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NextFlex Celebrates Outstanding Contributions to Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing

In a recent ceremony held in San Jose, California, NextFlex®, the esteemed hybrid electronics manufacturing institute, recognized four exceptional individuals with the 2025 NextFlex Fellow Awards. This annual celebration highlights the individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the field and exemplified leadership within the community dedicated to advanced manufacturing and hybrid electronics.

The award recipients demonstrated exemplary commitment to their work and the broader mission of NextFlex, which seeks to advance the U.S. manufacturing capabilities of flexible and additive hybrid electronics. The awardees included:

• - Dr. David Estrada, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Boise State University
• - Paul Gaylo, Supplier Quality Engineer at Lockheed Martin
• - Tom Rovere, Associate Fellow at Lockheed Martin
• - Dr. Charles Ormsby, Director at the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

Dr. Dan Gamota, Executive Director of NextFlex, expressed gratitude towards the recipients, stating, "We are deeply grateful for the dedication and expertise of our member volunteers. Their contributions have been crucial in advancing NextFlex's mission and fostering innovation."

The recognition of these individuals not only applauds their efforts but also emphasizes the importance of collaboration within the NextFlex member community. Each Fellow has played a critical role in providing technical guidance on forward-thinking roadmaps, engaging in successful hybrid electronics development projects, and promoting the value of STEM education for future workforces. They have also represented NextFlex in various engagements with Department of Defense, industry partners, and academic platforms.

As NextFlex commemorates its accomplishments over the past decade, it is encouraging to witness the incoming class of Fellows continue the tradition of excellence. Dr. Gamota highlighted, "It's exciting to see these new Fellows join the ranks of those recognized over the past 10 years, whose vision and perseverance have guided us to where we are today."

About NextFlex

NextFlex operates as a vital consortium uniting companies, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and governmental entities dedicated to enhancing the manufacturing landscape of flexible and additive hybrid electronics in the United States. Established in 2015, the consortium has brought together a diverse group of thought leaders and innovators. Together, they aim to close the manufacturing workforce gap and champion sustainable manufacturing practices throughout the industry.

For more details about NextFlex's initiatives and contributions to the field, interested individuals can visit NextFlex's official website and follow NextFlex on LinkedIn.

Understanding Hybrid Electronics

Hybrid electronics integrate traditional silicon integrated circuits (ICs) with innovative low-cost additive printing processes and new materials. This combination enables the creation of lightweight, efficient smart products that can be flexible, conformable, and even stretchable, showcasing various applications in consumer, commercial, and military sectors.

NextFlex's work not only heralds technological advancement but also enhances the product lifecycle, promoting rapid market introduction while addressing sustainability. This collaborative effort exemplifies what the hybrid electronics industry can achieve through combined expertise and a shared goal to innovate.

The success of NextFlex is rooted in the dedication of its award-winning members and the collective vision of the community it fosters. By acknowledging the achievements of inspiring leaders, NextFlex continues to pave the way for future advancements in hybrid electronics manufacturing.