Our Firm

Microtech Ventures is focused on strategic venture capital, angel investing, and M&A advisory services. Our mission is to accelerate the development of sensors, MEMS, and microtechnologies for the advancement of civilization and creation of market value. Our deep industry knowledge and extensive network, combined with practical hands-on strategy experience, enables us to quickly identify the connections that result in multiple opportunities to maximize ownership value, and ensure successful outcomes.


History

Microtech Ventures was formed in 2017 to fulfill the need for companies in the industry to turn to a knowledgeable entity capable of identifying and orchestrating high value, mutually beneficial deals. Our team has an extensive background and experience in the sensors, MEMS, and microtechnology space, including the founding and operation of MEMS Journal in 2003, now the largest MEMS publication in the world, as well as executive management of sensor and MEMS companies for the past two decades. We also have been hosting industry-leading conferences covering key MEMS, sensors, and microtechnologies topics, including strategic and business discussions.


Technology Focus

Our main areas of interest and expertise are sensors, MEMS, and microtechnologies. Within this focus area, we work with companies of all types, including Fortune 500 companies, IDMs, fabless sensor makers, foundries, and fabrication equipment makers. In terms of industry verticals, our main focuses are automotive and medical.


Team

Our team brings strategic perspective, extensive industry network, as well as MEMS and sensors technology expertise. In addition to our core team, we rely on contributions from our Advisory Board.


Mike Pinelis, PhD – President and CEO


Dr. Mike Pinelis is the President and CEO of Microtech Ventures, a global firm based in Birmingham, Michigan focused on venture capital, merchant banking, and M&A advisory services for MEMS, sensors, and microtechnology companies. Mike is also the President and CEO of MEMS Journal, an independent publication based in Southfield, Michigan that he founded in 2003 and grew to the current 34,800+ subscribers worldwide. Along with MEMS Journal, Mike has also developed a strategy and market research consulting practice focused on MEMS, sensors, and microsystems. He is the chairman and the main organizer of some of the leading industry conferences such as ADAS Sensors, Medical Wearables, MEMS Manufacturing, Automotive LIDAR, Medical MEMS and Sensors and Microtech Innovation Summit.

Mike is an active angel investor and a limited partner in several venture capital and private equity funds. He is also an advisor and mentor to technology startups, including those participating in the Techstars Mobility accelerator in Detroit. Mike is a member of the Michigan Angel Fund (MAF), the largest angel group in Michigan with over 100 members. Mike is also a member of the Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA).

Mike is an active participant in the MEMS, sensors, and semiconductors industries and has been an advisor or partner with organizations such as SEMI, CVTA, GSA, MSIG, SMTA, IMAPS, SAE, SAA, and IEEE. He has a large social media network with 29,700+ direct connections on LinkedIn.

Prior to MEMS Journal, Mike served as Director of Business Development for ISD Technology Group in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Prior to that, Mike founded and was the CEO of MindCruiser, a company specializing in developing online intellectual property marketplaces that was sold to Akiva Corporation. Mike earned a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California, and Master's and PhD degrees in Electrical Engineering with a focus in MEMS and microfluidics at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.


Mike Forbis, MSME, MBA – Managing Director


Mr. Mike Forbis has consulted directly with, or overseen consulting projects, for approximately 100 technology, industrial and service firms ranging from pre-revenue start-ups to established corporations with $100 million in annual revenues. Engagements have varied, including customer acquisition and market expansion growth strategies; cost reduction and operations improvement plans; and engineering design and build projects. Prior to Microtech Ventures, Mike had an appointment at one of the University of Michigan’s leading technology commercialization programs, assisting a portfolio of approximately 50 small companies with technology development and market expansion projects.

Mike was co-founder, inventor and CEO of a University of Michigan electronics technology spinout where he orchestrated over $400,000 of R&D for large companies, won over $300,000 in grants, and raised approximately $2 million in investment while overseeing operations, product development, manufacturing, and sales. Prior to leading a start-up, Mike managed a Michigan state-funded program developing strategic improvement plans for dozens of mostly small manufacturing firms. Despite substantial risk of bankruptcy, over 98% of clients survived the “Great Recession” and have since thrived, making the program revered as one of the most successful operations.

Mike’s background also includes early stage technology due diligence for angel investors, management of $10-$150 million design and build projects, and being the Certified Principal Engineer of military spacecraft mechanical subsystems at Lockheed Martin Space Systems. Mike earned an MBA from Boston University, MSME from Georgia Tech, and BSME from the University of Michigan; he also completed an Aero/Astro Systems Engineering program at Stanford University and earned a Six Sigma Black Belt certification from the University of Michigan.


Paul Pickering – Managing Director


Mr. Paul Pickering joined Microtech Ventures in 2019 as Managing Director. He has worked more than 35 years in semiconductor and micro-fabrication technology companies and has served in a variety of executive roles in both private and public companies. Prior to joining Microtech Ventures, he was overseeing the Product Marketing and Business Development teams for Micralyne based in Edmonton Alberta, Canada.

Paul served as the Executive VP, Sales and Marketing at Exar Corporation, a public semiconductor company specializing in analog and mixed signal semiconductor devices. Paul also served as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Xpedion Design Systems, a venture backed EDA company that was acquired by Agilent in June 2006. He co-founded two venture backed companies and has consulted with numerous other start-up companies.

Paul is a graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree and attended Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania. He is a recognized speaker at technology conferences and trade events in the semiconductor and MEMS industries.


Andrew DeHennis, PhD – Managing Director


Dr. Andrew DeHennis is an entrepreneur with proven experience in wearable systems, wireless sensors, and medical devices. He led technology development at Senseonics, a Class III medical device manufacturer, from a seed-stage startup to a $800 million publicly traded company. Andrew is focused on products that combine cutting-edge technology and science, to enable seamless user experiences and improved outcomes. He is an expert in the full product development lifecycle, encompassing research, design, development, clinical evaluation, regulatory approval, and product launch.

Andrew has more than two dozen published papers and patents in the field of sensors, spanning the basic building blocks of sensing technology, in-vivo performance, and system-level characterization, as well as publications of longitudinal study data and informatics to demonstrate improved health outcomes. Andrew is an active angel investor, a limited partner at CAV Angels, and serves on several IEEE technical committees.

Andrew has earned technology degrees in both Physics (BS) and Electrical Engineering (MS, PhD) from Millersville University and the University of Michigan, respectively. His PhD research focused on wireless sensors that spanned applications in biomedical and environmental monitoring systems. Andrew has an MBA from the Darden School of Business at UVA with focus areas in corporate strategy and finance, data analytics, and entrepreneurship.


