Emberion Ltd

Their core work

Emberion is a Cambridge-based SME that develops graphene-based imaging sensors and detectors, specializing in converting 2D material research into commercial photonic and sensing devices. Their work within the Graphene Flagship — Europe's largest research initiative on graphene — focuses on translating laboratory-scale graphene technologies into functional imagers and sensor products. The company bridges fundamental graphene science and industrial application, contributing specifically to infrared imaging and detector technologies built on graphene-on-wafer processes.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2016–2018), Emberion engaged broadly across the Graphene Flagship's research landscape, touching composite materials, energy applications, electronics, photonics, sensors, and biomedical technologies — essentially exploring where graphene could add value. By 2020–2024, their focus sharpened decisively toward production readiness: FET Flagship scaling, 2D materials pilot lines, and manufacturing infrastructure. This trajectory shows a classic deep-tech SME maturation — from wide-angle R&D exploration to zeroing in on commercialization and volume production.

Emberion is moving from research participation toward manufacturing-scale graphene device production, making them increasingly relevant as a technology supplier rather than a pure research partner.

How they like to work

Emberion operates exclusively as a participant or third party — never leading consortia — which is typical for a specialist SME contributing deep technical capability to large flagship programs. Their 250 unique partners across 24 countries are a function of the Graphene Flagship's massive consortium structure rather than independent network-building. This means working with Emberion gives you access to the Flagship ecosystem, but they are best engaged as a focused technology contributor rather than a project orchestrator.

Through the Graphene Flagship, Emberion has collaborated with 250 partners across 24 countries, giving them exposure to Europe's entire graphene research and industrial ecosystem. Their network is wide but Flagship-driven rather than independently cultivated.

What sets them apart

Emberion occupies a specific niche: a private SME that has been embedded in the Graphene Flagship from Core Project 1 through Core Project 3 and into the pilot line phase. This continuous involvement means they have accumulated deep know-how in translating graphene research into commercial detector and imaging products. For consortium builders, they offer a rare combination — SME agility with flagship-grade graphene device expertise, particularly in infrared sensing and imaging.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GrapheneCore3
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 973,268), representing Emberion's growing role and responsibility within the Flagship's third and most application-oriented phase.
• 2D-EPL
  Participation in the 2D Experimental Pilot Line signals Emberion's transition from research into manufacturing-scale production of graphene-based devices.
• G-IMAGER
  The only project where Emberion served as third party, focused specifically on their core product — graphene-on-wafer imagers — indicating this is their commercialization target.