South Korea-based Graphene Square, developer and distributor of graphene materials and films, has announced that it is preparing for an IPO to fuel global expansion. It will select the underwriter this year and plans its Kosdaq listing in 2022 through the Technology Special Listing program, a system introduced in 2005 to allow promising startups to list the local bourse based on a technology evaluation conducted by Korea Exchange-designated institutions.

Graphene Square’s competitive edge is said to be found in its proprietary chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method used for the production of graphene. The method is based on the research of Professor Hong Byung-hee of Seoul National University on the synthesis of large-area graphene. In fact, Graphene Square itself was established in 2012 as a spin-off of chemistry professor Hong Byung-hee’s lab at Seoul National University.

GLC Medical (GLCM), a subsidiary of Graphene Leaders Canada (GLC), recently announced completion of development of the GLCM SARS-CoV-2 Insta-Test, delivering results in under 15 seconds, offering fast and easy to use solution to screen for COVID-19.

The Company stated that it sees potential for this new graphene-based biosensor to enable the world to regain a sense of freedom and bring normal back into its future.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) recently awarded the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) an agreement, as part of their SenSARS program, to develop a sensing platform to detect airborne SARS-CoV-2 particles. Cardea Bio is a sub-contractor to this agreement.

This agreement will enable the two institutions to develop a real-time pathogen identification technology that can be applied to many different defense and civilian environmental monitoring applications.

India-based start-up Log 9 has announced the development of its new graphene-enhanced battery for electric vehicles. Log 9 states its Rapid Charging Battery Technology is capable of fully charging in under 15 minutes and that it has a lifetime of over 15 years of use.

Other claims made by Log 9 include up to 5x power which would help in increased load-bearing capacity and acceleration. Additionally, the Company says that it is 5-times safer than lithium-ion batteries in terms of fire-resistance and impact-resistance. Log 9 says that its new batteries would offer a range of up to 70 kilometers for two-wheel EVs and 60-80 kilometers for three-wheel EVs.

In July 2020, Thomas Swan signed an exclusive agency agreement with Concrene, for a graphene-enhanced concrete project. Now, Concrene has announced that the first commercial concrete product reinforced with graphene will be available on the US market in April 2021.

Fairview Hearthside, a licensee of the innovative nanotechnology, will manufacture a range of Concrene precast fire pits for private homes and professional outdoor venues. The fire pits offer enhanced durability, long outdoor performance and natural concrete finish.