A new non-profit advocacy organisation and venture fund have been formed in the US in a bid to advance the commercialisation of graphene through a number of applications, including developments in smart textiles.
Launched by the National Graphene Association (NGA) on the back of its successful Graphene Innovation Summit & Expo in Texas last month, the American Graphene Institute and the Graphene Venture Fund are expected to create growth opportunities for graphene businesses.
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Clothing that incorporates graphene, an innovative nanotech material derived from graphite, is said to significantly improve performance for athletes, professionals and sports enthusiasts.
Italian knitter Eurojersey is one brand that has benefitted from using graphene in its products, having partnered with graphene-based product supplier Directa Plus earlier this year on the development of the first grahene-enhanced textiles for its Sensitive Fabrics brand.
Eurojersey gets graphene boost from Directa Plus
The two-dimensional so-called “wonder material”was also key in the creation of what UK researchers called the world’s most technically advanced dress, the development of which marked the first time the material has been used in the fashion industry.
Graphene dress marks “major step” forward
Now, in light of the summit’s success, the American Graphene Institute and the Graphene Venture Fund will aid further development of graphene businesses.
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By GlobalDataKey members of NGA’s advisory board recommended the creation of the two entities during a meeting at the event, which took place from 29-31 October in Nashville and saw leading graphene researchers, industrialists and entrepreneurs discuss developing new products and technologies and bringing them to market.
“We all share a vision of a graphene future that will see new products developed—and current products improved—in ways yet to be imagined,” says NGA founder Dr Ed Meek. “Through this summit, we have begun to build the foundation necessary for the growth, development and commercialisation of graphene. Perhaps no discovery in my lifetime holds the promise that may be revealed in graphene.”
NGA will also produce the Global Graphene Conference in May 2018 in Las Vegas.
