Sneak a peek at the GEIC

The first phase of the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) has now been handed over to the University ahead of the installation and fit-out of equipment. Additional works are already underway to fit out the laboratories ahead of the centre opening later this year.

This is the first look at the newly completed £60m centre, which will be housed in The Masdar Building, to accelerate the commercial pace of graphene and 2D materials in Manchester.

The GEIC will focus on industry-led application development in partnership with academics. It will fill a critical gap in the graphene and 2D materials ecosystem by providing facilities that focus on pilot production, characterisation, together with application development in composites, energy, solution formulations and coatings, electronics and membranes.

Along with the National Graphene Institute and the £105m Henry Royce Institute building (set to be completed in 2019) the GEIC will be crucial in maintaining the UK’s world leading position in advanced materials.

The GEIC will also act as the cornerstone of the University’s vision to create a Graphene City in the heart of Manchester, made up of; scientists, manufacturers, engineers, innovators, investors and industrialists to build a thriving knowledge-based economy.

James Baker, CEO, Graphene@Manchester, said:

“The GEIC is a key component of the University’s strategy for Graphene@Manchester. The centre’s aim is to accelerate the commercialisation to real-world applications to transition graphene and other 2D materials from the lab to the marketplace.”

Mel Manku, Arcadis Partner and UK Regional Sector Leader, Education said:

“The Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre will allow Manchester and the UK to take a truly world-leading position in graphene and other 2D materials..

“The city of Manchester and wider Northern Powerhouse region are at the forefront of generating prosperity outside of London, and critical facilities like this will lead the world in terms of research and innovation. Arcadis are extremely proud to have worked with the university on this significant project.”

The new flagship facility has been funded by Masdar-an Abu Dhabi based renewable energy and clean technology company, Research England, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Innovate UK.

Advanced materials is one of The University of Manchester’s research beacons - examples of pioneering discoveries, interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sector partnerships that are tackling some of the biggest questions facing the planet.

Visit the University of Manchester website to view more images of the GEIC.

To receive manufacturing news straight to your inbox join our Network today.