INDUSTRY NEWS 14379

Originally Published October 2000

INDUSTRY NEWS

Standard MEMS Inc. Partners with German Silicon Technology Institute

Hoping to capitalize on the predicted growth of MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology, Standard MEMS Inc. (Burlington, MA) has formed a partnership with the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology (ISiT; Itzehoe, Germany). Under the agreement, Standard MEMS acquires the exclusive right to commercialize ISiT's silicon and MEMS intellectual property and know-how, and it will have full access to its development facilities and personnel.

Widely considered to be a pioneer in silicon-based R&D, ISiT has developed microsystems for medical applications as well as airbag triggering mechanisms. Standard MEMS is an integrated high-volume MEMS supplier to companies in various market segments including the medical and biomedical sectors.

Prior to announcing the partnership with ISiT, Standard MEMS established a business unit focused on serving the needs of the biomedical and biotechnology communities. The BioMEMS group, according to the firm, will work to further the application of MEMS technology to pathogen detection, highly precise surgery, biosensors, gene sequencing and analysis, and microfluidic applications.

Some market sectors for microelectromechanical systems have a projected annual growth rate exceeding 20%.

Applications for MEMS technology have explosive growth potential in the telecommunications and medical and biomedical markets, surpassing 20% in some business sectors, according to Nick Ortyl, president and CEO of Standard MEMS. "ISiT has been at the forefront of this technological development in both personnel and equipment," says Ortyl. He adds that Standard MEMS is very excited about the opportunity that the partnership provides to "expand on existing capabilities in developing a European center for MEMS technology."

—Norbert Sparrow

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