2-DTech to work closely with graphene institute
VERSARIEN, the company that owns nascent graphene commercialisation business 2-DTech is set to work more closely with Manchester University’s National Graphene Institute.
The two have signed a memorandum of understanding which will enable 2-DTech to work from the £61m institute when it opens in March and draw on graphene know-how at the university.
The company is one of the first in the world to produce graphene, the super-light, super-strong material discovered by Manchester’s Nobel prize winning scientists Professors Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov.
It is expected to have wide ranging implications for industry and has been linked to a new generation of aircraft and big changes to computer, TV and phone screens.
2-DTech, originally a university spin-out, was acquired for £440,000 in May by materials manufacturing business Versarien, which has a base in Liverpool. The university still holds a 15% stake.
It is also exploring the potential for graphene use in false teeth, inks, sensors and batteries. It also has a solar cell project with Australian firm Dyesol which has a research base in Manchester.
Managing director Dr Nigel Salter said: “2-DTech is delighted that we will now be able to respond to customer enquiries and project requests utilising the combined expertise of both 2-DTech and the NGI as well as apply the commercial expertise and funding opportunities that Versarien represents.”
James Baker, business director of grapheme at the university said: “We look forward to working with 2-DTech on a number of graphene related projects in the newly completed National Graphene Institute and in developing and growing the relationship into a strategic partnership in the near future. We expect to see a number of exciting opportunities for graphene applications and products and this relationship will help in the acceleration of graphene commercialisation.”
