GraphEnergyTech CEO Dr Thomas Baumeler talked with Proactive’s Stephen Gunnion about the company’s recent progress, funding goals, and strategic direction within the fast-evolving solar energy sector. Baumeler highlighted GraphEnergyTech’s selection for Japan’s Keihanna Global Acceleration Program (KGAP+).
This is particularly significant as the company’s graphene-enhanced carbon electrode technology aligns closely with Japan’s advanced perovskite solar cell ecosystem. Baumeler explained that perovskite, originally developed in Japan, is a promising next-generation photovoltaic material that offers similar efficiency to silicon panels at a much lower cost. “We do have a solution that fits particularly well [with] perovskite solar cells,” he said.
Baumeler confirmed that GraphEnergyTech, a Frontier IP Group PLC (LSE:FIPP) portfolio company, is currently raising a minimum of £3 million in a seed funding round. The funds will primarily be used to scale production capacity and accelerate R&D focused on silicon solar cells. “We got tremendous attention from PV players,” Baumeler noted, referencing interest from both photovoltaic and printed electronics sectors. GraphEnergyTech’s product range, launched three months ago, targets perovskite applications directly—making Japan an ideal market. The company has already secured a term sheet with Aramco Ventures and has 50% of the round committed, leaving room for further investor engagement.