Bel Haba, a prolific inventor with over 600 US patents, recently sat down to discuss his remarkable career and the importance of mentorship in the semiconductor industry. Here are some key insights from our conversation:

Q: How did your journey in semiconductor innovation begin?

A: After completing my studies at Stanford, I joined IBM's Yorktown Heights research center. It was there that I was surrounded by famous, accomplished people in small offices next to me. Their humility and achievements inspired me to pursue a similar path of innovation.

Q: What was your first major breakthrough?

A: My first significant contribution was developing a method for machining slider heads for computers using pure water, eliminating the need for toxic materials. This work led to my first patent and opened doors to new opportunities.

Q: How important has mentorship been in your career?

A: Mentorship has been crucial. In the early years of my career, I made a point of "tagging along" with highly skilled individuals. I was continually impressed by how they thought outside the box and questioned everything. These experiences shaped my approach to problem-solving and innovation.

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting their career in semiconductor engineering?

A: Look for a successful team and try to join them. Tag along with successful people - you'll learn not just technical skills, but also the art of innovation. Don't assume you know everything; be open to learning from those around you.

Q: How do you approach problem-solving in your field?

A: First, examine whether the problem can be solved with existing technologies. If it can, it probably will be. As a researcher, you should look beyond that - how can you solve it in a completely different way? Then, consider how your solution fits into the existing infrastructure. A great idea that requires a complete overhaul of current systems may struggle to be adopted.

Q: What are some key considerations when developing new technologies?

A: Always ensure your solution doesn't break the laws of physics - you could waste years otherwise. Also, consider cost. A solution that's 80-90% as good but costs half as much will often win in the market. Your solution needs to be competitive, with a worthy performance-to-cost ratio.

Q: How has your experience in both large corporations and startups influenced your approach?

A: In large corporations, you often work on a small piece of a bigger puzzle. In startups, you see the whole picture and understand how critical each component is. This global perspective is invaluable - it helps you see what's missing and what needs to be done.

Q: What excites you about the future of semiconductor technology?

A: I'm particularly interested in solving thermal and power delivery challenges, as well as the potential for virtual displays and micro-LEDs. These areas present trillion-dollar questions that could revolutionize how we interact with technology.

Q: Any final words of wisdom for aspiring innovators?

A: Stay curious, don't be afraid of being questioned, and always be ready to say "I don't know, but I'll look into it." Innovation is about constant learning and pushing boundaries. And remember, it's not just about having great ideas - it's about making them work in the real world.

‍