NextFlex partners with Auburn Engineering for new regional hybrid electronics node
Published: Oct 29, 2025 4:00 PM
By Jeremy Henderson
The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering will soon be an even more welcoming environment for research into harsh-environment electronics.
Auburn University, in partnership with NextFlex and the state of Alabama, is leading a new statewide hub that will accelerate research and industry adoption of advanced packaging for electronics in harsh environments to strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.
The Alabama Node, established by NextFlex — a public-private consortium focused on advancing and commercializing flexible hybrid electronics — will serve as a regional center for innovation, technology transition and workforce development in next-generation electronics manufacturing. It will provide Alabama companies of all sizes with access to facilities, equipment and infrastructure to fast-track the adoption of hybrid electronics design, development and manufacturing. The Alabama Node will also expand NextFlex’s advanced manufacturing education and workforce programs, such as FlexFactor and FlexFactor Pro, while supporting the national mission to drive technology innovation, strengthen the U.S. manufacturing workforce and promote competitive advanced manufacturing.
The latest chapter in Auburn’s 25-year legacy of leadership in electronics packaging research was announced last week during the NextFlex Workshop on Automotive and Aerospace Flexible Hybrid Electronics, hosted at the Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus in Huntsville. A number of federal and state delegates joined the event both in person and via video to highlight the importance of electronics manufacturing to Alabama and the nation. Delegates included U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, state Sen. Sam Givhan, state Rep. Rex Reynolds and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.
“The establishment of the NextFlex Alabama Node at Auburn University represents a major milestone in our long-standing commitment to advancing electronics manufacturing and innovation,” said Steve Taylor, senior vice president for research and economic development. “This collaboration will enable companies of all sizes in Alabama to participate in the resurgence of U.S. electronics manufacturing through additively manufactured electronics.”
Pradeep Lall, the MacFarlane Distinguished Professor and Alumni Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and director of Auburn’s Electronics Packaging Research Institute, will lead the new Alabama Node of NextFlex.
“Hybrid electronics are transforming industries like automotive and aerospace, enabling lighter, more efficient and more reliable systems,” said Lall, a leading voice in electronics manufacturing and reliability. “Through the Alabama Node, Auburn will drive the next generation of innovations that make those technologies possible while training the workforce that will sustain U.S. manufacturing leadership for decades to come.”
NextFlex Executive Director Dan Gamota highlighted Auburn’s role in expanding NextFlex’s national network; Auburn is a tier-one founding member of NextFlex.
“By partnering with Auburn University and the state of Alabama, we’re extending the reach of hybrid electronics manufacturing collaboration and workforce development across the southeastern United States,” Gamota said. “Together, we’re strengthening the nation’s capacity to design, build and deploy cutting-edge electronics for automotive, aerospace and defense applications.”
(L-R) Tommy Battle, mayor of Huntsville; Rex Reynolds, Alabama state representative; Scott Miller, NextFlex director of technology; Mario Eden, dean of engineering; Pradeep Lall, director of the Electronics Packaging Research Institute and the MacFarlane Distinguished Professor and Alumni Professor; Dan Gamota, NextFlex executive director; Sam Givhan, Alabama state senator; and Steve Taylor, senior vice president for research and economic development.
