2D-Tech and Morgan Advanced Materials have agreed long-term partnerships with the National Graphene Institute at the University of Manchester in order to study future graphene applications. These two companies are the latest additions to the 30 partners already working with the University on the commercialisation of graphene.
James Baker showing the industry group around the NGI
The £61m National Graphene Institute centre will open in early 2015 at the University of Manchester. The collaboration with Morgan Advanced Materials will study the complete potential of graphene with a specific interest in optimising and understanding the association between materials science and the manufacturing process.
2D-Tech, a spin-out company from The University of Manchester formed in 2013, was acquired by Versarien at the start of 2014. The partnership will first focus on projects in polymer or graphene nanocomposites and two-dimensional links as well as also looking into additional project opportunities and how to develop a strategic partnership.
The industry representatives who participated in the first National Graphene Institute tour were shown how academics and commercial organisations will work hand in hand on future applications.
This is a significant step forward for 2D-Tech and its journey towards commercialisation and we are delighted to cement our relationship with The University of Manchester.
Neill Ricketts, CEO of Versarien
One visitor, Steve Harris, Head of University Collaboration for BAE Systems, commented: “I was very impressed by the scale and the vision of what Manchester is trying to achieve. The key for companies like BAE Systems, who will be long-term users of graphene, is the capability to move quickly and the GEIC will allow the University to do that. The sheer scale of what I have seen today is fantastic and it’s very clear to see the University’s ambition.”
Graphene: Membranes and their practical applications
The Business Director of Graphene at the University of Manchester, James Baker said “We now have more than 200 researchers at The University of Manchester working on graphene and 2D materials and with the opening of the NGI in early 2015, we are seeing an increasing engagement with industry and new partners being signed. This engagement with industry on research projects and in shaping the future capabilities of the GEIC for pilot production of graphene and its various applications will be key to the increased probability of success in the commercialisation of the material.”
The European Regional Development Fund contributed £23m and the UK Government contributed £38m as part of the NGI funding. The Higher Education Funding Council for England’s UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF) contributed £15m, Innovate UK, £5m and the Abu Dhabi –based renewable energy company owned by Mubadala, Masdar contributed £30m as part of GEIC funding.