GES is a fully-owned subsidiary of the University of Manchester that supports entrepreneurial academics with the commercialization of graphene-enabled technologies and the formation of new start-up companies.
In collaboration with our strategic partner SES RFID Solutions GmbH, leading developers and manufactures of advanced RFID technology, we have realized early-stage demonstrators of screen-printed RFID antennas using a graphene ink. The ink formulation has been developed "in-house" by the academic team of Prof. Zhirun Hu at the University of Manchester. This ink is non-toxic, sustainable, low-cost, screen-printable, flexible and achieves the electrical conductivity requirements for NFC applications. Screen-printed graphene antennas can operate across the MHz to GHz frequency range in devices using both conventional Si chips and next-generation flexible chips. This graphene antenna and chip platform aligns with RFID market roadmaps to find more sustainable, eco-friendly and cheaper approaches. This technology can replace bar codes and is suitable for the packaging market, including agri-food and pharmaceuticals where improved traceability and anti-counterfeiting measures are key drivers. Moreover, next-generation Si chips, meet the required specifications of flexibility, recyclability and film thickness to open up new markets for wireless tagging in the trading/playing cards market. In this talk, we will also address the challenges and opportunities for scaled-up manufacturing.
Dr Margherita Sepioni completed her PhD in the Graphene Condensed Matter Group of The University of Manchester. After that she joined a new graphene company spun out of the University. As an original member of the team, she contributed actively to its growth and technical development. She joined Graphene Enabled Systems at its inception in May 2016 as a Scientific and Technical Manager.
Margherita has a strong background in graphene related research, including production methods and graphene characterisation. Her current interests include electronic devices, coatings, graphene inks and membranes. Over the past seven years Margherita's efforts have been concentrated on leading applications-focused projects, commercialisation of graphene university research, bridging the gap between academia and the industrial world.
Graphene Enabled Systems is a business created and owned by The University of Manchester.
GES objective is to launch a series of successful, market-focused 'spin-out' businesses based on products born out of the University's portfolio of 2D materials technology patents - principally graphene. Graphene Enabled bridges the gap between the high-quality 2D materials research being carried out at the University and the commercial needs of industrial companies that would gain from using these technologies in their products
To maximize the chances of the spin-out businesses being successful, Graphene Enabled will, prior to their creation, carry out an analysis of the technology and associated IP. It will then research and characterise the target markets, clearly define the product's competitive advantage and prepare financial and operational plans.
For each project/spin-out, Graphene Enabled will also create a high-quality product demonstrator to show competitive advantage and improve the quality of engagement with the market.
