U of A Power Group Appoints Director of Business Development

Matthew Leftwich has been named the inaugural director of business development for the U of A Power Group (UAPG). He will work directly with the UAPG's three facilities: the recently opened National Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Laboratory (MUSiC), the National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission (NCREPT) and the High Density Electronics Center (HiDEC).

"We are excited to welcome Matt Leftwich to the University of Arkansas Power Group and the MUSiC facility," said Alan Mantooth, Distinguished Professor of electrical engineering and executive director of the U of A Power Group. "Matt brings a unique blend of technical insight and business leadership that will be critical to our success. His role will help strengthen industry engagement, accelerate technology transition and advance the University of Arkansas's leadership in silicon carbide research and manufacturing."

As the new director of business development, Leftwich brings a broad range of technical, executive management and leadership skills to the UAPG and UATDF teams. As a serial entrepreneur who has worked with and/or founded a handful of high-tech startup companies, his aptitudes range from technology and product conceptualization and innovation to project and contracts management and execution, including significant experience with technology transition to industry.

He holds degrees in chemical engineering (B.S.), engineering sciences-chemical engineering (M.S.), materials science and engineering-MSEN/MicroEP (Ph.D.) and an M.B.A. with an emphasis in business strategy and commercialization. On the technical side, Leftwich has expertise in all facets of thin-film microelectronics design, production and packaging, optoelectronics design, production and packaging, including a wide range of standardized testing per Department of Defense and NASA standards, especially for harsh-environment applications.

"The UATDF looks forward to partnering with UAPG to help develop and expand the reach of these significant facilities," said Stan Green, president of the U of A Technology Development Foundation. "Matt has been an important part of the Arkansas Research and Technology Park community for many years and has an impressive track record of success. His engagement will be vital to accelerating the growth of the UAPG facilities: MUSiC, HiDEC and NCREPT."

About the Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Facility: The Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Facility at the University of Arkansas is a 10,800-square-foot low-volume production and teaching facility that fills a void in U.S. production of integrated circuits made with silicon carbide, a powerful semiconductor well-suited for higher temperature environments. It will provide domestic opportunities for prototyping, proof-of-principle demonstrations and device design. MUSiC will be the only openly accessible fabrication facility of its kind in the U.S., meaning its facilities and services will be available to external researchers.

About UATDF: The University of Arkansas Technology Development Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization formed to grow and manage the Arkansas Research and Technology Park. Its mission is to stimulate a knowledge-based economy in the state of Arkansas through partnerships that lead to new opportunities for learning and discovery, that build and retain a knowledge-based workforce, and that spawn the development of new technologies that enrich the economic base of Arkansas. In collaboration with public and private business development entities, the Foundation will support the University's efforts to foster a technology-based economy in Arkansas. Specifically, the Foundation will validate, develop and transfer inventions made at the University to Arkansas companies and start-up ventures.

About the UA Power Group: The University of Arkansas Power Group (UAPG) represents one of the nation's most comprehensive academic programs in advanced power electronics, integrating three national centers of excellence — GRAPES, POETS and CITES — and more than $150 million in core research facilities. With 24 faculty across five departments and $31 million in annual research expenditures, the Power Group leads nationally in energy systems, electrified transportation and high-power electronics innovation. Its vertical integration from materials to systems, extensive industry partnerships and award-winning research have earned the U of A recognition as a national leader in power and energy technology innovation. For more information: UA Power Group.