2020 was a year of transition, of changing mindsets and, most importantly, a year of evolution.
Throughout this, our research continues to be translated into thriving spin-out businesses that will boost the North East economy for many years to come.
With a strong track record of producing innovative spin-out businesses that have grown into thriving global companies, a key success story of our university is Applied Graphene Materials (AGM).
Developed in Durham
Founded by Professor Karl Coleman in 2010, the organisation's unique operations and processes are based on the technology he initially developed here at Durham University.
Considered a "wonder material" Graphene is a completely transparent form of carbon, the thinnest and lightest materials known to science, the best possible conductor of electricity, has outstanding thermal conductivity and is 100 times stronger than steel!
From strength to strength
Now in their second decade, AGM continues to lead the field of graphene dispersion, with global distributors working with customers across the world and in fields as diverse as paints and coatings, car care, batteries and energy storage, polymer composites and lubricants, car waxes and polishes.
The company has built a strong range of partnerships in the past 2 years with 12 products launched with tier 2 manufacturers and a further six products in the pipeline.
Products include an anti-corrosion primer and a protective bike detailing spray which can now be found on the shelves in Halfords, the UK's leading retailer of motoring, cycling and leisure products and services.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak recently highlighted the vital role research-based start-ups and innovation will have to play in spearheading our economic recovery from the coronavirus and AGM is well-placed to help deliver a much-needed boost to the local economy.
