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The evolution of microchips seemed to have reached its limits, as far as their size is concerned. Nevertheless, it is crucial that these small components become even smaller and more powerful so that many devices including smartphones can be developed even further. The Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology ISIT in Itzehoe and IMS Nanofabrication GmbH have now succeeded in pushing the existing boundaries when it comes to MEMS processing of a microsystem switching element which is at the core of an electron beam mask writer a crucial piece of equipment in the production of the latest generation of microchips. Their efforts have earned them the 2021 Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize.
Startup Funding: March 2021
Self-driving vehicles revved up investors in March, with two companies receiving over $200M apiece as they prepare for their systems to enter mass production. One focuses on software for passenger vehicles, while the other is looking to autonomous trucks. Both of the companies received investment from automakers, with China’s largest carmaker SAIC joining each of the funding rounds. It was also a good month for startups making chips for AI acceleration, with four companies from seed to Series D stages raising funds. Plus, two companies are looking to shake up the memory and storage space with some unique solutions. This month, we take a look at 24 startups that collectively raised over $1.3B.
Printed Miniature Loudspeaker With A Future Perspective
It has six corners and is about the size of a 1-cent piece: In an additive manufacturing process, miniature loudspeakers as part of piezoelectric, microelectromechanical systems - so-called piezo-MEMS - can be efficiently and cost-effectively manufactured using a combination of inkjet printing and laser technology. This is proven by scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, the Institute for Materials in Electrical Engineering 2 (IWE2) at RWTH Aachen University and the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology ISIT. A corresponding demo component was created as part of the recently completed BMBF joint project »Generative production of efficient piezo-MEMS for micro-actuators (GENERATOR).