Paragraf and University of Cambridge Awarded Innovate UK Grant for Graphene Memory Device Project
£1 million project aimed at delivering MaGIC Memory device
SOMERSHAM, Cambridgeshire [6 February 2025] – Paragraf, the UK-based company pioneering the mass production of graphene-based electronics with standard semiconductor processes, has been awarded a grant of £419,419 from Innovate UK for the purpose of producing a proof-of-concept prototype of a novel semiconductor memory technology using a new class of ferroelectric materials complemented with graphene on a silicon platform.
The joint grant will also see Prof. Judith Driscoll’s research group at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy receive £299,198 to develop processes for depositing ferroelectric materials on top of Paragraf’s transfer-free graphene in order to produce novel memory devices, including a graphene-ferroelectric field effect transistor (G-FeFET). This is expected to lead to power savings of an order of magnitude relative to existing memory device technology, which is key to saving power in data centres and consumer devices to support the AI revolution.
“Working with Paragraf on an important project like this is an exciting prospect, particularly in light of their connection to this department,” said Prof. Driscoll. “The chance to develop such an important, next-generation memory device here in Cambridge, with a company so deeply tied to the area, is important to maintaining this region’s – and the UK’s – leadership in the tech industry in the 21st Century.”
Cambridgeshire-based Paragraf’s proprietary graphene deposition process was originally developed at the Department of Materials Science when the company’s now-CEO, Simon Thomas was a researcher under Prof. Sir Colin Humphreys, another Paragraf co-founder and the company’s Chief Scientific Officer. After spinning out from the university, the company established its first manufacturing facility in Somersham, and has since added facilities in Huntingdon and San Diego, California.
“The future of computing and fields such as AI will require storage solutions that conserve energy and reduce heat output. Graphene is uniquely positioned to fulfil those requirements, so the development of these devices, created alongside Prof. Driscoll’s talented team of scientists, is key,” said Simon Thomas, CEO of Paragraf. “We are encouraged that UK has been forward-thinking enough to recognise this massive opportunity and to invest accordingly.”
About Paragraf
Paragraf is the world’s leading technology development and manufacturing team for graphene-based electronic devices. Paragraf’s proprietary process commercially develops and delivers the highest quality graphene products which will revolutionise many critical applications with contamination-free technology.
Paragraf is the first company worldwide to provide scalable, high spec graphene electronic device manufacturing for the sensors and diagnostics markets.
About Innovate UK
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the UK’s innovation agency. We work to create a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations. With an annual budget of over £1 billion we provide businesses with the expertise, facilities and funding they need to test, demonstrate and evolve their ideas, driving UK productivity and economic growth.
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Contact
Steve Taylor, Marketing Director
[email protected]
M: +44 (0)7799 568918
or
Prof. Judith Driscoll FREng, RAEng Chair in Emerging Technologies
University of Cambridge, Dept. of Materials Science
[email protected]
O: +44 (0)1223 334468