Harvey Weinberg – Director, Sensor Technologies


Mr. Harvey Weinberg joined the Microtech Ventures team in 2020. He previously worked at Analog Devices, a broad line semiconductor company, for 25 years. During the most recent 10 years, Harvey served as Division Technologist for the Automotive Business Unit, principally working on long-time horizon technology identification and early technology development as it pertains to automotive applications. Harvey's prior roles at ADI have been System Application Engineering Manager for the Automotive Business Unit and, before that, leader of the Applications Engineering Group for MEMS inertial sensors.

Harvey has developed 14 US patents in technologies varying from ultrasonic airflow measurement, to inertial sensor applications, to LIDAR systems. Before ADI, Harvey worked for 12 years as a circuit and systems designer specializing in process control instrumentation.

Harvey holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada.


Jessica Ingram – Senior Events Manager


Ms. Jessica Ingram joined the MEMS Journal team in 2012 and has successfully organized more than 25 international conferences and workshops such as ADAS Sensors, Medical Wearables, MEMS Manufacturing, Automotive LIDAR, Medical MEMS and Sensors, and Microtech Innovation Summit. Jessica also developed a digital marketing program to promote our events.

Prior to joining Microtech Ventures and MEMS Journal, Jessica was the Office Manager for Dr. Judith C. Archibald, DDS in Houghton, Michigan. She also worked in the retail world for several years for Mary Kay, Hallmark, and Shopko.

Jessica earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Michigan Technological University (MTU) in Houghton, Michigan. She donates her free time to her church’s evangelism programs, handbell choir, and Project Linus.


Advisory Board

Ian Campbell – CEO, OnScale

Ian Campbell is a venture-backed Silicon Valley CEO and expert in MEMS sensors, semiconductor technology, and engineering software. Most recently, Ian co-founded OnScale, a venture-backed Cloud computer-aided engineering startup revolutionizing engineering by combining world-class multiphysics solvers with cloud high-performance computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Prior to co-founding OnScale, Ian served as founder and CEO of NextInput, where he led the startup through multiple rounds of funding -- totaling $12 million and an additional $4 million in research contracts with government and industry partners -- and built a world-class team of engineers and scientists who developed 3D Touch and ForceTouch technologies for smartphones, wearables, industrial, and automotive applications. He also secured the first major smartphone OEM design wins. Ian earned his BS in mechanical engineering from Middle Tennessee State University, and his MSAE in aerospace engineering and MBA from Georgia Institute of Technology.


John Chong, PhD – Vice President, Product and Business Development, Kionix

Dr. John Chong is Vice President of Product and Business Development at Kionix. He also serves as Chairman of the Governing Council of the MEMS and Sensors Industry Group. At Kionix he is responsible for developing product strategy, providing oversight of sales and marketing, and manages Kionix’s software, applications and customer support groups. Previously he was Director of Product Engineering and had also worked to develop the manufacturing test capabilities for Kionix's accelerometer product line as production increased tenfold to 100M units per year. Before joining Kionix in 2006, John worked for Calient Networks, a company focused on using Optical MEMS to support increased bandwidth through the automated management of fiber optic networks. He completed his BS ('93) and his PhD ('99) degrees in Electrical Engineering at Cornell University, where he worked on novel techniques for the design and manufacturing of microfludic MEMS. John holds a number of patents and has spoken at numerous conferences about sensors and their role in the Internet of Things.


Mike Rosa, PhD – Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) & SVP of Strategy, Onto Innovation

Dr. Michel (Mike) Rosa is chief marketing officer (CMO) and senior vice president responsible for strategy at Onto Innovation. Prior to his current role, Mike served as CMO for Applied Materials ICAPS and advanced packaging groups, where he was responsible for leadership of strategic and technical marketing, marketing communications, charting device segment inflection roadmaps and providing strategic business development support toward M&A activities. He has over 25 years’ experience in semiconductor engineering and technology, with roles that span device design and fabrication, equipment development, marketing and sales. His technical qualifications include B.Eng. (Hons) and Ph.D. degrees in Microelectronic Engineering and an MBA with dual majors in marketing and business strategy. Mike has authored over 40 journal and conference publications and holds over 29 U.S. patents.


Robert Stead – Founder and Managing Director, Sense Media Group

Rob Stead has been active in the digital imaging market for over 15 years. After running the Image Sensors conference in London for 9 years, he founded Sense Media Group to curate the AutoSens global community of automotive sensor and signal processing experts and organize world class engineering events. He has in-depth knowledge of image sensors, radar, LIDAR, ultrasonic, and hybrid sensors, as well as data and power transmission, processing hardware and software, including deep learning and AI as they relate to automotive, robotics, medical applications, and beyond. He is passionate about supporting programs for start-ups, STEM education, and women in engineering, and for three years has been the Chair of the IEEE Standards Association P2020 working group developing standards for automotive camera systems. A scientist at heart, Rob has an academic background in Physics with a BSc in Environmental Science from the University of Nottingham, UK, and is a firm believer in the power of technology to improve and save lives across the world. In addition to organizing and hosting best-in-class events, outside of work, Rob likes to play golf, cycle long distances, walk in the hills, and tinker with his retro cars.


Our Events

Semiconductors and MEMS Supply Chains Workshop 2023

Semiconductors and MEMS Supply Chains Workshop 2023

https://microtechventures.com/MEMSsupplychainworkshop.html

This comprehensive five-hour workshop will feature 170+ slides developed and presented by Dr. Doug Sparks, President of M2N Technologies. The workshop will offer an overview of the semiconductor and MEMS supply chains, and will cover the following topics:

1) Review the global semiconductor and MEMS supply chains and recent developments with CMOS fabs, MEMS fabs, and OSATs, with considerations for pre-COVID, JIT, ITAR, and export controls.

2) Discuss the chip shortage in 2020-2022, including the driving factors such as COVID, failure of JIT, the 2022 inventory build, and inflation.

3) Examine national semiconductor and MEMS capabilities, as well as reshoring.

4) Consider China’s perspective for their national semiconductor supply chain.

5) Look at the US perspective for a national semiconductor supply chain (including the CHIPS Act 2022).

6) Discuss developing regional semiconductor supply chain trends, such as near-shoring and friend-shoring.

7) Rethink the semiconductor and MEMS supply chains: vertical integration returns, MEMS foundries, 3D printing, More-than-Moore (MtM), macroeconomics, US citizen ban in China, and the “coming over capacity”.

This workshop will be presented by Dr. Douglas Sparks is the founder and president of M2N Technologies LLC. M2N Technologies is a consulting firm working in MEMS, sensors, and semiconductors.


