsystem Technologies) and Micromachines (M³). Of great interest has been the creation of many new companies whose desire it is to commercialize the technology. During 1999 and 2000, an unprecedented number of startups, especially in the optical MEMS sector, have been created. It is estimated that there are over 750 companies, research institutes, and universities currently involved with M³ worldwide. Over 150 of these are U.S. based companies who wish to commercialize this technology. This paper addresses a number of the significant issues associated with the barriers that have existed to the successful commercialization of M³ by new as well as established companies. These issues include R & D, marketing, infrastructure support and venture capital funding. An M³ 'Report Card' is provided assessing current status of the industry with respect to these issues and comparing the grades with those reported in June 1998 and June 1999. Recommended strategies are provided that are expected to help overcome these barriers to commercialization. Current (2000) market and projections for the year 2004 are provided.

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Roger H. Grace "Commercialization issues of MEMS/MST/micromachines: an updated industry report card on the barriers to commercialization", Proc. SPIE 4124, High-Resolution Wavefront Control: Methods, Devices, and Applications II, (22 November 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.407488

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