The Hedgehog and the Fab
For many chemical manufacturers, the largest challenge in bringing new molecules to market is no longer chemical discovery; it is the grueling process of material qualification and scaling. Bringing new materials to HVM requires massive investment, but success ultimately depends on how the driving customer team handles risk, supplier collaboration, and stubborn film optimization.
This talk examines these challenges through the philosophical analogy of the nimble Fox vs the relentless Hedgehog. Western engineering is often driven by Fox-like culture, with engineers searching for quick wins and often prematurely shelving projects as stubborn integration issues appear. Meanwhile, premier manufacturing facilities often operate like the Hedgehog, with complete commitment to technological decisions and strong, hard-driving partnerships with suppliers.
Using examples from RASIRC’s Nitride Hub, Adrian will discuss how strong relationships and accountability between customers and suppliers via early-stage process development can help end-users commit to novel materials by sharing initial technology risks with suppliers.
BIOGRAPHY
Adrian Alvarez has been with RASIRC for 14 years, holding roles in engineering, applications, and business development. His experience spans product development, customer support, market development, and strategic planning, giving him perspective on both the technical and commercial aspects of the business.
Adrian earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from San Diego State University and an M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of California, San Diego. His background combines engineering training with practical experience working with customers, partners, and internal teams on technical and business initiatives.
Currently, Adrian focuses on technical roadmapping, expansion of RASIRC products into adjacent markets, and management of industry partnerships. His work involves evaluating new application areas, supporting product planning activities, and coordinating with customers and partners on opportunities related to RASIRC’s technologies. He works across technical and commercial groups to help ensure that product development efforts align with market requirements and business objectives.