May 12, 2004 — Akustica Inc., a Pittsburgh-based developer of MEMS-based microphones, has secured more than $1 million from Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development, according to a news release.

The package includes $500,000 from the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund, $333,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits, $100,000 in Customized Job Training and a $100,000 Opportunity Grant. The company will use the money expand operations and boost development of its acoustic system-on-chip products for such markets as mobile phones and hearing aids, as well as other consumer electronic devices, the release said.

Akustica closed on an $8 million second round of private funding in January. Investors included Rangos Investments, Chamberlain Investments and Mobius Venture Capital.