Automotive LIDAR WORKSHOP 2023

Automotive LIDAR Workshop 2023

https://microtechventures.com/lidarworkshop.html

This two-day online workshop will feature 15+ hours of content and 270+ slides developed and presented by Harvey Weinberg, one of the top LIDAR experts worldwide. The workshop will offer a comprehensive look at the automotive LIDAR landscape and will include the following sessions:

1) LIDAR fundamentals. How it works and why it’s necessary for ADAS and autonomous vehicles applications. We will provide a historical perspective, explain why cameras and radars are not sufficient, and explain the differences between flash and scanned LIDAR.

2) LIDAR scanning methods and optical considerations. This session will include discussion on beam aperture, Rayleigh range, ghosting, and optical aliasing. The discussion will also include scanning methods such as macro mirrors, MEMS mirrors, laser scanners, liquid crystal and metamaterial scanners, optical phased arrays, Risley prisms, and solid-state electro-optics.

3) Photon detection methods. We will discuss both direct detection (via conventional photodiodes as well as Geiger mode APDs) and coherent detection (FMCW and PMCW). The coherent detection discussion will also present an overview of the math behind FMCW.

4) Interference. We will discuss interferers (both benign and malicious), noise, and how to cope with it.

5) Eye safety. There will be a brief discussion on eye safety and how it influences the choice of which wavelength to use.

6) We will touch on lasers used for LIDAR, both fixed wavelength and tunable, as well as how to modulate them.

7) Mini case studies and overview of 55+ notable automotive LIDAR ecosystem companies such as Aeva, AEye, ams OSRAM, Analog Photonics, Argo AI, Aurora, Bandwidth10, Baraja, Blackmore (acquired by Aurora), Blickfeld, Bosch, Cepton, CNI Laser, Continental, Draper Labs, Elmos, EPC, Fabrinet, Hesai, Huawei, Ibeo (acquired by Microvision), Innoviz, Innovusion, LeddarTech, LeiShen Intelligent System, Lidwave, Livox, Lumentum, Luminar, Lumotive, Microvision, Mobileye, Modulight, Opsys Technologies, Optilab, OURS (acquired by Aurora), Ouster, Panasonic, Preciseley, Quanergy, Robosense, Scantinel, Sense Photonics (acquired by Ouster), SiLC, SOS Lab, Tanway, TeraXion, Valeo, Vanjee Technology, Veoneer, Velodyne, Voyant Photonics, VPI Photonics, Waymo, Xenomatix, and ZVision (non-exhaustive list).

This workshop will be presented by Harvey Weinberg, Director of Sensor Technologies at Microtech Ventures, a global firm focused on investments, M&A advisory services, management consulting, and business development for sensors, MEMS, and microtechnology companies.


Short Range 3D Sensing Workshop 2023

Short Range 3D Sensing Workshop 2023

https://microtechventures.com/shortrange3Dsensingworkshop.html

This one-day workshop will feature 6+ hours of content with more than 150 slides developed and presented by Harvey Weinberg, Director of Sensor Technologies at Microtech Ventures. We will describe more than a dozen short range 3D sensing methods, explain their principles of operation, illustrate their strengths and weaknesses, and show under what conditions they can be used to achieve optimal results. Some of the techniques which will be covered are:

1) Optical: monocular, plenoptic, and stereo cameras, as well as laser triangulation and structured light systems

2) RF: FMCW and pulse coherent radar

3) Ultrasonic ranging: direct detection and phased arrays

4) Electromagnetic ranging: capacitive and magnetic field based 3D ranging

5) We will also offer an overview of the notable players in each of the sensing modality categories described above, including: Acconeer, Analog Devices, Baumer, Benewake, Bridger Photonics, Caaresys/Harman, Chromasens, Continental, Garmin, GPR, LeddarTech, LightWare, Lucid Vision Labs, Matrox, Mech-Mind, Microchip Technology, Neteera, Novelic, OnRobot, Ouster, Pepperl+Fuchs, Photoneo, Pickit, Polhemus, PreAct Technologies, Revopoint, Slamtech, Sony, STMicroelectronics, TDK, Terabee, Texas Instruments, Toposense, VZense, Wiseome, YDLIDAR, and Zivid (non-exhaustive list).

This workshop will be presented by Harvey Weinberg, Director of Sensor Technologies at Microtech Ventures, a global firm focused on investments, M&A advisory services, management consulting, and business development for sensors, MEMS, and microtechnology companies.


Emerging GaN and SiC Workshop 2023

Emerging GaN and SiC Workshop 2023

https://microtechventures.com/GaNandSiCworkshop.html

10:00 AM to 4:30 PM US Eastern Time

This one-day workshop will feature 6+ hours of content with 125+ slides developed and presented by Harvey Weinberg, Director of Sensor Technologies at Microtech Ventures. We will discuss compound semiconductors such as GaN, GaAs, SiC, and SiGe. We will explain the principal differences between them and compare them to conventional Si-based semiconductors. While we will offer short descriptions of several compound semiconductors and where they are used, we will focus on GaN and SiC due to their rapid adoption in automotive, power conversion, and RF (e.g. 5G) applications. We will describe GaN and SiC principal benefits, why they exhibit their special characteristics, and describe the application spaces where GaN and SiC excel. We will compare GaN and SiC to each other, as well as to state-of-the-art Si. There will also be a discussion on the GaN and SiC manufacturing processes with an eye towards the economics of each -- particularly as compared to mature Si processes. Finally, we will offer prognostications as to the future of GaN and SiC, and what's next in compound semiconductors.

1) What are compound semiconductors and what is unique about them? We’ll give examples of III-V materials (GaN, GaAs, InP, GaP), II-VI materials (ZnSe, MCdTe, CdS), and IV-IV materials (SiC, SiGe) and where these materials are used.

2) What is bandgap and how do GaN and SiC benefit from having a wide bandgap?

3) Why are compound semiconductors needed (and where are they not needed)? We’ll compare compound semiconductors to traditional Si devices in several applications

4) What is the expected adoption growth for compound semiconductors by market?

5) What are typical GaN and SiC applications?

6) Why does SiC have an advantage over Si in high-power inverters and DC-to-DC converter applications? Where does GaN fit into these applications

7) Why is GaN preferred over Si in RF applications?

8) How are GaN devices made and used?

9) How are SiC devices made and used?

10) GaN and SiC manufacturing costs.

11) Comparison of GaN and SiC to other esoteric semiconductor materials.

12) What comes next for GaN and SiC? Is there something even better around the corner?

