Welcome! I'm Neil, a digital supply chain transformation leader in microchips, expat in Hong Kong, and freelance innovator on nights and weekends.This is my portfolio of current and past projects.
What's new?
I've kicked off the Hidden Layer, a Substack focused on microchips and digital transformation, and my thoughts on some other emerging technology. Link is above (middle icon).For Fall 2025, I have also enrolled in the MITx SCM MicroMasters, a rigorous, analytical 5-course graduate credential program that will dovetail with some other projects.
Bio
I'm Neil Hawke, a digital supply chain transformation leader in microchips. Most of my work centers around the complexity in semiconductor supply chain management, its intersection with geopolitics and other risk, and emerging methods to solve these challenges.
A few things about me:
- MBA and BS Engineering Management from Michigan Tech
- Enrolled in MITx SCM MicroMasters
- Based in Hong Kong
- Originally from Michigan, USA
- PMP-certified
- Michigan Tech Engineering & SCM Industry Advisory Board Member
- Milwaukee Venture Partners member
- Eagle Scout (BSA Troop 304)
- Skiing, sailing, hiking, dragon boat, Muay Thai enthusiast
Projects
Below are current and past projects, some high-tech and digital transformation-related, and some explicitly low-tech.
Contact
Feel free to connect, and I'll get back to you within 2 business days.
Neil Hawke
TraceLayer is an upcoming academic SaaS project exploring component data democratization, counterfeit detection, and predictive lifecycle analytics.
Neil Hawke
Good in the Great Lakes Region- that's what Thimbleberry Capital is about. I have a lot of belief in the grit and innovation of founders in the Michigan-Wisconsin-Minnesota-Illinois area, and I founded Thimbleberry Capital as a purpose-driven nanocapital initiative, supporting founders in the outdoor, mobility, and health sciences industries in this region.Our first investment was sponsoring Michigan Tech's Circular Solutions Enterprise Team in a project to develop a recyclable textile solution. [Read more below]
Neil Hawke
Founded in 2021 and paused in 2025, Great Lakes Coastal is my love letter to my home, the Great Lakes region.With the help of talented designers, I created the first Great Lakes Beach Shirt, and will soon be re-launching as a premium, collectible, limited-run brand.This project was designed to be explicitly low-tech and to step away from complexity, but proved to have its own challenges in terms of unit economics and global sourcing.
Neil Hawke
College Coaching with Neil
College Coaching with Neil was founded in 2025 as an outlet to give back to struggling college students, using my unique perspective and experiences from my undergraduate degree. I offer several weekly coaching sessions, downloadable materials, and an upcoming Udemy course.
