# Electronica 24: Steve Driver on Fresh Talent and Green Tech in the PCB World

- Show: [EMS@C-LEVEL](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level)
- Published: 2024-12-19
- Length: 7m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-12-19-electronica-24-steve-driver-on-fresh-talent-and-green-tech-in-the-pcb-world

## Summary

Steve Driver, CEO of Jiva Materials, discusses his company's development of a sustainable printed circuit board (PCB) laminate designed to replace traditional FR4. He explains how he partnered with young innovator Jack to create a 'green' material that offers a 67% carbon reduction while maintaining comparable performance for low-life electronics. The episode highlights their strategy of securing early adoption from major OEMs, such as a recent first purchase order from a major American OEM, and the importance of engaging with board shops to ensure the material is a 'drop-in' solution with minimal process adjustments.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-12-19-electronica-24-steve-driver-on-fresh-talent-and-green-tech-in-the-pcb-world#t=8) Introduction: Steve Driver and Jiva Materials
- [0:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-12-19-electronica-24-steve-driver-on-fresh-talent-and-green-tech-in-the-pcb-world#t=39) The Partnership Between Steve Driver and Jack
- [2:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-12-19-electronica-24-steve-driver-on-fresh-talent-and-green-tech-in-the-pcb-world#t=159) Market Validation and First OEM Customer
- [4:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-12-19-electronica-24-steve-driver-on-fresh-talent-and-green-tech-in-the-pcb-world#t=252) Scope 3 Carbon Reduction and OEM Strategy
- [5:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-12-19-electronica-24-steve-driver-on-fresh-talent-and-green-tech-in-the-pcb-world#t=320) Targeting Low-Life Electronics and Lighting
- [6:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-12-19-electronica-24-steve-driver-on-fresh-talent-and-green-tech-in-the-pcb-world#t=412) Drop-in Compatibility with Board Shops

## Topics

- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Jiva Materials (company)
- FR4 (material)
- FR1 (material)
- FR2 (material)
- IPC (company)
- Koh Young (company)
- Global Electronics Association (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Chemical-Free PCB Production: How uFab is Changing Everything](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-08-12-chemical-free-pcb-production-how-ufab-is-changing-everything) (OnTrack)
- [Bob Widlar, Electronic Design, FIRST Robotics - Monday, Meta Monday](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-03-08-bob-widlar-electronic-design-first-robotics-monday-meta-monday) (The Amp Hour)
- [Upgradable, Durable, and Greener Laptops for Reducing CO2 Emissions with Nirav Patel, Ceo and Founder of Framework](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2023-03-16-upgradable-durable-and-greener-laptops-for-reducing-co2-emissions-with-nirav-pat) (Hardware to Save a Planet)
- [Recycle All Your Microcontrollers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-08-07-recycle-all-your-microcontrollers) (The Amp Hour)
- [Burning Man Maker, Music Mogul, and PCB Revolutionary—Flux CEO Matthias Wagner](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2023-05-02-burning-man-maker-music-mogul-and-pcb-revolutionary-flux-ceo-matthias-wagner) (Moore's Lobby)

## Citing this page

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