13) We will also offer an overview of the notable players in the GaN and SiC ecosystem, including: II-VI, Allegro Microsystems, Analog Devices, Bosch, Broadcom, Clas-SiC, EPC, Finwave Semiconductor, Fuji Electric, Fujitsu, GaN Systems, Hunan Sanan, Imec, Infineon, Innoscience, Littlefuse, MACOM, Microchip Technology, Mitsubishi Electric, Navitas, NexGen Power Systems, Nexperia, OnSemi, Powerex, Qorvo, Renesas, Rhom, Semikon Danfoss, SK Silitron, Solitron, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments, Toshiba, Transphorm, TSMC, United Monolithic Semiconductor, VisIC Technologies, Wolfspeed, X-trinSiC, and Yes Powertechnix (non-exhaustive list).

This workshop will be presented by Harvey Weinberg, Director of Sensor Technologies at Microtech Ventures, a global firm focused on investments, M&A advisory services, management consulting, and business development for sensors, MEMS, and microtechnology companies.


Automotive Radar Workshop 2023

Automotive Radar Workshop 2023

https://microtechventures.com/radarworkshop.html

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM US Eastern Time (on both days)

The workshop will offer a comprehensive look at the automotive radar landscape and will include the following sessions:

1) Radar fundamentals. How it works and its role in ADAS and autonomous driving applications. We will present a brief historical perspective of radar with a focus on automotive use cases. We will explain why cameras are not sufficient for reliable operation of ADAS and autonomous driving systems. This session will also include a brief physics and mathematics based description of current radar techniques, along with a deeper dive into FMCW (coherent detection), as well as a look at a few novel methods.

2) Antenna systems used in automotive radar. This session will include a discussion on phased arrays and MIMO systems. We will explain how they work and their distinguishing characteristics. We will also cover how antenna choice influences system design and performance.

3) Fundamental limits of physics for automotive radar. We will review the tradeoffs made in radar system design, and an overview of techniques that try to extend these limits of performance. This session will also delve into the question of whether or not radar can eventually replace LIDAR for ADAS and autonomous driving.

4) Mini case studies and overview of the 30+ notable players in the automotive radar landscape, such as Ainstein, Aptiv, Arbe, Astyx (part of Cruise), Bitsensing, Bosch, Continental, Denso, Echodyne, Gapwaves, General Radar, GPR, Hella, Lunewave, Infineon, Metawave, Mobileye (part of Intel), NXP, Oculii (part of Ambarella), Radsee, Renesas, RFISee, Smart Radar Systems, Steradian Semi, ST Microelectronics, Texas Instruments, Uhnder, Vayyar, Zandar Labs, Zendar, and ZF (non-exhaustive list).

This workshop will be presented by Harvey Weinberg, Director of Sensor Technologies at Microtech Ventures, a global firm focused on investments, M&A advisory services, management consulting, and business development for sensors, MEMS, and microtechnology companies.


AV Sensors Expo 2023

AV Sensors Expo 2023

https://avsensorsexpo.com

AV Sensors Expo 2023 is a unique in-person event focused on sensors for ADAS and AV applications. This two-day event will showcase 20+ sponsors and exhibitors in a convenient and comfortable networking setting. Additionally, 70-100+ OEM and Tier 1 representatives will be speaking, leading roundtable discussions, and attending throughout both days. Industry analysts will provide market overviews, trends, and highlights. The event is designed to optimize connections with automotive OEMs and Tier 1s suppliers. We'll have 300-350+ participants overall.


Sensors for Drones 2023

Sensors for Drones 2023

https://microtechventures.com/sensorsfordronesworkshop.html

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM US Eastern Time (on both days)

This two-day workshop will feature 10+ hours of content with more than 230 slides developed and presented by Harvey Weinberg, Director of Sensor Technologies at Microtech Ventures.

We will discuss the full spectrum of sensors used in drone applications. In particular, we will cover sensors used for perception (e.g. cameras, LIDAR, and radar), sensors used for navigation and stability (e.g. GNSS, barometric pressure, gyros, and accelerometers), as well as several application-specific sensors (e.g. thermal cameras and spectrometers). We will describe the principles of operation for each sensor and explore which applications benefit from their use. The workshop will include a comprehensive look at the following sensor modalities:

1) Perception sensors: visible light cameras, monocular cameras, stereo cameras, time-of-flight cameras, LIDAR, radar, ultrasonic

2) Navigation and stability sensors: accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, barometric pressure sensors, GNSS, IMUs

3) Application specific sensors: IR cameras, thermal cameras, spectrometers, multispectral cameras, hyperspectral cameras, radiometers

4) We will also provide an overview of notable drone sensors makers such as: AgEagle, Ainstein, Analog Devices, Autel Robotics, Ball Aerospace, Basler, Bosch Sensortec, Bridger Photonics, Colybris, Cubert, DJI, Echodyne, Emlid, Espros, FPV3DCAM, Geometrics, Gremsy, Headwall Photonics, Hesai, Infineon, Intel, Jabil, Konica-Minolta, LIDIRit, Livox, MicaSense, Parrot, Pergam, PhaseOne, PNI, Purway Innovation, Pix4D, Propeller, Riegl, Resonon, Rock Robotic, Sentera, Sierra-Olympia Technologies, Septentrio, Sony, SPH Engineering, STMicroelectronics, Superior Sensor Technology, Specim, Stereolabs, TE Connectivity, Teledyne FLIR, Terrarad Tech, Texas Instruments, Velodyne, Vzense, Workswell, WSL, and Zenmuse (non-exhaustive list).

This workshop will be presented by Harvey Weinberg, Director of Sensor Technologies at Microtech Ventures, a global firm focused on investments, M&A advisory services, management consulting, and business development for sensors, MEMS, and microtechnology companies.


3D Micro Printing 2023

3D Micro Printing 2023

https://microtechventures.com/3Dmicroprintingconference.html

3D micro printing is a growing field of additive manufacturing used to create microscopic components and devices. It is a type of 3D printing that creates parts with detailed, intricate features at the micron level. This technology is used to fabricate tiny, complex parts with extremely high precision. For example, medical device components, electronics, and aerospace components can be created on a smaller scale. 3D micro printing also has applications in manufacturing, allowing for the production of tiny parts for miniature engines, electronic circuits, and telecommunications components. The scale and precision of 3D micro printing enable researchers to question, manipulate, and investigate the boundaries of the field. 3D micro printing has the potential to revolutionize a variety of industries, from automotive to medical equipment. This conference focuses on the emerging 3D micro printing technologies and applications.


EV Charging Workshop 2023

EV Charging Workshop 2023

https://microtechventures.com/evchargingworkshop.html

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM US Eastern Time (on both days)

The workshop will offer a comprehensive overview of the EV charging business and technology ecosystem and will include the following sessions:

1) The car electrification megatrend. Growth of adoption of EVs globally and by region. Factors that are driving this growth and headwinds limiting the speed of adoption.

2) EV charger infrastructure. Various standards and the corresponding number of charge points globally and regionally. Differences in charger availability and why there is such a large variance even within countries. Cost of installing and managing new infrastructure.

