With traditional IC categories seeing a slowdown in annual growth rates since the late 1990s, more major semiconductor companies, pure-play IC foundries, and wafer fab equipment suppliers are shifting attention to the MEMS arena in order to boost revenues.
The entry of large device suppliers into market segments pioneered by MEMS startup companies is radically changing the dynamics of many emerging niches. In many cases, the increased competition is intensifying pricing pressure in product categories that have promised substantial annual revenue growth rates.