Establishing the Future of Microelectronics at the SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing Conference

Last week, the SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing Conference brought together a diverse array of professionals from government, military, industry, and academia in National Harbor, Maryland. Over 280 companies exhibited at the event, 13 of which were NSTXL members. 

Among the booths and insightful sessions, one program stood out—the Microelectronics Commons program. At the heart of this event, the S²MARTS team hosted discussions led by distinguished speakers, Dr. Erin Gawron-Hyla, Dr. Tim Morgan, and Dr. 

Michael Fanto, who shared their invaluable knowledge on the future of this groundbreaking program. 

Dr. Erin Gawron-Hyla, Ph.D., Workforce Development CTEA Lead at the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Research and Engineering, brought her expertise in workforce development. In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, nurturing talent is paramount. Dr. Gawron-Hyla’s insights shed light on the strategies needed to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation in microelectronics—an area crucial for national security and technological advancement.

Dr. Tim Morgan, Microelectronics Commons Technical Director at NSWC Crane, brought a wealth of experience to the table. His discussion delved into the technical intricacies of microelectronics and its applications across various domains. From enhancing sensor capabilities to advancing communication systems, Dr. Morgan provided a glimpse into the transformative potential of microelectronics in shaping the future of defense and commercial sensing.

Finally, Dr. Michael Fanto, Ph.D., Microelectronics Commons Technical Execution Area (CTEA) Lead for Quantum at the USAF/Air Force Research Laboratory., led a discussion on quantum computing that underscored the program’s commitment to cutting-edge technologies. As quantum computing continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, its integration into the Microelectronics Commons program becomes more important than ever.

Beyond the individual insights shared by these esteemed speakers, the event served as a platform for networking and collaboration. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, researchers, and government officials—all united by a common goal: advancing the frontier of microelectronics.

Looking ahead, the future of the Microelectronics Commons program appears promising. With a strong emphasis on workforce development, technical expertise, and cutting-edge research, the program is poised to drive innovation and foster collaboration across sectors. As emerging technologies like quantum computing continue to reshape the landscape, initiatives like the Microelectronics Commons will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of defense and commercial sensing.

To stay updated on the latest developments and opportunities within the Microelectronics Commons program, join our mailing list here. To learn more about the program, click here.

All in all, the SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing Conference provided a platform for thought leaders to converge, share insights, and chart the course for the future of microelectronics. As we reflect on the discussions and connections forged at this event, one thing is clear—the journey towards technological advancement is a collective endeavor, and the Microelectronics Commons program stands at the forefront of this journey.

About S²MARTS

The Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S²MARTS), managed by NSTXL, is the premier rapid OT contracting vehicle for the Department of Defense (DoD) in trusted microelectronics, strategic & spectrum mission, and other critical mission areas. The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division created S²MARTS to grow and engage an elite network of innovators, shorten the path to defense prototype development, and advance national security efforts.

About NSTXL

NSTXL is focused on building a network of innovators and creators across the most sought-after emerging technology fields. As an open-source platform, our approach was designed to encourage network growth and collaboration without stifling change. We support our network by providing commercial-term contracting, open-source technology discovery, modern-day marketing outreach, a strongly interconnected network for easy teaming and cybersecurity compliance support.