Commercialization Issues of MEMS/MST/Micromachines An Updated Industry Report Card on the Barriers to Commercialization with a Focus on the US Market

摘要

The last two years have witnessed an unprecedented interest in MEMS (Microelectro-mechanical Systems), MST (Microsystem Technologies) and Micromachines, collectively called M~3. Of great interest has been the creation of many new companies whose desire it has been to commercialize the technology. During 1999 and 2000, a large number of startups, especially in the optical MEMS sector, were created. It is estimated that there are currently over 750 companies, research institutes, and universities currently involved with M~3 worldwide. Over 150 of these are U.S. based companies who wish to commercialize this technology. Although this paper focuses on the US market, the commercialization issue is a global one. This paper addresses a number of the significant issues associated with the barriers that have existed to the successful commercialization of M~3 by new as well as established companies throughout the world. These issues include R&D, marketing, infrastructure support and venture capital funding. An M~3 "Report Card" is provided assessing current status of the industry with respect to these issues and compares the grades with those reported in June 1998 and June 1999. A product evolution time table is presented which charts the development of various products including pressure sensors, accelerometers, relays, bio, RF, and photonic MEMS from discovery to full commercialization. Recommended strategies are provided that are expected to help overcome these barriers to commercialization. Market values are provided for the years 2000 - 2004 for various segments of the industry.