3) EV charging and its effect on power grids. How do level 2 and level 3 charging affect the grid differently. What will be necessary to grow charger capacity.

4) How will energy storage systems, renewables, and vehicle-to-grid change the landscape.

5) The impact of 250kW (and greater) chargers. What it means to infrastructure and the effect of fast charging on batteries.

6) New charging modalities, including mobile and wireless charging, and what the future looks like for these emerging technologies.

7) Needed technology developments to make the future happen. From semiconductors, to connectors, to software.

8) We will discuss the ecosystem of EV charging, including players such as: ABB, AddEnergie, AFC Energy, Allego, Alpitronic, Analog Devices, BAIC, Blink Charging, BorgWarner, Bosch, BTC Power, Brugg, ChargePoint, China Southern Power Grid, Circontrol, Clipper Creek, DBT, Efacec, Electrify America, EVBox, EVconnect, EVgo, Evocharge, EV Safe Charge, Ez4EV, Freewire Technologies, General Motors, Greener Power Solutions, Greenlots, Huber & Suhner, L-Charge, Larson Electronics, Lightning eMotor/Mobile, National Grid, Nio Power, OMG Cable, Phoenix Contact, Plugless Power, Pod Point, Portable Electric, Qualcomm, Rivian, Schmuacher, Scoda Autodigilab, Shell Recharge Solutions, Signet, Spark Charge, Star Charge, State Grid, Steer, Stornetic, Teld New Energy, Tesla, Thomas Busses, Tritium, Volta, Wallbox, WiTricity, Yunkuai, and Zooz (non-exhaustive list).

This workshop will be presented by Harvey Weinberg, Director of Sensor Technologies at Microtech Ventures, a global firm focused on investments, M&A advisory services, management consulting, and business development for sensors, MEMS, and microtechnology companies.


Cardio Sensors 2023

Cardio Sensors 2023

https://microtechventures.com/cardiosensorsconference.html

Cardio sensors are important tools in the health and fitness industry because they can provide a wealth of useful information about the cardiovascular system. Cardio sensors measure heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and other vital signs. This data can be used to assess many aspects of health. Cardio sensors provide a window into the cardiovascular system, and they can also identify existing medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, heart defects, and other cardiovascular problems. By monitoring heart rate, for example, health care professionals can detect signs of distress early and step in to provide the care and treatment needed, if required. Cardio sensors are vital devices for tracking physical activities, medical conditions, and general health. This conference focuses on emerging cardio sensors technologies and applications.


EV Battery Advancements Workshop 2023

EV Battery Advancements Workshop 2023

https://microtechventures.com/evbatteryworkshop.html

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM US Eastern Time

The workshop will offer an overview of current and future (<10-year time horizon) battery technologies that will be used in EVs and focus in on the vital few that we believe will be the most successful. We will cover the following topics:

1) Which companies control the global market share today and which OEMs are aligned with them.

2) Review the basics of how Li-ion batteries work, how they are made, and what are their key characteristics.

3) Survey the range of battery chemistries being proposed and researched today then separate out the four main contenders we feel are most promising in the short- to medium-term.

4) Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each battery chemistry relative to the current standard bearer (lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide batteries – as are commonly used by Tesla), as well as compared to each other.

5) Examine which battery manufacturers are offering, or are about to offer, advanced batteries and what chemistries are they betting on for the future.

6) Look at adoption trends for new battery chemistries by leading OEMs.

7) Lay out our thesis on which battery chemistries will be the short- to medium-term winners and why.

8) Discuss the EV battery ecosystem including players such as 24M, AESC, BYD, CALB, CATL, Enovix, Faradion, Gotion/Guoxuan, LG Energy Solutions, Natron, NAWA Technologies, Our Next Energy (ONE), Panasonic, ProLogium, Quantumscape, Samsung SDI, SK On, Solid Power, SVolt, Tuball, and Ultium (non-exhaustive list).

This workshop will be presented by Harvey Weinberg, Director of Sensor Technologies at Microtech Ventures, a global firm focused on investments, M&A advisory services, management consulting, and business development for sensors, MEMS, and microtechnology companies.


Micro Optics 2023

Micro Optics 2023

https://microtechventures.com/microopticsconference.html

Micro optics are small-scale optical components that are typically less than a few millimeters in size. These components can be used to manipulate light in a variety of ways, such as focusing or shaping the beam, splitting, or combining beams, or changing its polarization. Some of the Micro Optics main applications of micro optics include: telecommunications (in fiber optic networks to control the direction and intensity of light signals), biomedical imaging (in endoscopes and other medical imaging devices to focus light and capture images), sensing (to detect changes in light intensity or wavelength, which can indicate the presence of specific gases, chemicals, or biological compounds), laser systems (to shape the beams of lasers, making them more efficient or more precise), and displays (to manipulate light, such as in projectors or augmented/virtual reality devices). Overall, micro optics have a wide range of applications across many different fields, and their small size makes them particularly useful for applications where space is limited or precision is required. This conference focuses on emerging micro optics technologies and applications.


Automotive LIDAR 2023

Automotive LIDAR 2023

https://automotivelidar.com

LIDAR has been in use for over 60 years in military, aerospace, robotics, and meteorological fields. Today it is experiencing a flurry of interest due to the expectation that it will be one of the key sensors to enable autonomous driving. With more than $5.6 billion raised to date, more than 95 companies are developing automotive grade LIDAR sensors using their unique approaches. This conference is the only event in the world exclusively focused on automotive LIDAR technologies and applications. The conference's sessions will describe the various approaches to make a LIDAR system, as well as explain via physics and math the reasons to choose one approach over another. We will also discuss the publicly disclosed methods from each of the known developers, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they likely they are to scale in manufacturability and cost. The conference will also provide overviews of marketplace projections and business trends. The material presented will enable attendees to make well-informed decisions regarding which LIDAR approaches are optimal for solving their challenges and requirements.


MicroFab Summit 2023

MicroFab Summit 2023

https://microfabsummit.com

MicroFab Summit 2022 focuses on the emerging and most remarkable fabrication techniques for sensors and MEMS devices. The goal of the event is to showcase the current state-of-the-art fabrication techniques and manufacturing trends, as well as to discuss emerging and innovative process technologies such as new materials, 3D micro and nano printing, new types of substrates, plastic and paper processes, and flexible hybrid assembly techniques. Special emphasis will be made on the fabrication of “More than Moore” (MtM) devices.

According to our research, the sensors, MEMS, and MtM device market will reach an “inflection point” in the 2022-2023 timeframe which will change the economics of production to dramatically reduce costs and, therefore, significantly increase the utilization of micro devices throughout major industrial segments. Given this “inflection point” and the sharp reduction in production costs, can the market grow to $100 billion and 1 trillion micro devices per year by 2025? We believe this can happen. Already, the MtM/sensors/microtech/MEMS market has been the “shining star” within the overall semiconductor market sector, and the economy as a whole.

