Investing in public graphene stocks - Page 27

Advanced Material Development recently announced a new InnovateUK Analysis 4 Innovators grant to work on validating its next generation novel nanomaterial-based gas sensors. AMD is working with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) on the development and testing of devices using advanced testing equipment, and measurement and analysis experience.

The next generation of air quality monitors will rely on low power sensing elements which can be connected remotely to support more detailed and localized emissions monitoring. This three-month project seeks to validate novel nanomaterial-based sensors which AMD has recently developed utilizing its functionalized nanomaterials. For instance, AMD's Photonic Crystal work incorporates various nanomaterials into the polymeric structure, of which graphene is the main constituent.

Emberion recently raised €6 million in funding to further develop their infrared imaging business. Currently, Emberion is one of the leaders in the development of these technologies, enabled by graphene and other layered materials.

Graphene Flagship partner Emberion develops high-performance SWIR sensors for imaging technologies. These devices detect light in both the visible and short-wave infrared (SWIR) wavelengths, enabling new applications in machine vision used in surveillance, autonomous driving, food processing, waste sorting, and more. Emberion also leads Graphene Flagship Spearhead Project GBIRCAM, to design cheaper and more efficient broadband infrared devices.

Graphene Innovations Inc has signed a new Tier-1 partnership with Manchester University's GEIC center. The company will establish a local company (GIIM) in the UK, with plans to hire 10 employees in the next few months.

The GEIC partnership enables GIIM to equip a private lab in the facility, with access to highly specialised applications labs and equipment, plus the unique academic and engineering expertise of the world-leading graphene and 2D materials community at the University.

Haydale has announced that it has been awarded a SMARTCymru grant from The Welsh Government that will enable the Company to progress with the development of its anti-counterfeiting ink technology, PATit.

The Project has a total cost of £169,000 and is expected to take six months to complete. The SMARTCymru grant, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, will cover about 50% of the anticipated project costs.

Latvia has allocated $1.4 million divided between three innovative projects that aim to improve electromagnetic protection and cybersecurity and to develop a ballistic protective vest to protect UAVs.

The project for a prototype of a ballistic protective vest will feature a pressure-sensitive layer with graphene and silicon aerogel for accurate reception of impact. This effort has been awarded funding of €449,000 ($508,000).

Black Swan Graphene aims to go public, expecting to trade at the Toronto Venture Exchange (TSX). the company will do so as a merger with capital pool company Dragonfly Capital Corp. As part of the deal, the company will raise $5 million CAD.

Black Swan Graphene was established in July 2021, by Mason Graphite and Thomas Swan. BSG owns patented graphene processing technologies developed at Thomas Swan, and before the deal with Dragonfly Mason Graphite held 66.67% of the company, while Thomas swan held 33.33%.

NanoXplore announced that it has acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Canuck Compounders, a privately held plastic recycling compounder that provides sustainable and engineered recycled plastic compounds for use in transportation, building and construction, agriculture and packaging markets. Canuck's manufacturing facility, based in Cambridge, Ontario, has a production capacity of approximately 40 million pounds annually.

"I am very pleased with this acquisition and would like to welcome Canuck's team to the NanoXplore family," said Dr. Soroush Nazarpour, Chief Executive Officer of NanoXplore. "This acquisition is strategically aligned with our growth initiatives and significantly increases our graphene compounding capability, especially in recycled plastics and will enable us to form strategic partnerships with end customers. In addition, Canuck has a strong relationship with recycled plastic suppliers that ensures a smooth and reliable supply of post-consumer and post-industrial recycled plastics. This transaction will enhance our technical expertise in recycled plastic compounds and bolster our top-line by approximately $20 million annually, without considering revenues derived from graphene inclusion."

UK-based graphene developer Haydale announced its financial results for its 2021 financial year. Yearly revenues reached £2.9 million (down 2% from FY2020), while net loss was reduced by 15% to £3.41 million. Cash outflow was reduced by 52% to £1.58 million.

Haydale is still cautious regarding its short-term revenue, but it is optimistic regarding the long-term potential, and Haydale reports that it ordered a larger HT1400 plasma reactor, which will significantly increase the company's capacity to allow production to move to an industrial level in 2022.

The Norway-based CrayNano, spun-off from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and specializes in UVC LED packaged chips for disinfection of water, surface and air based on a technology combining graphene and nanostructures, has received a grant of over USD$1,565,000 from the Norwegian Research Council of Norway for a project titled "UV-C LED using nanowires-on-graphene".

"This shows the interest and support of CrayoNano and our disruptive technology. There is a real need for better disinfection solutions, and this grant re-affirms CrayoNano's vision for a sustainable and healthier future for all." said Jo Uthus, CEO of CrayoNano.

Directa Plus has announced plans to raise £7 million (around USD$9,445,000) in a share placing to help accelerate the development of its graphene-based products.

Directa Plus has made consistent progress towards its goal of commercializing its graphene products and processes with a high quality, growing roster of customers, said Sir Peter Middleton, Directa Plus non-executive chairman. The fundraising will enable the company to accelerate that progress by providing funds for investment in what the board considers to be exciting opportunities".