Team
VĂtor Abrantes
CEO & Founder
Mechanical & Materials Eng.
- Entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in advanced materials, product development and industrial processes.
- Â Background in Mechanical and Materials Engineering.
- Â CFA candidate Full Scholarship
- Techstars Alumni, Henkel Startup Award 2018
- Passionate about sustainability and circular economy.
Bruno Figueiredo
Co-CEO & Founder
PhD Chemical Engineer
- PhD in Chemical Engineering, with a strong expertise in the production and commercialization of known and novel materials.
- Forbes 30 Under 30 Industry Class of 2017 honoree.
- Skilled in directing and focusing teams, ensuring access to tools and resources for success.
- Connects researchers, suppliers, producers, and buyers through market-leading graphene technologies to drive innovation and impact.
- Lead investigator in several R&D projects.
Rui Silva
CTO & Founder
MsC Chemical Engineer
- MSc in Chemical Engineering with focus on the operation and management of high-pressure systems and processes.
- Former production manager and product developer with expertise in efficient production operations.
- Plays a key role in the operation and future development of Graphenest’s production unit.
- Built operations (supply chain, service & support) and guides improvements to Graphenest’s production system.
Cristina Correia
R&D and Innovation
MSc Chemical Eng.
Industrial experience at Kemet Electronics, specializing in electrolytic capacitors during her internship at the Electrolytic Innovation Center.
Focusing on product development and improvement.
Sofia Arede
Board Executive Assistant
BSc Management
Over 10 years of experience in quality standards preparation and monitoring across various industries, including energy, food tech, hospitality, and public services.
Contributing to the company’s operations and strategic initiatives.
Joana Lopes
R&D and Innovation
PhD Chemistry
Lab experience in developing nanostructured materials and in carbon-based material functionalization.
Skilled in innovative strategies for nanoparticles and advanced characterization techniques.
Focusing in sustainable technologies to develop advanced materials.
InĂŞs Espada
R&D and Innovation
MSc Micro and Nanotech
- Lab experience in synthesizing nanoparticles using green methods.
- Passionate about electronics and electrochemical sensors, particularly those produced via printing technologies.
Sara Barros
Int. Business Developer
PhD Chemical engineer
Over 6 years of R&D experience in collaborative industrial projects.
Expert in material characterization, aligning client needs with new materials development.
Focusing in graphene technology integration, establishing partnerships, and promoting sales by close collaboration with clients.
Mission
Become a vital partner in the e-mobility ecosystem by delivering groundbreaking graphene-based shielding technology and IP solutions. We work with industry leaders to co-develop next-generation products that drive sustainable performance and shape the future of e-mobility and next-gen electronics.
Vision
We envision a world where sustainable, disruptive graphene-based shielding solutions are seamlessly integrated into everyday products, advancing performance, reducing environmental impact, and redefining what’s possible in technology.
Graphenest timeline
In 2015, Graphenest was founded and immediately filed a patent for a method and device for the production of graphene. That same year, it secured its first investment from Portugal Ventures, marking a strong start to its technological journey.
By 2016, Graphenest had successfully developed a cleantech prototype at scale, achieving graphene production with a pressure of 22 kPa, a significant milestone in its R&D process.
In 2017, Graphenest became an associated member of the prestigious Graphene Flagship, one of the largest European research initiatives dedicated to graphene innovation.
In 2018, the GNESIS project received approval, officially launching the pilot-scale phase of graphene-based product development. Additionally, Graphenest joined the Techstars Autonomous Technology Accelerator program in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, enhancing its global exposure and credibility.
During 2019, two major projects were approved. The first, GEMIS, focused on the development of EMI shielding products. The second, NeuroStimSpinal, aimed at building an electrostimulation medical device, further expanding the company’s applications of graphene into the biomedical sector.
In 2020, Graphenest scaled up its cleantech production capacity, reaching pilot-scale output of 0.3 tons per annum, solidifying its technological and industrial capabilities.
In 2022, a patent was granted for a graphene-based coating composition designed for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. That same year, Graphenest entered into a joint development agreement with Delta Tecnic for the creation of graphene-enhanced PVC compounds.
The year 2023 brought further growth, as Graphenest secured investment from Buenavista Equity Partners. It also received a new patent for a thermoplastic composition capable of shielding against electromagnetic waves. In addition, a joint development agreement was signed with Hubron to produce graphene-based polypropylene (PP) compounds.
By 2024, Graphenest achieved a major certification milestone, obtaining TĂśV Rheinland certifications for ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards, with TĂśV ID 9000035385, reinforcing its commitment to quality and environmental management.
Value Proposition
Graphenest delivers the next generation of graphene-based electromagnetic shielding solutions, enabling Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers in the electric mobility market to:
Align with Sustainability Regulations
Respond to Europe’s responsible sourcing mandates by reducing reliance on pollution-intensive and imported metals. Contribute to the European Commission’s greenhouse gas reduction targets—cutting
emissions by at least 55% by 2030, on a path to climate neutrality by 2050.to the commitment of responsible sourcing to reduce mining pollution and enhance sustainability.
Fulfill OEM Requirements for Zero Emissions
Prepare for the transition to all-electric vehicles by 2035, when all new cars sold in the EU must have zero emissions. Support future-ready vehicle designs integrating advanced EMI shielding without sacrificing
weight or range.at least 55% by 2030, setting Europe on a responsible path to becoming climate neutral by 2050. Simultaneously, the European Union is proposing that all new cars sold from 2035 should have zero emissions putting a lot of pressure on the OEMs.
Reduce Production Costs and Lead Times
Replace time- and energy-intensive metal-based processes with graphene-enhanced materials that can be manufactured up to 50x faster (e.g., in coaxial cable alternatives).
Maximize Vehicle Performance and Battery Life
Reduce the weight of electric vehicles—currently around 30% heavier than traditional combustion vehicles—to boost range and extend battery longevity. Provide robust EMI shielding
that mitigates harmful interferences between batteries, chargers, and onboard electronics.battery life expectancy remains low: the lifespan of EV batteries is of high importance, due to the power source for an electric car being an expensive component to replace. As the industry assembles more vehicles with battery packs, lifetime management of a battery is an important aspect for the OEM. With EV the shielding issues are magnified. The large magnetic field between the battery cables and the engine, as well as the battery and the charger, can negatively affect electronic systems in the vehicle. EMI originated from external sources is also a cause for concern, as it can harm the battery and all of its associated electronic circuits. This topic is of high importance in upcoming EV technologies such as 5G and 6G communications.