Miguel Vilaplana, CEO The concept of graphene-based 2D sensors has long been considered a science fiction concept until Graphenicalab introduced its state-of-the-art wax printing membrane. This technology allows the printing of flexible sensors and electronic components on any curved, rigid or sharp surface. The company’s worldwide license for a patented proprietary printing system is already granted in Europe, Japan, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Canada, establishing Graphenicalab as a pioneer in the field.
“Our technology employs rapid prototyping printing to impart the unique properties of 2D materials like graphene and other nano-compounds to surfaces, transforming them into ultra-thin and extremely versatile sensors,” says Miguel Vilaplana, CEO of Graphenicalab.
The company’s expertise in rapid prototyping without the need of a clean room and material integration further enables it to develop sensors that augment existing electronic systems without impairing their performance but enhancing them.
Graphenicalab’s wax printing membrane technology and its prototyping method surpass the efficiency of other printing technologies due to nanomaterial use. The firm uses the material’s properties by combining graphene with water-based inks, which amplifies signals and obtains electrochemical readings through a lowcost setup. The use of water-based inks in printing further exemplifies Graphenicalab’s solution’s cost-effectiveness. It also allows the firm to offer environmental-friendly sensors by eliminating the need for harmful solvents. The reusability and recyclability of the compound’s technology demonstrate its commitment to resource conservation and sustainability, making it a frontrunner among eco-friendly printing solutions.
The company’s current market centers around two prominent industry verticals, electric vehicles (EVs) and battery manufacturing, in which sustainability is a key factor. The firm excels in battery management in the EV industry, providing temperature sensors that set new standards and significantly reduce costs. It is also developing a system that seamlessly adapts to a battery management system (BMS), offering gold-standard temperature sensing at a fraction of the cost. This system is coupled with software and other sensor enhancements to satisfy the evolving industry demands in the next ten years.
Besides EV and BMS, Graphenicalab has embarked on a promising partnership in Barcelona to develop a platform that detects heavy metals in marine water, offering novel environmental solutions through microfluidics and nanotechnology.
Recognised as a B2B enterprise, Graphenicalab primarily collaborates with large corporations by starting with open meetings and then progressing to deeper technical discussions through mutual NDAs. The company has successfully undertaken privately funded projects with industry leaders to address unique challenges and deliver positive outcomes. In one instance, Graphenicalab used its conductive ink to develop a flexible and stretchable sensor for major telecommunication. Another successful case study revolves around developing corrosion sensing technology that has proven vital for proactive problem identification in saltwater environments.
Our technology utilises rapid prototyping printing to impart the unique properties of 2D materials like graphene and other nano-compounds to surfaces, turning them into ultra-thin sensors that are extremely versatile
In 2020, Graphenicalab’s innovation was recognised during the Advanced Factories 4.0 meeting. The firm won the 2020 T System most disruptive industrial startup, further validating its graphenebased sensor’s remarkable capabilities. The company has also received grants from European and Spanish institutions for its ground-breaking innovations in the sensor technology space.
Graphenicalab has also expanded its reach into the healthcare sector by collaborating with the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, detecting and predicting the severity of tropical diseases and transforming point-of-care testing and diagnostic timelines in endemic areas. For instance, identifying the severity of Strongyloides takes up to six weeks with the current testing setup while Graphenicalab’s sensor detects it within 15 minutes.
The health and bio diagnostics department at Graphenicalab is going through significant expansion, driven by strong partnerships with esteemed hospitals in Europe and by undertaking new challenges in oncology biomarkers and ICU diagnostics. By capitalising on the expertise gained through nanotechnology and graphene-based innovations, the firm anticipates a transformation in the Aerospace market, where its lightweight, cost-effective and high-performance sensing capabilities are essential for upcoming projects.
