Alabama Node of NextFlex

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 during the NextFlex Workshop on Automotive and Aerospace Flexible Hybrid Electronics, hosted at the Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus in Huntsville.

“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.”