3rd Global Graphene Call: international call to promote innovative graphene-based projects

The Basque Nanoscience Research Center, CIC nanoGUNE, together with BerriUp —the number one private startup accelerator in Spain, according to the Financial Times—, Graphenea —nanoGUNE’s first startup devoted to the production and marketing of graphene—, Fomento San Sebastián —municipal economic development agency of Donostia-San Sebastian—, and BIC Gipuzkoa —Business Innovation Centre that promotes the creation of innovative companies—, have signed a collaboration agreement to promote the development of graphene-related projects. Their joint effort has culminated in the 3rd Global Graphene Call, an international call to capture and accelerate business ideas based on the disruptive potential of graphene.

In the first edition in 2020, 35 projects from across the world submitted applications to the call, and the winner was a Dutch company that stood out for its innovative approach to the application of graphene. In the second edition in 2022, the number of projects rose to 45 proposals, reflecting the growing global interest in this material. On that occasion, the winner was a project from India, which underlines the international and competitive profile of the call. This third edition of the Global Graphene Call is now aiming to attract even more projects with the potential to revolutionize key industries.

According to Patricia Casado, the Head of BerriUp, “We are looking for graphene-based projects to assist in their development and market launch. So in our third edition we have added new partners so that the best conditions can be offered.”

Jesús de la Fuente, CEO of Graphenea, drew attention to the following: “Graphene has huge potential to revolutionize a whole range of sectors. With this call, we are making it easier for entrepreneurs and enterprises to access our technology and expertise so that they can take their ideas to the next level.”

Iñigo Olaizola, Managing Director of Fomento San Sebastián, added: “At Fomento San Sebastián we are committed to projects that combine innovation with technology, and graphene represents a great opportunity to attract talent and companies to our city. We offer a unique environment with key tools such as EKINN, a node for innovation and entrepreneurship, to enable these projects to grow.”

Ainara Garcia-Gallastegui, Technology Transfer Director, also highlighted the strategic importance of this call: “At nanoGUNE we firmly believe that graphene is one of the key materials of the future, with enormous potential to transform various industries. Through this call, we want to provide entrepreneurs with access to our state-of-the-art facilities and the scientific knowledge we have built up. Our goal is to turn innovative ideas into tangible realities that can have a positive impact globally.”

Finally, María Luisa Arriola, Managing Director at BIC Gipuzkoa, pointed out: “The support we offer through our Ekintzaile-Txekintek program is essential in accelerating the growth of technology start-ups. We want entrepreneurs to find the ideal location in Gipuzkoa so that they can develop and consolidate their innovative projects.”