Member Article

A decade of graphene: Greater Manchester to host event celebrating innovation

Greater Manchester’s Business Growth Hub will welcome SME manufacturers to explore the commercial potential of graphene.

In a series of industry workshops, ‘Graphene Week’ will invite business leaders inside the city’s new £61m National Graphene Institute (NGI) to find out how the material could boost their business.

It is hoped that SME manufacturers in attendance will have the opportunity to capitalise on the potential of graphene and improve their business offering.

Director of the Business Growth Hub, Richard Jeffery, said: “Many new and exciting businesses have the potential to grow from graphene, and the creation of the National Graphene Institute in our city has only furthered its economic impact.

“The commercial potential for graphene is undoubtedly a major opportunity for business. But for UK enterprises to maximise its potential, it is essential that manufacturers and technical innovators understand its application and how it can improve their business.”

Manchester is an international centre of excellence for graphene and was the first place that scientists discovered the material in 2004.

Charlie Rea, who specialises in manufacturing innovation at the Business Growth Service, said: “Small to medium sized manufacturers are often at the forefront of new innovations and one of our roles is to support firms to commercialise new technology.

“These workshops provide a perfect opportunity for SMEs to gain a greater understanding of this fantastic 2D material that has the potential to transform the way we make many everyday items.

“We will also be giving an insight into how manufacturers can access specialist support and funding to help with introducing new innovations and completing R&D activities.

“Graphene has the potential to drive the next manufacturing revolution and we’re delighted to be playing our role.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .