Menlo Microsystems, Inc. announced that it has won the coveted Start-Up to Watch Award at the 2021 Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA) Awards. The awards are presented annually to recognize the achievements of top performing semiconductor companies in several categories ranging from outstanding leadership to financial accomplishments, as well as overall respect within the industry.

After more than 40 years of industry attempts by much larger companies, Menlo Micro has delivered the “holy grail” in next generation switching technology, impacting billions of electronic devices by making them smaller, more energy efficient and more reliable. Leveraging advances in materials science and MEMS technology, Menlo Micro’s Ideal Switch is the most important electronic component since the invention of the transistor. 

The Ideal Switch can handle kilowatts of power while bringing massive 99 percent reductions in size, weight, power consumption and cost to countless products across dozens of industries. These reductions are fundamental to accelerating the transition to the electrification of everything and modernizing an over $100B market for RF and power switching and protection devices in the 21st century. 

“We are honored to be recognized by the GSA with the 2021 Startup to Watch award.  On the 5-year anniversary of Menlo’s founding, this award is a testament to all the hard work our team has put in to bring the Ideal Switch to commercial viability, and it validates our vision that this technology represents the most important electronic component since the transistor,” said Russ Garcia, CEO of Menlo Micro. “I truly believe Menlo Micro’s Ideal Switch can ignite the next true revolution in the electrification of everything, as we accelerate the transition to the digital world. Thank you to the amazing Menlo team, our investors and our customers, who are helping us to bring that vision to reality.”

This year Menlo Micro has engaged with global technology leaders and delivered a very strong pipeline, while also shipping in volume production its Ideal Switch into leading test & measurement, aerospace & defense, 5G infrastructure and Industrial IoT & power applications. The company has released two initial products into production, with another five products planned for release in the coming quarter, and is the recipient of numerous recognitions and industry awards. 

GSA's Private Awards Committee, is comprised of successful executives, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, chose the winner by identifying the promising startup that has demonstrated the potential to positively change its market or the industry through innovation and market application.