Paragraf
Cambridge-based Paragraf is commercialising graphene-based semiconductor devices, turning one of the world’s most promising materials into practical electronics.
Paragraf is a Cambridge-based semiconductor company commercialising graphene-based electronic devices, showing how advanced materials research can be turned into manufacturable technology for real-world applications.
Spun out from Cambridge University in 2017, the company has established itself as leader in graphene-based technology.
As the first company in the world to mass-produce graphene-based electronic devices using standard semiconductor manufacturing processes, Paragraf is combining cutting-edge research, engineering excellence and commercial ambition to create technologies with global impact.
The wonder material
At the heart of Paragraf's success is graphene, a material renowned for its exceptional electrical, thermal and mechanical properties. Since the material was first isolated, the UK has played a leading role in graphene research.
Paragraf has built on that scientific foundation to overcome one of the industry's most significant challenges: manufacturing graphene-based semiconductor devices reliably and at commercial scale.
The company's proprietary process enables high-quality graphene to be grown directly onto semiconductor wafers, eliminating transfer processes that can introduce defects and variability.
"The world is looking for solutions and its very rare to get the opportunity to be a part of those solutions.
"It's a really exciting time to be in new materials innovation.
"We are creating game-changing, world-changing technologies right here in the heart of Huntingdon."
Simon Thomas, CEO, Paragraf
$140 million
Raised over three rounds of funding
2017
Founded as a spin-out from Cambridge University
$48.5 million
Series B investment raised
Manufacturing success
In 2025, Paragraf produced its first 6-inch graphene wafer at its new site in Huntingdon.
This breakthrough has enabled Paragraf to develop a portfolio of graphene-based Hall effect sensors and magnetic sensing technologies that deliver exceptional performance in demanding environments where conventional silicon-based devices can be limited.
These devices are finding applications across multiple high-growth sectors, including electric vehicles, industrial automation, healthcare, scientific instrumentation and emerging quantum technologies.
By enabling more precise sensing, lower power consumption and enhanced reliability, Paragraf's products are helping customers solve increasingly complex engineering challenges.
Investing in the future
Paragraf's growth story also highlights the advantages of the UK as a location for semiconductor innovation and scale-up.
Emerging from the Cambridge technology cluster, the company has benefited from access to world-class research institutions, highly skilled engineering talent and a collaborative innovation ecosystem that supports the commercialisation of breakthrough technologies.
The company has successfully translated deep scientific expertise into commercial products, attracting $140 million of investment to date, expanding manufacturing capability across two sites and building international customer relationships.
As global demand grows for advanced sensing, quantum technologies and next-generation electronic systems, Paragraf is developing and manufacturing semiconductor technologies that address some of the world's most demanding applications.
"We have some of the best university talent in the world in the UK, and we have some of the best entrepreneurs that have spun businesses out before.
"So there's an ecosystem that you can reply upon which means you're not starting a business from a standing start."
Simon Thomas, CEO, Paragraf
Paragraf's road to success
Paragraf spins out from Cambridge University
Paragraf spins out from the Centre for Gallium Nitride group of Professor Sir Colin Humphreys in the Department of Materials Science at the University of Cambridge.
£2.9 million of seed investment secured
Paragraf closes a £2.9 million seed round, led by Cambridge Enterprise, the commercialisation arm of the University of Cambridge, with the participation of Parkwalk Advisors, Amadeus Capital Partners, IQ Capital Partners and angel investors.
New R&D facility opens its doors
Paragraf opens new facility north of Cambridge, with customised equipment to convert cutting edge laboratory research into novel products.
Paragraf raised £16.2 million in Series A round
Paragraf raises a total of £16.2m in a Series A round led by Parkwalk and including investment from IQ Capital, Amadeus Capital Partners, Cambridge Enterprise, as well as several angel investors.
$60 million Series B round closed
Paragraf closed a $60m Series B round led by New Science Ventures and including current investors Parkwalk, Amadeus Capital Partners, IQ Capital and Molten Ventures, as well as new investors British Patient Capital through its Future Fund: Breakthrough and US based, In-Q-Tel.
Paragraf opens second manufacturing site in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
Paragraf's new facility significantly increases the size of its clean room facilities and other manufacturing areas while providing additional office space for its over 100 staff.
Paragraf closes $55M Series C funding round
Paragraf completes a $55m Series C funding round to accelerate scaling of its manufacturing capabilities and boost production output to enable the adoption of graphene electronics in mass markets.
First 6-inch graphene wafer at new facility
Paragraf successfully produces the first 6-inch wafer at its new manufacturing facility in Huntingdon, marking a significant expansion in the company’s production capability and technology platform.