Angela Leadsom visited the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) at The University of Manchester nowadays (Wednesday, 2 October 2019) to excursion the centers and analyze greater approximately the superior substances landscape at the University.
The minister, who become accompanied by way of Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Luke Georghiou, heard from James Baker CEO [email protected] on how this flagship facility is helping swiftly boost up the development and commercialization of latest graphene technologies.
During the tour, the minister saw examples of graphene merchandise which includes the sector’s first graphene sports activities shoes- a collaboration between the University and British agency of-eight, in addition to avenue lighting, water filtration technology and graphene more suitable carbon fiber, concrete and constructing substances.
After the excursion, a sequence of roundtable discussions was held, of which engagement with SMEs turned into one of them. Funded by means of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) the Bridging the gap undertaking primarily based on the GEIC has been advanced to proactively have interaction Greater Manchester-based SMEs and new ventures to permit them to overcome challenges and explore and observe graphene and different superior 2D substances in an extensive variety of applications and markets.
Professor Luke Georghiou, stated: “It’s a pride to welcome the minister to the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre. The centers on the GEIC have given us an important enhance in our ambition to build a world-leading atmosphere in Manchester for innovation in 2-D substances and to recognize the huge economic and social advantages from their utility.”
James Baker stated: “Graphene has reached a tipping point and we are now seeing actual-world blessings dwelling as much as the early pleasure of only a few years ago. Collaboration is prime to realizing graphene’s ability, constructing a network of partners will boost up the step-change in graphene’s industrial potentialities.”
Within its first year of operation, the GEIC focuses on creating, checking out and optimizing new ideas for handing over products to the marketplace as well as the techniques had to scale up manufacturing and build and maintain a delivery chain.
Working with the National Graphene Institute, the GEIC enhances their research with work to act as the cornerstone for Graphene City- a bold vision from the University that targets to create a thriving understanding base economy around Manchester’s innovative cloth.