On the leading edge: ForwardEdge ASIC advances trusted U.S. microelectronics design

DoD microelectronics leader briefs company on national security priorities and supply chain risks
August 11, 2025 – With growing urgency to secure domestic semiconductor capabilities, ForwardEdge ASIC continues to stand out as a company that’s helping shape the future of U.S. microelectronics. The company’s design of high-performance application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and systems-on-a-chip (SoCs) recently caught the attention of Brett Hamilton, a recognized expert in trusted microelectronics and national security.
Hamilton is former Deputy Principal Director for Microelectronics at the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OSD(R&E)). In a private briefing, he shared extensive insights garnered from years of dedicated service in high-level Department of Defense (DoD) roles, and the critical role companies like ForwardEdge ASIC must play in responding to them.
His visit signals more than a knowledge exchange. It’s a recognition that ForwardEdge is operating at the intersection of national security and semiconductor innovation, and that its contributions are gaining the attention of those shaping federal policy and priorities.
Supply chain risk is a strategic threat
During the session, Hamilton outlined the risks facing the global microelectronics ecosystem, including a dependence on foreign manufacturing, rising geopolitical tension, supply chain opacity, and the increasing threat of counterfeit or compromised components.
“Securing our microelectronics supply chain is not merely a technical challenge; it is a strategic imperative that directly impacts our national security and economic competitiveness,” said Hamilton. “Companies like ForwardEdge ASIC are at the forefront of developing critical technologies, and it is paramount that their teams are equipped with the deepest understanding of the risks and mitigation strategies involved.”
He emphasized the need for resilient domestic capability across the entire ASIC and SoC development lifecycle. Hamilton also spoke to the importance of continued collaboration between government, industry and academia to strengthen the trusted semiconductor base in the U.S.
ForwardEdge ASIC: Building capability where it matters most
ForwardEdge ASIC is part of a small but growing group of companies focused on re-establishing trusted, U.S.-based microelectronics leadership. The company designs and develops advanced ASIC and SoC devices for defense, aerospace and other high-reliability sectors where performance, security and traceability are paramount.
Hamilton’s visit reinforces what ForwardEdge’s customers, partners and leadership already understand: the company is not only delivering on technical innovation but helping shape how the U.S. addresses its most pressing semiconductor vulnerabilities.
“Mr. Hamilton’s briefing was incredibly timely and relevant,” said Frank Ferrante, CEO, ForwardEdge ASIC. “His deep expertise in this area is a tremendous asset, and his guidance will undoubtedly strengthen our strategies for ensuring the integrity and resilience of our ASIC development and deployment.”
A clear signal of national interest
This engagement is one of several ways ForwardEdge ASIC continues to participate in the broader conversation around microelectronics strategy and supply chain integrity. From technology development to policy alignment, the company is taking deliberate steps to ensure it remains a trusted contributor to the domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
About Brett Hamilton
Brett Hamilton is a nationally recognized leader in secure microelectronics and supply chain risk mitigation. He previously served as Deputy Principal Director for Microelectronics at OSD(R&E), where he played a key role in shaping Department of Defense strategy for trusted microelectronics access, development, and procurement.
About ForwardEdge ASIC
Forward Edge ASIC is a U.S.-based developer of high-performance application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and system-on-chip (SoC) devices. The company provides trusted microelectronics solutions for mission-critical applications in defense, aerospace and other high-reliability industries.