07
October
2026
|
13:58
Europe/London
Industry Engagement and Partnership Day at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre
GEIC
The CDT in 2D Materials of Tomorrow hosted its Industry Engagement and Partnership Day at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) on 25 June 2026, bringing together academics, GEIC specialists and companies to identify industrial challenges and develop new opportunities for collaboration.
Rather than following a traditional programme of academic presentations, the event adopted an industry-led approach, inviting companies to present their current technical challenges and unmet needs. This enabled academics and GEIC specialists to explore potential solutions and identify opportunities for collaborative R&D and industry-supported CDT PhD projects.
The afternoon featured themed breakout sessions covering 2D-material-based devices and electronics; composites and coatings; membranes, filtration and separation technologies; and imaging and characterisation. Roundtable discussions were complemented by dedicated one-to-one meetings, giving industry representatives and researchers the opportunity to explore specific technical challenges and potential collaborative projects in greater depth.
A key objective was to connect fundamental academic research with translation and commercialisation. The event highlighted the GEIC’s capabilities in scale-up and commercialisation, demonstrating how collaborative research in 2D materials can progress from university laboratories towards industrial application.
The event attracted a diverse range of organisations, from established companies and national organisations, including Seagate, Baker Hughes and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), to emerging technology companies such as AeraLung Technologies, alongside Water Offsets, Cambridge Display Technology, Vector Homes, TBA Protective Solutions and others.
Professor Rahul Nair, commented:
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The structure of this event was designed to encourage greater interaction between industry and our academic community. By starting with the challenges faced by companies, rather than simply presenting our research, we can identify areas where our expertise can make a real difference and build stronger, longer-term collaborations.
Professor Rahul Nair, Business Engagement Lead for 2D Materials of Tomorrow CDT
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The approach has already delivered tangible outcomes, with two industry-funded projects secured and a further project currently under discussion as its scope is finalised.
The longer-term ambition is to build a collaborative environment that brings together academic expertise, industrial insight and the scale-up and commercialisation capabilities of the GEIC. By integrating these strengths from an early stage, the CDT aims to develop research projects that address genuine industrial needs while creating valuable opportunities for doctoral researchers to engage directly with industry.
Prof Cinzia Casiraghi, Chief Scientific Officer at the GEIC, comments:
“We have been delighted to host this CDT event at the GEIC, reflecting our role in connecting academic research with industrial innovation. Bringing PhD researchers and industry together creates opportunities for industry-supported research addressing real technological challenges, while developing the skills and collaborations needed to accelerate advanced materials innovation.”