A world-leading graphene manufacturer has agreed a £5million collaborative research partnership to open its European base at the University of Manchester, in a move that could attract a number of jobs to the city.
Leading graphene developer Bluestone Global Tech will locate their European production plant at the £61million funded National Graphene Institute.
The partnership will allow the University of Manchester’s academics to work closely on research projects with Bluestone, as well as opening a pre-production facility and offices at the university to partner with a few leading consumer companies.
The European headquarters and a pilot production plant will also be set up within Manchester.
Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Professor Colin Bailey said: “We are delighted that Bluestone has chosen to base themselves at the University of Manchester.
“This partnership will help in the commercialisation of graphene creating further jobs in Manchester which will be of benefit to the UK economy.”
Bluestone joins Graphene industries and 2D-Tech, the university spin-out companies supplying graphene and other 2D materials around the world, in a group of graphene manufacturers based at the university.
The university has more than 100 scientists and engineers working on graphene and other 2D materials.
Dr. Chung Ping Lai, Chief Executive Officer for Bluestone Global Tech, added: “Bluestone has led the production of large area graphene since the establishment of its North American operation in New York.
“The increasing demand for our materials and expertise in Europe has prompted our decision to establish the Bluestone Global Tech brand in Europe with the setting of its operation in the UK.
“The link with The University of Manchester and the National Graphene Institute is integral to our strategy of working with our customers to bring products and processes from the lab to the workplace.
“With our long term commitment and cooperation with The University of Manchester, BGT will have access to a critical mass of world-class research talent, facilities and resources and we are very excited to be located at the home of graphene.”
Picture courtesy of UCL Mathematical and physical sciences via Flickr, with thanks.
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