Bosch beefs up MEMS biz with Akustica acquisition

Robert Bosch North America will acquire Akustica Inc., an innovator in the application of CMOS MEMS technology in the CE market. Terms of the agreement will not be disclosed.

Akustica, founded in 2001, develops and sells digital and analog microphones featuring CMOS MEMS technology. This innovative technology allows the integration of transducer elements and associated ICs on a single silicon chip.

“The strategic acquisition of Akustica with their outstanding application of sophisticated MEMS technology complements our growing semiconductor business and ideally complements our ongoing MEMS activities” said Stefan Kampmann, executive VP of Bosch automotive electronics.

To date Akustica, which developed and sold the first digital MEMS microphone, has sold over 5 million microphones in the global market. All of the company’s 36 associates will be employed by Bosch.

According to Joseph Jacobson, president and CEO of Akustica, “We are excited to join the market leader in MEMS sensors and be a part of Bosch’s expansion in commercialization of consumer MEMS products. The strength of our combined technology, manufacturing capability, and talent will allow us to continue delivering innovative and differentiating sensor product solutions.”