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Strategies in Light 2010 illuminates the start of a new era for LED market growth (MAGAZINE)

April 26, 2010

In its eleventh year, the Strategies in Light 2010 conference and expo was full of optimism for strong market growth in the years ahead. TIM WHITAKER and MAURY WRIGHT report.

After a turbulent year of sharp decline and recovery, resulting in a net revenue increase of 5% in 2009, the high-brightness LED market is now entering a new era of growth. Driven by demand from LCD backlighting and LED lighting applications, the LED market can expect to see more than 50% growth in 2010. This positive news was presented to attendees of the Strategies in Light 2010 conference and exhibition during the customary opening presentation by Bob Steele of Strategies Unlimited. However, after eleven years of presenting the Keynote Address and market forecast at SIL, and many more years tracking and reporting on the LED market, Steele has now announced his retirement. The article on page 23 of this issue describes Steele’s view of the LED market and industry supply issues.

This year’s SIL, the eleventh in an annual series, was held in Santa Clara, California, and featured two parallel conference tracks; the HBLED Market track and, for the second year, the LEDs in Lighting track. The Lighting track was opened with a review of solid-state lighting market trends by Vrinda Bhandarkar of Strategies Unlimited (see page 9). New this year was an SSL Investors Forum, during which twelve companies presented themselves and their technologies to a room full of venture capitalists and other potential investors. Four half-day workshops and two half-day tutorials completed the packed agenda, while 90 exhibitors and nearly 3000 registrants ensured a packed show floor. Another important part of the event was the announcement of the results of the Next Generation Luminaires competition, described on page 34.

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This article was published in the April 2010 issue of LEDs Magazine. To read the full version of this article, please visit our magazine page, where you can download FREE electronic PDF versions of all issues of LEDs Magazine. You can also request a print copy of LEDs Magazine (available by paid subscription) and sign up for our free weekly email newsletter.