SPAC SPA

Their core work

SPAC SPA is an Italian industrial company based in Arzignano (Veneto) that contributes to the development and industrialization of graphene and 2D materials. They have been a consistent participant in the EU Graphene Flagship — one of Europe's largest research initiatives — focusing on translating graphene research into practical applications across composites, energy, electronics, and sensors. Their involvement in the 2D Experimental Pilot Line project indicates a role in scaling up graphene-based materials from laboratory to production readiness.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

SPAC's early involvement (GrapheneCore2, 2018) covered a broad spectrum of graphene applications including composites, energy, electronics, photonics, sensors, and biomedical technologies — suggesting they were exploring where graphene could fit their industrial capabilities. By 2020, their focus narrowed sharply toward pilot line manufacturing and 2D materials scale-up (GrapheneCore3 and 2D-EPL), indicating a strategic shift from exploratory research toward industrialization and production. This trajectory suggests the company is moving from "what can graphene do?" to "how do we manufacture it at scale?"

SPAC is transitioning from graphene research participation toward manufacturing and pilot line production, positioning themselves as an industrial partner for bringing 2D materials to market.

How they like to work

SPAC operates exclusively as a participant in very large consortia — all three projects are part of the Graphene Flagship, which involves hundreds of partners. With 219 unique consortium partners across 21 countries, their network is vast but largely inherited from the Flagship structure rather than independently built. This profile suggests they contribute specialized industrial capability to large collaborative programs rather than initiating or leading projects themselves.

Through the Graphene Flagship, SPAC is connected to 219 partners across 21 countries — one of Europe's most extensive research networks in advanced materials. However, this broad network is a feature of the Flagship's massive consortium structure rather than independently cultivated relationships.

What sets them apart

SPAC brings an industrial manufacturing perspective to the graphene research ecosystem. While most Graphene Flagship partners are universities and research institutes, SPAC's involvement as a private company — particularly in the pilot line project — suggests they offer real-world production capabilities that can bridge the gap between laboratory graphene research and market-ready materials. Their base in Veneto, one of Italy's strongest manufacturing regions, reinforces this industrial profile.

Highlights from their portfolio

• 2D-EPL
  Directly targets pilot line production of graphene and 2D materials — the critical step between research and commercial manufacturing.
• GrapheneCore3
  The third phase of Europe's billion-euro Graphene Flagship, and the only project where SPAC's EUR 400,000 EC funding is recorded.