Paragraf has announced they have opened new facility north of Cambridge, UK. The site represents a major step forward for graphene-based technologies, enabling Paragraf to drive large-scale development of mass-market, graphene-based electronic devices.
The opening of this facility followed Paragraf's seed investment of GBP 2.9 million, announced in May 2018.
According to Paragraf the company's proprietary production technique aims to overcomes the quality, contamination and reproducibility barriers faced by other graphene production methods.
The customised equipment at the Cambridge facility will allow Paragraf to convert its cutting edge laboratory research into novel products, including next generation sensors, solid state electronics and energy storage cells.
Paragraf's aim is for this site to become a global centre of excellence for two-dimensional materials-based device research, development and exploitation.
The location close to the University of Cambridge (from which Paragraf spun out in 2017), supports the strong links that exist between the organisations.
Paragraf is also working with a new academic partner, Queen Mary University, London, to further accelerate R&D.
The company will now focus on the delivery of its first major product, an ultrasensitive graphene-based electronic device. In parallel Paragraf is progressing its first strategic partnerships, utilising collaboration to drive rapid market entry.
"The rate of progress of Paragraf in establishing its R&D facility has been remarkable. Within a few months Paragraf has installed customised large-area graphene production, processing and characterisation equipment, and fabricated transfer-free graphene on silicon and sapphire wafers. I greatly look forward to the production of its first graphene electronic device later this year."
Prof. Sir Colin Humphreys, Chairman and Co-Founder of Paragraf
"The new Paragraf facility is a significant step towards realising the potential of graphene in commercially viable, scalable electronic devices, bringing the beneficial impacts of this wonder material to the world."
Dr Simon Thomas, CEO and Co-Founder of Paragraf
About Paragraf
Paragraf is a spin-out from the Centre for Gallium Nitride group of Professor Sir Colin Humphreys in the Department of Materials Science at the University of Cambridge. Building on significant know-how and IP, Paragraf is developing atom-layer-thick two-dimensional materials, starting with graphene. Through its growing IP portfolio, Paragraf will apply these to a range of advanced electronic, energy and medical devices to benefit society.
Paragraf is funded by a group of experienced investors, led by Cambridge Enterprise, the commercialisation arm of the University of Cambridge, with the participation of Amadeus Capital Partners, Parkwalk Advisors, IQ Capital Partners and angel investors.