In the quiet village of Somersham, nestled in the heart of Cambridgeshire, lies a laboratory that holds the key to a material poised to revolutionize the world—graphene. As visitors step into Paragraf’s lab, they are greeted with a striking sight: a thin disc of synthetic sapphire adorned with a piece of graphene, the first product that marked the company’s journey. Founded in 2017 by Simon Thomas, Professor Sir Colin Humphreys, and Ivor Guiney, all former collaborators at Cambridge University, Paragraf is at the forefront of harnessing graphene’s potential, not just as a concrete strengthener or paint additive, but as a game-changer in the global microchip war.

Graphene: A Super Material Redefining Boundaries

Graphene, a two-dimensional form of carbon with atoms arranged in a hexagonal structure, is emerging as a contender to replace silicon in semiconductors. China, recognizing its significance, has already begun integrating graphene into microchips, sparking a race for technological dominance. Simon Thomas underscores the urgency for the UK to compete with China and the US in cracking this transformative technology.

Derived from graphite, the crystalline form of carbon used in pencils, graphene is a latticed sheet just one atom thick. Thomas envisions a world where graphene fundamentally alters the manufacturing landscape, impacting everything from smartphones and computers to electric cars, healthcare, and military equipment. The University of Manchester, where graphene was first produced in 2004, foresees wearable smartphones and flexible graphene tablets, heralding a paradigm shift in device design.

Paragraf’s Graphene Journey: From Discs to Biosensors

Paragraf’s initial foray involved a small wafer housing 64 tiny graphene devices arranged in a grid. Today, the company produces six-inch wafers capable of holding 9,000 chips. In their Somersham lab, two reactors resembling large pizza ovens churn out enough graphene to manufacture 150,000 sensors daily. Paragraf employs graphene in two primary ways: to measure magnetic fields and as a biosensor, converting micro-organisms into electrical signals by combining graphene with a wet layer of chemistry.

Biosensors have become a focal point for Paragraf, particularly in detecting the nuances between viral and bacterial infections, offering insights into the need for antibiotics. The company’s recent acquisition of Cardea Bio, a biosensor firm in San Diego, underscores its commitment to expanding its biosensor capabilities. This move positions Paragraf to contribute significantly to healthcare, aiding in the identification of conditions such as Covid-19 and detecting infectious diseases in various domains.

Beyond Microchips: Graphene’s Diverse Applications

Graphene’s remarkable properties extend far beyond the microchip industry. Its strength, thinness, and conductivity make it tougher than steel, lighter than paper, harder than a diamond, and more elastic than rubber. Paragraf is among the first companies globally to mass-produce graphene-based devices, with applications in diverse sectors such as quantum computing, magnetic sensors for advanced MRI scanners, and consumer technology like delivery drones.

Simon Thomas: A Visionary Leader

Simon Thomas, clad in a sharp blue suit with matching shoes and a distinctive flowered shirt, brings a unique perspective to Paragraf. With a background rooted in working-class values, Thomas’s journey into the world of science began at Liverpool University, where he pursued a doctorate in material engineering. Over a decade later, he joined Professor Humphreys’ research team at Cambridge University, eventually co-founding Paragraf to propel graphene into the forefront of technological innovation.

Navigating Challenges and Aspirations

Paragraf’s journey has not been without challenges. The company reported a pre-tax loss of £11 million in 2022, attributed to increased staffing and materials costs despite a nearly sevenfold rise in revenues. Nevertheless, the company has attracted approximately £70 million in funding, with plans to go public on the stock market in the next four to five years. Notable investors include the UK Treasury, and In-Q-Tel, a venture capital firm associated with the CIA.

While Paragraf’s growth has attracted takeover interest from China, Thomas and the board have firmly resisted, citing concerns about potential government interference. Thomas acknowledges the attractive offers but highlights the inherent challenges of accepting funds from China. This stance aligns with broader geopolitical concerns as China aggressively seeks to corner the market in graphene.

Geopolitical Landscape: China’s Graphene Ambitions

China has emerged as a major player in the graphene arena, with an estimated 5,000 companies actively working on graphene products. Companies like Huawei have incorporated graphene into their devices, with Apple reportedly exploring graphene films for future iPhones to prevent overheating. In a bold proclamation, China announced its intent to mass-produce microchips using graphene instead of silicon by 2025. While skepticism exists in the West, Simon Thomas applauds China’s foresight, recognizing their commitment to this transformative material.

However, not all graphene companies have found smooth sailing. Many struggle to generate revenues and secure funding, with some closing their doors. Applied Graphene Materials in Durham sold its main business, and Versarien in Gloucestershire reduced its research team to cut costs. Against this backdrop, the UK government’s £1 billion investment in the semiconductor industry over the next decade aims to bolster the nation’s position, though it pales in comparison to the substantial investments made by the US.

Government Support: A Crucial Element

Simon Thomas emphasizes the critical role of government support in maintaining the UK’s competitiveness. While acknowledging the £1 billion investment, Thomas underscores the need for commitments that go beyond financial injections. He calls for support in talent acquisition, infrastructure development, and facilitating international trade. To be at the cutting edge, he argues, the UK must receive comprehensive backing from the government.

Future Prospects: Pioneering the Graphene Revolution

As Paragraf navigates the complex landscape of the global microchip industry, its vision extends beyond immediate challenges. Thomas envisions growing Paragraf into a profitable business and listing it in the UK. The company’s ambition aligns with broader aspirations of leveraging graphene to reshape electronics, energy consumption, and manufacturing processes.

Graphene, once an obscure material extracted from graphite, is now at the forefront of technological innovation. Paragraf’s pioneering work not only propels the UK into the global microchip race but also contributes to advancements in healthcare, consumer technology, and beyond. As Simon Thomas and his team continue to push the boundaries of what graphene can achieve, the world watches eagerly, anticipating a future shaped by the transformative power of this super material.