Entrepreneur, microelectronics innovator, STEM advocate
Madhu Stemmermann is a manufacturing pioneer and passionate STEM advocate. Early in her career, she became the youngest as well as the first woman to be a plant manager for Philips Lighting, one of the world’s leading lighting brands.
“I didn’t realize what I was achieving at the time; I was just driven to achieve,” she says. “There’s a quote by Marian Wright Edelman that resonates with me: ‘I never thought I was breaking a glass ceiling. I just had to do what I had to do, and it never occurred to me not to.’”
After accumulating more than 20 years of corporate leadership experience in a variety of roles at both small and large manufacturing companies, Madhu was ready to start her own company. She is co-founder and CEO of SunRay Scientific, which offers custom-engineered solutions for advanced electronic packaging. Packaging is a term for incorporating all of the necessary microcomponents that work with a semiconductor chip into a single piece of equipment.
SunRay Scientific is a member of NextFlex, which champions flexible hybrid electronics. Hybrid electronics combine electronic components like chips and sensors with flexible materials, such as thin films or fabrics. This allows for the creation of devices that are lightweight, durable, and can be bent, folded, or stretched without breaking.
SunRay Scientific makes glues and inks that can carry electrical signals, which allows companies to make electronic devices with fewer or no wires. The electronics can be smaller, faster, and easier to manufacture. The company’s key focus is making sustainable electronic components with environmentally clean chemistry. Their glues, inks, and epoxies minimize waste, eliminate the use of lead, and reduce carbon footprints in electronics manufacturing.
NextFlex has recognized Madhu as a Fellow for her leadership and engagement with the institute. Her passion for technology and supporting women in STEM and other workforce development initiatives make her the embodiment of a Modern Maker.
Q&A with Madhu
How did you find your way to working in advanced manufacturing?
I’m a chemical engineer by training. My first job after graduating from Purdue University was as a Production Engineer with Amoco (now British Petroleum). Since then, I’ve enjoyed the challenge of problem-solving on a huge scale. I had the benefit of good mentors, who encouraged my professional growth and development. At General Electric and Philips Electronics, I learned the principles of operations management and reached a Master Black Belt in Six Sigma methodology. I feel that the manufacturing industry is one of the best places to practice general management and problem-solving.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
It is dealing with the many ups and downs of an early-stage company. On the one hand, I love the challenges of dealing with unknowns; on the other hand, it can be tough dealing with extreme highs and lows. The emotional roller coaster is real, so it is important to manage this well. My advice is: Celebrate each and every win and learn from each and every failure.
What is the best part of your job?
Seeing the impact on our customers’ business performance and then the impact on their customers’ experiences. Our conductive materials are enabling product innovation, particularly in medical devices that have the potential to improve health outcomes.
What would people be surprised to learn about manufacturing or your role in it?
I’m fortunate to have had parents who believed in education and achievement, instilling in me a strong work ethic. I succeeded because I had supporters, both women and men. I want to do the same for others, to encourage their success as well. Today, I’m a big proponent of women in STEM fields, especially engineering and manufacturing areas close to my own background.
I speak to various groups. I’m often invited to speak on panels to promote women in manufacturing. This past year, I participated in events led by Golden Seeds, Nokia, TIE NJ, and NextFlex, highlighting the importance of women in STEM, as well as celebrating International Women’s Day.
What makes you excited to go to work?
The excitement we create with our customers and the amazing results that our team achieves in addressing complex problems. I love seeing our team members when they figure out solutions that no others have figured out.
What activity gives you the most energy?
Meeting with people of differing backgrounds, experiences, and cultures – learning from them and sharing my experiences.
How does the work you do impact the world?
I truly believe our company will help change the way electronics are made, thereby improving lives with higher-performing medical devices that are more environmentally friendly and affordable. Our materials are already helping to drive new product innovation in wearable medical devices, consumer products, and semiconductor packaging. We are helping to bring electronics manufacturing back to the United States.
