Microelectronics are the foundation of technology today, but what about tomorrow? Ten years from now? Twenty?

Real breakthroughs don’t come from simply refining what already exists—they come from reimagining what’s possible. In this episode, Dr. Whitney Mason, Director of DARPA’s Microsystems Technology Office (MTO), takes us inside the research that is pushing microelectronics beyond conventional thinking. She explores the potential of organic circuits to revolutionize computing, not by replacing existing technology, but by opening entirely new frontiers in electronics design. From assessing the potential of quantum computing to novel material innovations that could redefine performance and efficiency, MTO is driving advancements that go far beyond conventional chipmaking.

Dr. Mason also shares her perspective on how DARPA’s risk-taking culture enables groundbreaking discoveries, and why the speed of innovation is critical to maintaining U.S. technological advantage. She discusses MTO’s focus on next-generation manufacturing approaches that integrate best-of-breed materials to achieve disruptive performance leaps. By moving beyond traditional microelectronics and embracing unconventional ideas, MTO is working to create the future of technology—one where microelectronics aren’t just smaller and faster, but smarter, more resilient, and capable of things we have yet to fully envision.

Show notes and links:

Dr. Whitney Mason

Microsystems Technology Office

Voices from DARPA Episode 42: The Infrared Visionary

Voices from DARPA Episode 72: The Quantum Mechanic

QBI: Quantum Benchmarking Initiative

AMME: Additive Manufacturing of MicrosystEms

NGMM: Next-Generation Microelectronics Manufacturing

Episode 85 posting date: January 31, 2025