Grafoid

About Grafoid

Grafoid Inc. is a Canadian enterprise focused on the research, development, and investment in graphene, a single-layer carbon nanomaterial. Founded in 2011, the company operates from Kingston, Ontario, and has established itself by investing in and managing the development of markets for economically scalable graphene production processes. The founding partners include Jeffrey York, Gary Economo, and Dr. Gordon Chiu. Mr. York, serving as Chairman, has a background in economics and accounting, with past leadership roles at Farm Boy Inc. and Giant Tiger Stores Ltd. Mr. Economo, a co-founder who served as CEO until his retirement in 2020, has extensive experience in high-technology companies and graphite marketing. Dr. Chiu, the President and Chief Technology Officer, brings experience from the biomedical, chemical, and technology sectors, having previously worked as a research scientist at Pfizer Inc. and Merck & Co., Inc.

The company's business model is centered on providing comprehensive graphene solutions rather than selling the raw material at a retail level. Grafoid's strategy involves forming joint venture partnerships with industrial and academic leaders to co-develop next-generation products enhanced with its graphene. This approach positions the company to generate revenue through royalties and sales to these partners across a multitude of sectors. Target markets for its applications are diverse, spanning renewable energy, advanced polymers, biomedicine, water purification, coatings, and 3D printing materials.

Grafoid's core product is MesoGraf™, a brand of high-purity, few-layer graphene. The production of MesoGraf™ relies on a proprietary, one-step extraction process that is environmentally friendly, avoiding the harsh chemicals typically used in graphene manufacturing. This method allows for the scalable mass production of graphene directly from raw graphite ore, resulting in a minimal ecological footprint. The technology, developed in collaboration with the National University of Singapore and Graphite Zero Pte Ltd., is designed to produce defect-free, high-energy density graphene at a competitive cost. Grafoid holds a patent for this process, which is considered a key differentiator, enabling the creation of tailored graphene for various industrial and commercial applications.

A cornerstone of Grafoid's operational strategy is its partnership with Focus Graphite Inc. This relationship secures a long-term supply of high-grade graphite from the Lac Knife deposit in Québec, Canada, which is owned by Focus Graphite. This vertical integration from mine-to-market is a significant aspect of the company's platform, ensuring control over the supply chain for its graphene production. While the MesoGraf™ process is compatible with any graphite source, the alliance with Focus Graphite provides critical supply security. Over the years, Grafoid has engaged in numerous joint ventures and partnerships, including collaborations for developing filtration membranes with Stria Lithium and water purification solutions with Liquinex. The company has also been involved in various corporate activities, including acquisitions and a reverse takeover attempt with Stria Lithium that was later terminated.