Haydale has announced that it has been awarded SMART Flexible Innovation Support ("SMART FIS") from The Welsh Government to accelerate the development of its graphene underfloor heating product and range of biomedical sensor inks.
As part of a new innovation strategy for Wales, aimed at supporting Welsh industry by increased investment in research, development, and innovation, SMART FIS will provide Haydale with funding totaling £182,843 over a two-year period. Part of this funding will enable Haydale to accelerate the development of its prototype graphene underfloor heating ("UFH") towards a market-ready CE product that can be tested in a home environment. It will support continued engagement with partners such as City Energy Network Ltd and Plumbase.
The support will also drive the development of Haydale's graphene-enhanced biomedical inks for sensor and diagnostic applications, accelerating the progress made so far with Cardiff University and Kidney Research UK.
The use of functionalized graphene in biomedical sensors allows tailored diagnostics for specific illnesses. The improved sensitivity, scalability, shelf life and accuracy of functionalized graphene-based sensors eliminates the need for traditional metallics in such devices, making them more accessible to lower income communities, with improved environmental impact and manufacturability.
David Davies, UK Managing Director at Haydale, commented: "Receiving the SMART Flexible Innovation Support through the Welsh Government marks a significant milestone in funding our innovation and continued product development. I am delighted that our ongoing relationship with the Welsh Government continues to support RD&I towards delivering our Innovation Plans and bringing our graphene-enhanced heater and bio ink products to market."
Ryan Howard, Non-Executive Director at Haydale, commented on UFH: "This support will accelerate the development of our technology and processes particularly for underfloor heating where we believe functionalised graphene can pave the way for the next generation of energy-efficient heating, particularly in situations where an air source heat pump cannot be installed in domestic and commercial properties. The development of graphene UFH is potentially a significant contributor to achieving Net Zero targets in the UK and Europe. The integration with low voltage micro generation technologies such as solar, batteries, and smart heating controls could offer carbon neutral solutions for the future. By working with City Energy Network's partners such as UK PTS ("Plumbase") and EDF there is the potential to bring this low power technology to a wide range of households in the UK and beyond."