Voices of the Network: The Power of Collaboration
On this page, we feature a collection of insights and success stories directly from our members—the manufacturers, academic researchers, and state partners who are moving the needle on American innovation. These quotes highlight the unique benefits of the network: from de-risking new technologies to bridging the "valley of death" between research and commercialization.
Continue scrolling to read through institute members' thoughts.
"AFFOA provides essential technical and financial support to specialty textile makers like AMI. Our close collaboration with AFFOA is speeding our product entry into aerospace applications from years to months, while providing assurance that our products will meet rigorous technical requirements." -Kathie Leonard, President & CEO, Auburn Manufacturing Inc.
"By working with CESMII, we are able to leverage not only their expertise but also their relationships with their members, the U.S. Department of Energy, and additional industry contacts to promote smart manufacturing as a critical enabler for advancing and improving U.S. automotive manufacturing processes." -Dr. Steven Przesmitzki, Executive Director, USCAR
"EPIXC advanced heating projects provide a physical or digital test bed to connect all the existing technical solutions to show they can work as a system. We hope to close the critical knowledge gaps and help industrial investments for deployment of these cost-effective heating solutions at scale for advanced manufacturing needs." -Sridhar Seetharaman, (former) CEO, EPIXC
"AIM Photonics has had a big impact on the U.S. photonics infrastructure. It’s critical to have a high-quality, high-volume CMOS capability." - John Bowers, Director of the Institute for Energy Efficiency and Professor of Electrical and Computing Engineering and Materials at the University of California, Santa Barbara
“For small manufacturers, we have tight resources. We don't have the type of funds or the people to continue to go out and learn new things all the time. And so, I am very inspired by our conversations and projects with MxD and really encourage other small manufacturers to look toward MxD and other resources outside so you can grow much faster.” - Dr. Asad Khan, CEO, Kent Displays
“We wouldn’t be doing hybrid electronics or U.S.-based manufacturing if it weren’t for NextFlex. Their expertise, project funding, and ability to develop low-cost prototypes have been critical to our mission and the development of life-saving solutions. They’ve helped us network with numerous partners to advance our projects and product ideas.” – Zach Kiehl, CEO, Vigilife
“Operation Next is an outstanding program and opportunity for not just active-duty service members, but veterans, their families, and civilians who are looking to begin a new career in advanced manufacturing. We are happy to once again be working with LIFT to support our students and our region’s manufacturing base.” - Carolyn McMorran, Assistant Vice President, Valencia College (Florida)
“IACMI has really found the secret sauce to connect people and create workforces, partnerships and ventures between its members to promote composites use, increase sustainability, and solve the issues we have today. For us as a small company, it’s a great place to become part of the industry workforce and new materials developments.” - Caio Lo Sardo, Executive Vice President, MITO Material Solutions