Dr. Simon Thomas (Paragraf)
Overview
Dr. Simon Thomas is the Co-Founder and CEO of Paragraf, a pioneering company in the development and commercial production of graphene-based electronic devices. Under his leadership, Paragraf has significantly advanced the capabilities of graphene technology, making substantial contributions to the electronics industry. The company is renowned for transitioning graphene from laboratory research to scalable commercial applications, addressing challenges in various fields, including healthcare, quantum computing, and energy sectors.
Recent Developments
- August 2025: Paragraf successfully completed a $55 million Series C funding round, aimed at enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and expanding production output (source).
- February 2025: In collaboration with the University of Cambridge, Paragraf secured an Innovate UK grant to develop a novel semiconductor memory technology integrating graphene and ferroelectric materials, promoting energy efficiency in data centers and consumer devices (source).
- May 2025: Paragraf announced a strategic partnership with Tachmed to scale graphene-powered diagnostics, aiming to enhance rapid testing capabilities in primary care settings worldwide (source).
- January 2025: A collaboration between Paragraf and the University of Birmingham focused on exploring graphene sensors for quantum computing applications, funded by significant awards from Innovate UK and UKRI (source).
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Simon Thomas |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | CEO, Co-Founder of Paragraf |
| Known For | Graphene-based electronics innovations |
| Education | Background in physics, engineering, and materials science |
Early Life and Education
Dr. Simon Thomas began his academic journey focused on physics and materials science, disciplines that laid the foundation for his groundbreaking work in graphene technology. His early career was marked by a deep interest in semiconductor materials and device applications. His educational pursuits equipped him with the necessary expertise in materials deposition techniques and an understanding of two-dimensional materials. This foundational knowledge was pivotal in his later achievements in developing scalable processes for graphene production.
Career and Notable Achievements
- 2015: Co-founded Paragraf, leveraging his research on graphene to transition from academia to commercial applications. The company was spun out from the University of Cambridge.
- 2021: Elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, recognizing his contributions to engineering and technology (source).
- 2023: Under his guidance, Paragraf acquired Cardea Bio, reinforcing its leadership in graphene biosensor technology and expanding its presence in the U.S. market (source).
- 2025: Led Paragraf through a significant Series C funding round, ensuring the company’s continued growth and innovation potential in the semiconductor industry (source).
Current Work and Impact
Dr. Simon Thomas continues to lead Paragraf in pioneering efforts that are transforming the use of graphene in electronics. The company’s advances in graphene sensors and transistors are contributing to industries such as healthcare, automotive, and quantum computing. By harnessing the unique properties of graphene, Paragraf is setting new standards for performance and energy efficiency in electronic devices.
Related Developments
- Innovate UK Grant: Paragraf's strategic collaborations funded by Innovate UK grants emphasize the company's commitment to advancing graphene technology in semiconductor and memory device applications.
- Partnerships and Global Expansion: Under Dr. Thomas's leadership, Paragraf has established strong partnerships and expanded its global footprint, particularly in the U.S. and Asian markets, reinforcing its position as a leader in the graphene electronics industry.
Conclusion
Dr. Simon Thomas’s work with Paragraf represents a significant leap forward in the commercialization of graphene technology. His strategic direction has not only established Paragraf as a leader in the field but also set the stage for future innovations in electronic devices. By overcoming the challenges of graphene production and aligning it with existing semiconductor processes, Dr. Thomas is helping to unlock new potentials in multiple industries, promising a transformative impact on the technology landscape.