NextFlex News – July 2026

Dear NextFlex colleagues and supporters:

Yesterday, we were very honored to host a microelectronics industry-focused session on the Defense Patent Holiday initiative and learn how no-fee Commercial Evaluation Licenses can help companies assess, validate, and commercialize select technologies from defense laboratories.

Government representatives, including The Honorable Dr. Joseph Jewell, gave insightful talks on how to take advantage of the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)) Defense Patent Holiday, a new pilot program designed to accelerate the commercialization of breakthrough defense technologies from the lab to the warfighter. Learn more about the patents here: https://info.techlinkcenter.org/defense-patent-holiday. This first-of-its-kind initiative offers qualified companies no-fee Commercial Evaluation Licenses (CELs) for a limited time, providing industry partners unprecedented access to government intellectual property. CELs give companies the unique opportunity to assess the defense patent, market, and consider the commercial potential of defense R&D.

Engaged participants from both the virtual and in-person audiences were given the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers and panelists who covered a wide variety of topics, from available patents to opportunities for help and guidance navigating the patent process.

The morning featured a manufacturing panel that brought together leaders from Jabil, NEOTech, SMTC, and Absolute EMS to discuss the realities of transitioning innovative technologies from concept to scalable production. Moderated by Stan Farnsworth of NextFlex, the discussion highlighted the importance of engaging manufacturing partners early in the product development process. Panelists emphasized that early collaboration among engineering, manufacturing, materials, equipment, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) experts helps reduce risk, improve product quality, and create greater long-term value. A clearly defined statement of work and alignment on project goals, whether advancing a prototype or preparing for commercialization, were identified as essential to a successful engagement.

The panel also stressed the need for realistic expectations when bringing new technologies to market. Manufacturers encouraged companies to adopt a manufacturing readiness mindset, recognizing that product commercialization rarely follows an idealized growth curve. Success depends on balancing speed with disciplined manufacturing processes while ensuring there is sustained market demand. Long-term product roadmaps and stable economic signals were cited as critical factors for making manufacturing investments with confidence.

Audience questions expanded the conversation to supply chain resilience, workforce development, and global sourcing. Panelists agreed that supply chain considerations must be integrated into product design from the outset, with proactive planning for materials availability and lifecycle risks. They noted that sourcing components remains a significant challenge for U.S. manufacturers, particularly as organizations seek to strengthen domestic production under Buy American initiatives. Workforce development was identified as another long-term priority, with manufacturers partnering with universities to build talent pipelines ranging from skilled technicians to Ph.D.-level researchers. Finally, while domestic manufacturing remains the preferred approach, panelists acknowledged that global partnerships may sometimes be necessary when critical components are unavailable or cost considerations require alternative sourcing strategies.

Overall, the discussion reinforced that successful manufacturing transitions require early collaboration, realistic planning, resilient supply chains, sustained market demand, and continued investment in the future workforce.

I enjoyed seeing our government representatives as well as meeting our guests who may be new to NextFlex. I look forward to seeing even more of you at an upcoming event.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dan Gamota
NextFlex Executive Director