2002 Winner: Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology (Sales less than 25 million)
Bridging The Nano World With The Real World
Sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference. Since 1988, Micralyne Inc. has been specializing in microtechnology, which has been having a big impact not only within Alberta’s industry, but also throughout the world.
Big Impact of Small Technology
Micralyne specializes in microsystems, nanotechnologies and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). The technology allows significant cost and functionality improvements in tiny electronic and moving components and is being used in industries including telecommunications, biosystems, aerospace and automotive electronics/sensors. The company is a developer and manufacturer of MEMS products that act as a bridge from the “nano” world to the real world. These devices are used to drive all-optical communication networks. They also appear in DNA analyzers, emission sensors in Ford cars, and electronics applications in U.S. fighter jets. As well, these devices are part of the technology used to print many high-gloss magazines.
The fast-growing and profitable business operation has very strong ties to the Alberta science, academic and technology communities, and is a major employer of university engineering graduates, as well as a sponsor (to the amount of more than $500,000 annually) of research activities at the Universities of Alberta and Calgary. In fact, the University of Alberta originally founded the Edmonton-based firm in 1992 as a not-for-profit institute. In 1998, it became a privately held company.
The Successful Business
It employs more than 85 people, with revenues of about $10 million. The 40,000-square-foot manufacturing facility is located in the Edmonton Research Park. Micralyne has generated 25 per cent compounded annual growth since its inception as a private entity. Members of Micralyne’s executive team are involved in business, research and public service organizations, including director roles in the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, the Alberta Economic Development Authority, the Canadian Microelectronics Corporation and the Canadian Institute of Photonic Innovations. Micralyne has demonstrated its success as a business leader in Alberta’s science and technology community. It has built a growing and profitable company and has a client base that spans the globe.