MicroFab Summit 2022 will provide a networking platform for the leading technology and business experts, and will also bring the MtM/sensors/microtech/MEMS “brain trust” together. We invite you to attend this two-day conference which will showcase major technological breakthroughs and emerging high volume applications.


Medical Wearables 2023

Medical Wearables 2023

https://medwearablesconference.com

Medical wearables are the next big thing. History will show that FitBit and Apple Watch are just the early primitive devices, and that the next wave of smart medical wearables will revolutionize healthcare and dramatically improve quality of life.

What are the next-generation medical wearable technologies? What are the most promising use cases and applications? What are the main challenges right now? What’s on the roadmap of the leading companies and R&D groups? These are the key questions that drive the discussion at this annual conference.

The future is bright for medical wearables -- we invite you to attend this conference to identify emerging technology and application trends, exchange ideas, form new companies, and network with your industry peers!


FMCW Technologies for Automotive Applications Workshop

FMCW Technologies for Automotive Applications Workshop 2022

https://microtechventures.com/FMCWworkshop.html

The workshop will offer an overview of how coherent modulation techniques are used in the automotive domain. We will focus on FMCW in particular, as it is currently the main technology in automotive coherent modulation techniques, and we will also touch on some newer trends and techniques as well. We will cover the following topics:

1) What is coherent modulation and how does it compare to direct detection.

2) What is FMCW (frequency-modulated continuous-wave).

3) What are the advantages and disadvantages of FMCW detection.

4) Where has FMCW been adopted in the automotive domain and why is it popular in those applications.

5) FMCW theory of operation.

6) Pros and cons of different FMCW waveforms.

7) Digital coherent modulation techniques.

8) FFT processing of FMCW data for range and velocity measurement.

9) Mutual interference in coherent detection systems.

10) FMCW in automotive radar.

11) FMCW in automotive LIDAR.

12) FMCW in ultrasonic ranging.

We will discuss the automotive FMCW ecosystem including players such as radar chip companies (Texas Instruments, NXP, Analog Devices, Arbe, Infineon, STMicroelectronics, Uhnder); automotive Tier 1s (Aptiv, Bosch, Continental, Denso, Hella, Hitachi, Magna, Mobileye, Nidec-Elesys, Tung Thih, Veoneer/Qualcomm, ZF); startups (Ainstein, Bitsensing, General Radar, Ghostwave, Oculii/Ambarella, Smart Radar Systems); in-cabin radar makers (Caaresys/Harman, Novelic, Vayyar, IEE Sensing, Neteera); FMCW LIDAR makers (Aeva, Analog Photonics, Baraja, Blackmore, Infoworks, Innovusion, Insight LIDAR, Kyber Photonics, LightIC Technologies, Mobileye, Scantinel Photonics, SiLC, Voyant Photonics); and tunable laser makers (Agiltron, Bandwidth10, Lumentum, Modulight, Optilab, RPMC Lasers).

This workshop will be presented by Harvey Weinberg, Director of Sensor Technologies at Microtech Ventures, a global firm focused on investments, M&A advisory services, management consulting, and business development for sensors, MEMS, and microtechnology companies.


Sensors for Robotics Workshop 2022

Sensors for Robotics Workshop 2022

https://microtechventures.com/sensorsforroboticsworkshop.html

The workshop will offer an overview of sensors commonly used in manufacturing robots and cobots (collaborative robots). We will cover the following topics:

1) Linear and rotational encoders. What do they do.

2) The five main principles of encoder operation (optical, magnetic, inductive, capacitive, and resolvers) and how each one works.

3) Discuss the relative merits of each encoder technology. Where each technology excels and where they are deficient or fail.

4) Sensors for visual perception, including cameras and LIDAR.

5) 2D cameras, line scanners, and stereo cameras. How they work and how to choose which one to use.

6) 3D sensing, including various approaches such as time-of-flight cameras, structured light cameras, and laser triangulation, as well as how to choose one over the other.

7) Force and torque sensing. How does it work, and who offers force and torque sensors.

8) Texture sensing as an alternative to force sensing. How does it work and where would you use it.

9) We will discuss the robot sensor ecosystem including players such as AMO, ams OSRAM, Analog Devices, ATI Industrial Automation, Basler, Bogen, Celera Motion, Chromasens, Cognex, Control Automation, Danaher, Data Logic, Epson Futek, Gelsight, Heidenhain, Keyence, Lika Electronic, Lucid Vision Labs, Matrox, MinebeaMitsumi, Netzer Precision Position Sensors, Nikon, Photoneo, Pickit3D, Renesas, Renishaw, RLS, Robotiq, RPC Photonics, SICK, Sony, Timken, VZense, Zettlex, and Zivid (non-exhaustive list).

(Note: we will not be covering autonomous ground vehicles, or AGVs, in this particular workshop).

This workshop will be presented by Harvey Weinberg, Director of Sensor Technologies at Microtech Ventures, a global firm focused on investments, M&A advisory services, management consulting, and business development for sensors, MEMS, and microtechnology companies.


Ego-Localization for Autonomous Driving Workshop 2022

Ego-Localization Workshop 2022

https://microtechventures.com/ego-localizationworkshop.html

This workshop will offer a comprehensive overview of the technologies enabling automotive ego-localization, the act of determining the car's position on the road, as well as the ego-localization ecosystem. We will cover the following topics:

1) What is ego-localization. Why is it important in the automotive context. What sensors are used for ego-localization.

2) How GPS/GNSS works.

3) Examine error sources in GPS/GNSS measurement and their impact to positioning precision. We'll explore what means of improvement are available and how these potential solutions work.

4) Present an analysis of the potential level of performance improvement using GPS/GNSS with correction methods. We'll look at the error sources of various correction methods to understand their ultimate potential.

5) Look at ways to improve ego-localization performance via other sensors such as cameras, LIDAR, and inertial sensors. While doing so, we’ll discuss these other sensors' limitations.

6) Delve into emerging sensor modalities that may further improve ego-localization performance.

7) Discuss the ego-localization ecosystem including players such as Aceinna, Airoha, Alps Alpine, Analog Devices, Bosch, Denso, Garmin, GPR, HERE Technologies, Locosys, Point One, Qualcomm, STMicroelectronics, Swift Navigation, TDK, Trimble, U-Blox, and VBox Automotive (non-exhaustive list).

This workshop will be presented by Harvey Weinberg, Director of Sensor Technologies at Microtech Ventures, a global firm focused on investments, M&A advisory services, management consulting, and business development for sensors, MEMS, and microtechnology companies.


