IDIván Díez de los Ríos
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R&D Agile Transformation & Technology Evangelism

Transformed internal laboratory methodologies by proactively demonstrating the agility of MCU-based rapid prototyping over rigid FPGA workflows. After securing leadership buy-in, I designed and delivered a comprehensive 20-hour upskilling seminar, establishing a new, highly efficient testing standard across the entire research group.

IDDLR
Written by Iván Díez de los Ríos
Institution IMSE-CNM-CSIC
Role Technology Evangelist & Technical Lead
Posted on 2026-04-25
R&D Agile Transformation & Technology Evangelism

Case Study: R&D Agile Transformation & Technology Evangelism

1. Executive Summary

Proactively introduced Microcontroller Unit (MCU) based rapid prototyping as an agile alternative to rigid FPGA workflows for early-stage experiments. After successfully demonstrating its efficiency to senior leadership, I was tasked with leading a 10-hour upskilling program that fundamentally shifted the laboratory’s R&D methodology.

2. The Challenge

Hardware R&D environments often default to complex, time-consuming methodologies (like FPGA design) even for early-stage proof-of-concepts (PoCs) where absolute control isn’t strictly necessary. This slows down iteration, increases overhead, and limits prototyping speed. The challenge was overcoming institutional inertia and shifting the mindset of a highly technical, senior research team toward a more agile, software-driven, and cost-effective approach.

3. My Role & Execution

  • Proactive Innovation & “Managing Up”: Independently validated the MCU approach for specific hardware experiments. Pitched a functional demonstration to my supervisor, effectively proving the agility, cost, and time-to-market benefits over traditional FPGA setups.
  • Technology Evangelism & Upskilling: Following leadership buy-in, I was requested to design and deliver a comprehensive 10-hour training seminar for the entire research group, including senior scientists and principal investigators.
  • Curriculum Design: Created hands-on training focused on bridging the gap between deep hardware requirements and rapid software iteration, teaching the team how to evaluate when to use an MCU versus an FPGA.

4. The Impact & Deliverables

  • Operational Transformation: The agile MCU methodology was successfully adopted in 40-50% of all new R&D projects within the laboratory.
  • Increased R&D Efficiency: Drastically reduced setup times and hardware costs for experiments that did not require extreme FPGA-level timing, enabling faster iterative testing and data collection.
  • Strategic Leadership: Established myself as a trusted technical advisor within the group, demonstrating the ability to drive internal technological modernization from the bottom up.