Paragraf: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Paragraf is a pioneering UK-based technology company specializing in the mass production of graphene-based electronic devices. Emerging as a spin-off from the University of Cambridge in 2018, Paragraf has rapidly established itself as a global leader in the commercialization of graphene, a revolutionary two-dimensional material known for its exceptional electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The company focuses on deploying graphene in practical semiconductor products such as magnetic sensors and molecular sensors, addressing sectors including automotive, quantum computing, health care, cryogenics, and agriculture. Paragraf’s unique manufacturing process overcomes traditional hurdles in scaling up graphene electronics, positioning it at the forefront of next-generation electronic innovations. This article explores ten key facets of Paragraf, from its origins and technology to its groundbreaking applications and future prospects.

1. Origins and Founding Vision

Paragraf was founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the University of Cambridge’s Department of Materials Science, building on groundbreaking research led by Professor Sir Colin Humphreys and others in the Centre for Gallium Nitride group. The founders sought to transition graphene from a scientific curiosity into a viable commercial material for electronics through a proprietary process that enabled the direct growth of single-layer graphene on semiconductor substrates. This innovation sidestepped prior manufacturing challenges that often involved transferring graphene films, which risked damaging the material and reducing device performance. The founding vision emphasized scalable manufacturing processes compatible with conventional semiconductor production, aiming to unlock graphene’s vast potential in practical electronic applications.

2. Cutting-Edge Graphene Growth Technology

At the heart of Paragraf’s success lies its unique metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) technique for producing high-quality graphene films directly on sapphire and silicon carbide wafers. This transfer-free process preserves the intrinsic properties of graphene, such as extreme hardness, high electrical mobility, and nearly perfect transparency. Unlike traditional methods reliant on copper foil transfer, Paragraf's growth method enhances device reliability and scalability. This precise control over graphene quality and uniformity enables the production of semiconductor-grade graphene layers optimized for high-performance electronic devices like field-effect transistors (GFETs) and Hall sensors.

3. Product Portfolio: Sensors and Semiconductors

Paragraf manufactures a range of graphene-based products including Graphene Hall Sensors (GHS) and Graphene Molecular Sensors (GMS). The Hall sensors, known for their exceptional sensitivity and low noise, function effectively in harsh environments and extreme temperatures—from cryogenic levels near absolute zero up to automotive temperature ranges. These sensors find applications in areas ranging from electric vehicle safety systems to quantum computing hardware. Their molecular sensors leverage graphene’s extraordinary sensitivity to detect single molecules, enabling fast, highly accurate chemical and biological sensing for healthcare diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and agriculture.

4. Impact on Quantum Computing

One of Paragraf’s most promising applications is its role in advancing quantum computing technology. Quantum bits (qubits) require precise control and ultra-sensitive magnetic field detection to maintain coherence. Paragraf’s graphene Hall sensors operate reliably at millikelvin temperatures, making them ideally suited for quantum processor environments. Collaborations, such as with the University of Birmingham, focus on exploring graphene’s properties at ultra-low temperatures to develop sensors capable of managing qubit decoherence. This enabling technology helps improve the stability and performance of quantum computers, positioning Paragraf at the vanguard of this transformative field.

5. Automotive and Industrial Automation Applications

Paragraf's graphene Hall sensors contribute significantly to automotive safety and performance, particularly within electric vehicles (EVs). Their high sensitivity allows for precise current monitoring and position sensing, which can detect battery faults and thermal propagation early, reducing risks of fires and injury. In industrial automation, these sensors improve robustness and accuracy in harsh environments, benefiting sectors such as aerospace and manufacturing. Their operational stability from sub-zero to high temperatures marks a major advantage over conventional sensor materials.

6. Scale-Up and Manufacturing Capacity

Paragraf has progressed beyond laboratory prototype stages to establish large-scale production capabilities. It operates an initial development fab in Somersham, Cambridgeshire, and a purpose-built manufacturing facility in Huntingdon that supports wafer sizes up to 6 inches. This scale-up enables them to meet growing demand and deliver volumes required for automotive, industrial, and medical markets. With $55 million raised in a 2025 Series C funding round, Paragraf is investing aggressively to expand its manufacturing footprint, improve yield, and increase throughput, securing its position as the first graphene foundry producing electronics at industrial scale.

7. Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions

Paragraf actively collaborates with academic institutions, industrial partners, and companies across sectors. A notable acquisition is Cardea Bio, based in San Diego, which accelerates Paragraf’s entry into biosensors and healthcare diagnostics markets. Collaborations with entities like Archer Materials and TachMed aim to combine graphene electronics with specialized biochips and advanced diagnostic platforms. Partnerships with research universities leverage deep expertise in nanotechnology, materials science, and quantum physics to push performance boundaries and unlock new applications for graphene devices.

8. Commitment to a Sustainable and Healthier Future

Paragraf’s technology underpins several global sustainability and health initiatives. Its graphene sensors promote precision farming by enabling real-time monitoring of soil and crop health, reducing resource consumption and chemical overuse. Improved EV battery monitoring supports wider adoption of renewable transportation. Medical applications target rapid, accurate biosensing that can expedite diagnostics and personalized healthcare. Overall, the company envisions its 2D material-based electronics as instrumental in creating healthier people, cities, and planet through more efficient, lower energy consumption technologies.

9. Industry Recognition and Awards

Since inception, Paragraf has earned significant recognition for innovation and product design. It received the Excellence in Product Design award for high-reliability systems in 2020 and the Automotive Electronics Award at the Elektra Awards in 2021. Business Weekly named Paragraf its Business of the Year in 2023, highlighting its rapid growth and impact. These accolades reflect Paragraf’s leadership not only in graphene manufacturing but also in delivering commercially viable, high-performance products that address real-world challenges.

10. Future Prospects and Challenges

Looking ahead, Paragraf aims to scale its device production massively, lower costs, and broaden its product range beyond sensors to include graphene transistors and integrated circuits. The company is exploring the replacement of silicon in certain semiconductor applications with graphene to dramatically reduce power consumption and increase performance density. Challenges remain, including ongoing industry qualification cycles, maintaining high material quality at scale, and expanding market adoption of graphene-based components. However, Paragraf’s strong IP base, experienced leadership, and strategic investments position it well to play a pivotal role in the electronics revolution driven by 2D materials.

Conclusion

Paragraf stands at the forefront of commercializing graphene electronics, transforming a material once confined to labs into scalable, high-impact technologies that span quantum computing, automotive safety, healthcare, and environmental applications. Its unique approach to graphene growth production, combined with validated device performance and strategic collaborations, highlight the company’s innovative edge and industry leadership. As Paragraf continues to scale and diversify, it exemplifies the promise of graphene to reshape electronics with improved sensitivity, efficiency, and sustainability. The future beckons with the question: how far can graphene-driven devices go in revolutionizing technology and daily life?