Automotive Thermal Imaging Workshop 2022

Automotive Thermal Imaging Workshop 2022

https://microtechventures.com/thermalimagingworkshop.html

This workshop will offer a comprehensive overview of thermal imaging technologies, the automotive market for thermal imagers, and the thermal imager ecosystem. We will cover the following topics:

1) What is thermal imaging. How does it differ from visible light, IR imaging, and night vision. We’ll explore why and how is it useful for ADAS and autonomous driving applications.

2) We will discuss what wavelengths can be used for thermal imaging. Which wavelengths are chosen in practice and why. We will discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of MWIR versus LWIR in the ADAS and autonomous driving context.

3) How do thermal imagers work. We will review band-gap type semiconductor arrays, microbolometers, and thermopiles. We will discuss their principles of operation, how they are built, as well as each types’ strengths and weaknesses.

4) We will explore what fundamental limitations of thermal imagers and why they exist. We will look at some potential work-arounds and discuss how well they can work.

5) Delve into newly developed alternatives to thermal imagers, how they work, and their strengths and weaknesses. We will compare their performance to incumbent technologies.

6) We will discuss the thermal imaging ecosystem including players such as II-VI, Adasky, Endoacoustica, Excelitas/Qioptiq, Foresight, Fraunhofer IMS, Guide, Heinmann, InfiRay, Jenoptik, Lynred, MH Tech, Mikrosens Elektronik, North GuangWei Technology, Owl Autonomous Imaging, Polaris Sensor Technology, Seek Thermal, SpeedIR, Stonkam, Teledyne Dalsa, Teledyne FLIR, Veoneer, and Xenics (non-exhaustive list).

This workshop will be presented by Harvey Weinberg, Director of Sensor Technologies at Microtech Ventures, a global firm focused on investments, M&A advisory services, management consulting, and business development for sensors, MEMS, and microtechnology companies.


In-Cabin Sensing Workshop 2022

In-Cabin Sensing Workshop 2022

https://microtechventures.com/incabinsensingworkshop.html

The workshop will offer a comprehensive overview of the automotive in-cabin sensing landscape and will include the following sessions:

1) What’s driving growth in in-cabin sensing? We will discuss which applications are being pushed forward by legislation, as well as which features are being adopted to improve driver and passenger safety and user experience.

2) What are OEMs proposing? What will be offered soon (in the next 5 years) and what is being discussed for the more distant future?

3) We will discuss the various in-cabin sensing applications currently proposed by established automotive Tier 1s and emerging startup companies. This section will be broken down into sensors that can fulfill mandated requirements, as well as sensors to improve user experience. Furthermore, we will explain how many of these sensors work and what will distinguish one approach from the other.

4) We will review the ecosystem of in-cabin sensors makers, from Tier 1s to component suppliers, such as: Affectiva, Ambarella, AMS, Analog Devices, Azcom, Bosch, Continental, Denso, Eyersis, Gentex, Harman, Hyundai Mobis, IEE, Infineon, Innosent, OnSemi, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments, Valeo, Vayyar, and Visteon (non-exhaustive list).

This workshop will be presented by Harvey Weinberg, Director of Sensor Technologies at Microtech Ventures, a global firm focused on investments, M&A advisory services, management consulting, and business development for sensors, MEMS, and microtechnology companies..


MEMS Manufacturing 2022

http://www.memsmanufacturing.com

MEMS manufacturing is a key enabler for the production of advanced sensors and actuators used in such applications as IoT, wearables, autonomous vehicles, robotics, digital health, precision agriculture, smart home, environmental monitoring, and many others.

According to Microtech Ventures research, the MEMS market will reach an “inflection point" in the 2024-2025 time frame which will change the economics of production to dramatically reduce costs and, therefore, significantly increase the utilization of MEMS devices throughout major industrial segments.

Given this "inflection point" and significant reduction in production costs, can the MEMS market grow to $100 billion and 1 trillion MEMS devices per year by 2027? We believe this can happen. Already, the MEMS market has been one of the few "shining stars" among its peers in the overall semiconductor market sector, and the economy on the whole. Currently, the total market for MEMS devices is around $13-14 billion per year and it is expected to grow at 12 to 15% for the next few years.

So what are the next-generation MEMS manufacturing technologies? And what are the MEMS applications that are driving the need for new fabrication techniques? These are the key questions that will drive the discussion at this event, which will feature talks from the leading MEMS experts. The future is bright for MEMS -- attend this event to identify emerging MEMS manufacturing technologies and application trends, exchange ideas, form new companies, and network with your industry peers!

Cardio Wearables 2021

http://www.cardiowearablesconference.com

According to the CDC, nearly 800,000 Americans die each year from heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases -- that’s one in every three deaths in the US. Annually, approximately one in every six US healthcare dollars is spent on cardiovascular disease. By 2030, annual direct medical costs associated with cardiovascular diseases are projected to rise to more than $818 billion, while lost productivity costs could exceed $275 billion. That’s approximately $3 billion per day.

Wearables have tremendous potential to improve cardiovascular health. Leveraging insights from collected and analyzed data, cardio wearables are increasingly becoming an essential tool for healthcare systems. Additionally, consumer demand for improved well-beingis driving advanced, next-generation wearables with capabilities that were not possible even a few years ago. Most large medical device, pharmaceutical, and consumer electronics companies have active wearables initiatives, including for cardio applications.

What are the most promising use cases and applications for cardio wearables? What are the new enabling technologies? What are the main challenges right now? What’s on the roadmap of the leading companies and R&D groups? How will the next wave of smart cardio wearables continue to improve healthcare and quality of life? These are some of the key questions that will drive the presentations and discussion at this conference.

Cardio wearables have an enormous role to play in our current and future healthcare industry -- we invite you to attend this conference to identify emerging technology and application trends, enjoy expert content, and network with your industry peers!


