Buoyed by a strong, eventful 2004, the MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) market will grow over the next few years in terms of unit shipments at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.87 percent to nearly six billion units in 2009, reports In-Stat. Funding for MEMS companies increased by 43.9 percent in 2004 versus 2003, the high tech market research firm says, as the market continued to rack up strong sales. Year-over-year total MEMS revenues were up 32 percent from 2003 to 2004.

A recent report by In-Stat found the following:

  • Microfluidic devices accounted for nearly 69 percent of total unit shipments and 23 percent of total revenues in 2004.
  • With more cell phones integrating RF MEMS devices and inertial sensors and the optical networking sector finally embracing MEMS technology, the communications market is forecast to experience the highest CAGR for unit shipments and revenues.
  • Despite the fragmented and niche-like nature of the industrial segment, it is the dominant segment in terms of revenue in 2004, and remained so throughout the forecast period.
  • The top twenty suppliers of MEMS devices accounted for 62.2 percent of revenues in 2004.

    The report, “2005 MEMS Industry Overview and Forecast,” covers the worldwide MEMS industry. It contains forecasts in unit shipments and revenues by product category and by industry through 2009. It also includes a ranking of the top twenty MEMS suppliers and a detailed review of new products and developments.