Versarien joing new Graphene Engineering Institute Centre in Manchester

Advanced materials engineering group Versarien has joined the newly-established Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) at the University of Manchester, it announced on Monday, as a tier one member organisation.

The AIM-traded company said that, following £60m of funding, the GEIC was set to open later in 2018.

Alongside the Manchester-based National Graphene Institute, the GEIC was intended to provide an “unrivalled critical mass” of graphene expertise, performing applied research to aid the commercialisation and manufacture of graphene, with applications applicable to industry.

As part of its membership, Versarien said it would join the GEIC Technology Advisory Board and the company would have dedicated GEIC laboratory space and the ability to utilise the centre's facilities.

Other GEIC advisory panel partners included Airbus, Akzonobel, BAE Systems, BP, GKN Aerospace, Johnson & Johnson, Jaguar Land Rover, Siemens, Tata Steel and Thales.

“I am delighted that Versarien has joined the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre as a tier one partner,” said Versarien chief executive officer Neill Ricketts.

“Through the GEIC we will be able to access a world class facility and be at the heart of graphene developments.

“We will also benefit from working alongside other GEIC corporate partners, enabling us to further advance the commercialisation of graphene.”