News

Science Corporation acquires MEMSCAP's North Carolina MEMS fabrication facility
MEMS Journal - Dec 8, 2022
Following this transaction, MEMSCAP becomes focused around its avionics and medical businesses, as well as the fabless VOA product line servicing MEMSCAP's optical communications business. (read more)

MemryX begins customer sampling of AI accelerator chip
Business Wire - Aug 17, 2022
The company says its chip accelerates AI processing in edge computing systems such as those in automotive, Industry 4.0, robotics, IoT, and vision systems applications. (read more)

Oura rolls out blood oxygen sensing for third generation Ring
ZDNet - Aug 1, 2022
Blood oxygen sensing is present on many smartwatches and sports watches today, with Apple making it a prime feature in last year's Apple Watch 7. Blood oxygen levels (SpO2) refer to the percentage of oxygen in your blood. (read more)

Ansys to acquire cloud simulation company OnScale
Pittsburgh Business Times - Apr 15, 2022
Upon its integration into Ansys' suite of cloud simulation offerings, OnScale will enable the company to better offer a cloud-native and web-based user interface for device-independent access to Ansys' simulation tools. (read more)

Oura raises more capital, reaches $2.55 billion valuation
Fitt Insider - Apr 6, 2022
With a historical emphasis on sleep tracking, the company more recently turned its attention to wellness of the waking hours, adding features for daytime heart rate, restorative time (non-sleeping restful moments), live heart rate, and period prediction. (read more)

MemryX hires two veteran semiconductor industry leaders
MemryX - Mar 15, 2022
The company, a pioneering startup designing breakthrough silicon for AI processing for edge devices, has recruited semiconductor industry veterans Puneet Singh and Roger Peene. Singh will serve as vice president of engineering, while Peene will be vice president of product and business development. (read more)

Qualcomm's AI chip chief departs to take helm at startup MemryX
Reuters - Dec 8, 2021
Artificial intelligence models must be "trained" using powerful chips in data centers. To be used outside data centers, they must be modified to fit into smaller chips inside cameras or other devices. Those modifications, known as "hand tuning", can be costly and time consuming. MemryX says it aims to offer a chip that does not need hand tuning. (read more)

AI chipmaker Hailo raises $136 million, focuses on sensors and edge devices
TechCrunch - Oct 13, 2021
The company makes edge-device chips customized to work with specific AI workloads for applications such as smart cities, retail environments, industrial settings, and next-generation automotive systems. (read more)

MEMS gas sensor maker Lelantos raises seed-stage funds
MEMS Journal - Oct 7, 2021
The company is developing gas sensors for IoT monitoring applications targeted to the oil, gas, and HVACR industries. In August, Lelantos was awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR Phase II grant. (read more)

CropX acquires Dacom to boost digital twins for agriculture
VentureBeat - August 10, 2021
This acquisition represents a major consolidation of agriculture digital twin capabilities, acres serviced, and geographic datasets. It also doubles CropX's team and significantly increases its number of farms and total service area, with more than 20,000 new farms in over 50 countries. (read more)

BlinkAI Technologies wins 2021 Edge AI and Vision Product of the Year Award
Edge AI and Vision Alliance - May 25, 2021
The company's AI-based night video solution for smartphones was recently commercialized on Xiaomi's flagship Mi 11, as well as the upcoming Mi 11 Pro, Mi 11 Ultra, and Redmi K40 Pro+ handsets. (read more)

MemryX closes Series A financing, prepares to transform AI and edge applications
MemryX - May 12, 2021
The company now plans to scale the commercialization of its patented memory processing unit (MPU) architecture and sample product-level chips to leading OEMs across the automotive, edge-compute, and security sectors. (read more)

Smart fitness ring maker Oura raises $100 million
TechCrunch - May 4, 2021
It’s been a wild couple of years for Oura. Last year proved to be a major driver for the wearable fitness manufacturer. With the pandemic bringing professional sports to a screeching halt in 2020, a number of major leagues have adopted the ring. (read more)

Microtech Ventures advises Inspectrology in acquisition by Onto Innovation
MEMS Journal - Jan 14, 2021
The transaction is expected to provide revenue synergies by leveraging Onto Innovation's broader access to global markets, especially in Asia. The transaction purchase price represents 1.4x Inspectrology's 2020 revenue of approximately $20 million. (read more)

BlinkAI teams with Xiaomi to bring world's first "night video" feature
PRWeb – December 28, 2020
BlinkAI's deep learning software elevates the low-light performance of Mi 11's native camera hardware and drives Mi 11’s new "night video" mode, which brings unprecedented detail and vibrancy to smartphone nighttime videos. (read more)

Sight Diagnostics raises $71 million Series D round for its blood analyzer
TechCrunch – Aug 5, 2020
Microtech Ventures portfolio news: With a founding team that used to work at Mobileye, among other companies, Sight made an early bet on using machine vision to analyze blood samples and provide a full blood count comparable to existing lab tests within minutes. (read more)

Propel(x) closes $5.5 million investment round
Business Wire – Jul 20, 2020
Microtech Ventures portfolio news: Founded by MIT classmates, Propel(x) introduces its users to groundbreaking startups that are commercializing "deep" technologies, including new types of sensors and innovative materials. (read more)

Microtech Ventures ranked 9th out of 791 boutique investment banks worldwide
Axial – Apr 29, 2020
Ranking criteria included three main characteristics: client quality, buy-side targeting, and process effectiveness. For CEOs and dealmakers in the lower middle market, the league tables are a useful barometer to measure how an investment bank ranks against its peers. (read more)

MEMS manufacturing and geopolitics: a changing landscape and emerging trends
3D InCites – Mar 25, 2020
Development of new technologies and deployment of high-value products such as 5G phones as well as AI/ML for industrial equipment, autonomous vehicles, and data centers will gain importance as growth drivers for the US economy. (read more)

Hailo raises $60M Series B for its AI chips
TechCrunch – Mar 5, 2020
Microtech Ventures portfolio news: Existing investors were joined by new strategic investor ABB Technology Ventures, NEC Corporation, and Latitude Ventures. The new funding will enable Hailo to roll out its Hailo-8 deep learning chip and to get into new markets and industries. (read more)

Blood testing startup Sight Diagnostics gets FDA clearance
MedCityNews – Dec 4, 2019
Microtech Ventures portfolio news: the FDA has cleared Sight Diagnostics' blood analyzer, which performs a complete blood count (CBC) test based on just two drops of blood. (read more)

Microtech Ventures brings new MEMS and sensors conference to town
3D InCites – Nov 27, 2019
Microtech Innovation Summit 2019 addressed key questions such as: what are the most promising areas of MEMS, sensors, and microtechnology innovation? Which technologies and applications to focus on? How to create value with MEMS and sensors startups? (read more)

BlinkAI Technologies launches RoadSight to enhance visible-light cameras in AVs
SafeCar News – Nov 22, 2019
Microtech Ventures portfolio news: BlinkAI launches new software solution for improving the performance of visible-light cameras on cars within low-light conditions. (read more)

Microtech Ventures CEO discusses MEMS and sensors industry trends
EE Times – Nov 5, 2019
Mike Pinelis, President and CEO of Microtech Ventures, applauded the increasing pace of innovation in the MEMS and sensors industry and the resurgence of deep tech startups. (read more)


Join Us

We are actively seeking strong candidates to join our team. Ideal applicants should be passionate about MEMS and sensors, as well as business strategy, deal-making, and excellent client service. Please email resumes with cover letters to: careers@microtechventures.com