Panel Description

The consensus of opinions from a recent study [1] conducted by the moderator has indicated that MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) appears to have transitioned from the growth phase of its life cycle and has entered its mature phase. Several industry market studies project MEMS to grow at a CAGR in the mid-to-high single digits for the next several years, a far cry from earlier times which experienced strong, double-digit growth, a certain indicator of maturity.

However, the MEMS industry continues to move forward with technology innovations, unlocking new applications. To meet the newly created associated challenges, new business strategies need to be adopted to best accommodate and exploit this life cycle change and new applications and technologies. Barriers to the successful commercialization of MEMS continue to exist as established by the 26th annual MEMS Commercialization Report Card Study [2].

These challenges are exacerbated by the administration’s recent decisions on:

• Reassessing the initiatives of the CHIPS Act 
• Reducing/cancelling the funding of research at universities and national labs
• Enacting challenges to foreign-born professionals and grad students
• Levying significant import duties on major trading partners

All of these factors, and more, are negatively affecting the overall health of the industry.

The panel discussion will address many of the more significant challenges and recommend strategies for overcoming these challenges and capturing new opportunities, including embracing AI for MEMS and the expected benefits.

[1] R. Grace, MEMS-A Mature Technology? Fact or Fiction, Final Report, June 2025 [2] R. Grace, The 2024 MEMS Industry Commercialization Report Card Study, Final Report, June 2025 

Audience participation is encouraged.

NOTE: Get the Roger Grace Associates Friends and Family discount of $100 by using the discount code: RGRACE