NextInput

NextInput, a developer of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) based force-sensing solutions, was established in early 2012 by two Georgia Tech graduates, Ian Campbell and Ryan Diestelhorst, at the Advanced Technology Development Center in Atlanta. Ali Foughi later joined as CEO and is also recognized as a founder. Foughi, an analog system design engineer by training, brought extensive experience from his 18-year tenure at Maxim Integrated and a subsequent role at the MEMS company InvenSense, which equipped him to lead NextInput's growth.

The company specializes in human-machine interface (HMI) solutions, providing a turnkey system that includes MEMS sensors, low-power ASICs, software, and mechanical integration intellectual property. This technology is engineered to replace traditional mechanical buttons and capacitive touch interfaces with force-sensitive surfaces. The core product, ForceTouch, is a 100% silicon-based MEMS technology that can be integrated under various materials such as glass, metal, plastic, or leather, enabling gapless and waterproof designs. This makes the sensors robust, capable of withstanding harsh elements like water and dust, and significantly more durable than mechanical switches, lasting for tens of millions of cycles. The firm's solutions cater to a wide array of markets, including mobile/wearables, automotive, consumer electronics, industrial, medical, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

NextInput's business model revolves around providing these comprehensive sensing solutions to electronics manufacturers, from silicon to software. The company's technology found application in smartphones, true wireless stereo (TWS) headsets, and smart automotive cabins. By December 2020, NextInput announced it had shipped over 30 million units and achieved a 250% revenue growth for the year, marking its first profitable quarter in Q3 2020. The company's journey includes several funding rounds, accumulating a total of $27.9 million, with notable investors like Intel Capital, Sierra Ventures, and UMC Capital. A significant milestone was its acquisition by Qorvo, a leading RF solutions provider, on May 6, 2021, for $173 million. Post-acquisition, NextInput became part of Qorvo's Mobile Products division, with Ali Foughi continuing to lead the business unit. Keywords: MEMS force sensors, human-machine interface, HMI solutions, force-sensitive touch, turnkey sensing solutions, button replacement technology, automotive smart surfaces, waterproof sensors, Qorvo, Ali Foughi, ForceTouch, micro-electromechanical systems, consumer electronics sensors, industrial sensors, medical device sensors, IoT sensors, mobile device sensors, wearable technology, smart cabin, true wireless stereo, ruggedized sensors, gapless design