The New Jersey MEMS Initiative-from concept to commercialization

The New Jersey MEMS Initiative is it comprehensive research, development, commercialization and education program initiated through the NJ Commission on Science and Technology. During its first year the Initiative has (1) undertaken the assessment and improvement of NJ MEMS fabrication and characterization capabilities at the university level, helping to strengthen and make more accessible the state's university MEMS research infrastructure; (2) conducted specific, industry-driven pilot projects, moving them along the pathway from concept to commercialization; (3) gone beyond the practice of commercialization to explore the theory of discontinuous innovation exemplified by the emerging MEMS field; and (4) developed an innovative educational program that attempts to couple training in leading-edge technological innovation with methodologies of entrepreneurship. We believe that this marriage of multidisciplinary academic programs with real-world applications may become a new paradigm for mutually beneficial partnerships between industry and academia.