2025 PRECON Speaker Biographies
Hylke Akkerman, Ph.D., Holst Center/TNO (Netherlands)
Hylke Akkerman received a PhD degree in 2008 on the topic of molecular electronics from the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. After his PhD, Hylke was a postdoctoral research fellow for 2 years at Stanford University, California, on organic thin film morphology and crystal growth for organic thin-film transistors. In 2011, Hylke joined Holst Centre as a senior scientist on the topic of thin film encapsulation and ultra-barriers for applications in OLED displays and lighting. In 2017, he became program manager for thin-film imagers and photonic sensor arrays at Holst Centre, focusing on medical X-ray imaging systems, in-display optical fingerprint sensors for mobile devices, and wearable sensor arrays. At the start of 202,3 Hylke became program manager of the 3D printed electronics program for applications in 3D (structural) microelectronics, medical instrumentation, and advanced chip packaging
Roger Grace, Roger Grace Associates
Roger H. Grace is president of Roger Grace Associates (Bonita Springs, Florida), which he founded in 1982. As an industry analyst and marketing consultant, he serves the sensor, MEMS, IC, and capital equipment markets by providing clients with custom market research and integrated marketing communications services. His educational background includes B.S.E.E. and M.S.E.E. (as a Raytheon Company Fellow) degrees from Northeastern University, where he was awarded the “Engineering Alumni of the Year” Award in 2004, and the MBA program at the University of California, Berkeley. He has authored and published over 80 technical papers and has made over 100 presentations worldwide on technology commercialization. In 2016, Mr. Grace was bestowed the inaugural “Sensor Industry Impact Award” by Sensors Expo. He was a visiting lecturer at the University of California at Berkeley College of Engineering from 1990 to 2003. www.rgrace.com
Rob Podoloff, Tekscan
Rob Podoloff has spent the last 30 years developing new products and technologies ranging from healthcare to interactive gaming to consumer electronics. Rob is a listed inventor on over 20 US Patents and is currently the CTO of Tekscan, Inc., the tactile sensor company he co-founded after completing his Master’s degree at MIT. Rob returned to Tekscan in October of 2015 after a twenty-year absence during which he was involved in the initial funding, startup, and eventual liquidation of several other technology companies. These include game controller and software company Slingshot Game Technology, Inc., and Bluetooth controller companies Zeemote, Inc. (sold to Aplix, Inc. of Japan) and ID-8 Mobile, Inc. (sold to AAC, Inc. of China). Rob also spends time at MIT, where he serves as a Lab Instructor for senior capstone product design class 2.009 and the iconic robot competition class, 2.007. When not working or at MIT, Rob likes to spend time with his family and playing (tennis, softball, skiing).
Janos Veres, Ph.D., NextFlex
Janos Veres is Director of Hybrid Electronics Strategy at NextFlex, the US Institute of Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Innovation. He is a seasoned technologist with over 30 years’ experience in printed, flexible, and hybrid electronics and related fields, successfully driving multimillion-dollar revenue programs with major electronics, automotive, chemical, and consumer product companies. Janos has held R&D, manufacturing, and management positions at PARC, PolyPhotonix, Kodak, Merck, Avecia, Zeneca, and Gestetner, where he developed printed circuits, electronic materials, OLEDs, displays, medical devices, as well as novel process technologies. He brings experience of industrial partnerships and joint development projects in the US, Europe, and Asia. Janos holds a Ph.D. in Solid State Electronics from Imperial College, London. He is the author of over 60 patents.
Sreeni Rao, Ph.D., Interlink Electronics
Dr. Sreeni Rao is the General Manager of Gas and Environmental Sensors and VP of Product Management at Interlink Electronics. He has over 25 years of technical and business leadership experience in sensors, semiconductors, and printed circuits with premier technology companies. Before Interlink, he was the Head of Gas and Environmental Sensors for TDK; VP, Marketing and Product Management, for Qualtré, a MEMS motion sensor start-up acquired by Panasonic; and GM, Integrated Linear Products, for Analog Devices. Dr. Rao has been a speaker, panelist, and session chair at many industry conferences. He has also led the Miniaturized Gas Sensing Standards Task Force for SEMI, the global semiconductor industry association. Dr. Rao has a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of California, Irvine, and an Executive MBA from Northeastern University.
Paul Brook, Interlink Electronics
Paul Brook is a business development leader and co-inventor of conductive transfer, an award-winning process revolutionizing smart textiles, and the co-founder of Conductive Transfers Inc., a UK company recently acquired by Interlink Electronics. His expertise spans cutting-edge applications, including muscle stimulation for urinary incontinence treatment and car seat heaters, utilizing Conductive Transfers for enhanced efficiency and performance. Paul’s groundbreaking contributions have earned the process the King’s Enterprise Innovation Award and the MedTech UK National Innovation Award, solidifying his impact on the industry. Passionate about bridging technology and business, he has played a pivotal role in scaling transformative innovations within the MedTech and wearable sectors. With a forward-thinking approach, Paul continues to shape the future of functional textiles, driving advancements with new conductive transfer technologies..