<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF EMCORE CORPORATION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1998
<CASH>                                           4,518
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    8,549
<ALLOWANCES>                                      (611)
<INVENTORY>                                     12,445
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                25,109
<PP&E>                                          52,136
<DEPRECIATION>                                 (15,926)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  66,158
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           27,126
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        87,443
<OTHER-SE>                                           0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    66,158
<SALES>                                         43,760
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                43,760
<CGS>                                           24,675
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   24,675
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                60,794
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 973
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (43,481)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (43,481)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (43,481)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (4.95)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (4.95)