Graphene –a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb pattern– is a material with unique properties: 200 times stronger than steel, elastic, flexible, ultra-light, a great electrical and thermal conductor, transparent, waterproof, biocompatible and even with some capacity for self-recovery. Since its discovery in 2004, the use of this supermaterial has spread rapidly for the production of electronic devices, semiconductors and touch screens, electric cars and ultra-fast charging batteries, biosensors, smart fabrics, water filtration systems… And its potential is even greater.

Claudia Delgado (Lisbon, 1982) knows this well. As Chief Operating Officer at GraphenicaLab, a company based in Mataró (Barcelona), she leads the production of printed electronic devices based on graphene. A chemist specialising in materials science, Claudia holds a PhD from the UAB in bottom-up molecular electronics or, more simply put, in the development of complex structures from single electronic molecules. She has done research in organic systems applied to microelectronics and for nine years was head of the printed electronics line at Eurecat, developing technologies aimed at health, the environment and green energy.

“I am passionate about building bridges between research and the market, while I’m not climbing mountains or riding my bike.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

CD: To make graphene-based electronic devices in a scalable way.

TB: What stage is the project at and where do you see it going in two years?

CD: Right now we are developing and validating the technology in relevant and operational conditions and in two years I hope we will have an industrial production plant.

TB: A good idea you’ve had.

CD: How to make 100% printed devices with scalable technologies to transform the green energy sector.

TB: What has been your biggest challenge?

CD: Growing big, and fast, without breaking operations.

TB: Best piece of advice you’ve received.

CD: Change is inevitable, progress is a choice.

TB: A role model.

CD: Ignasi Vilajosana, founder of World Sensing. I had the opportunity to meet him and I was impressed by his mastery and entrepreneurial vision, tuned to the sustainable growth of his companies and the return of value to local entrepreneurial ecosystems.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

CD: 100% biodegradable electronics. We are already contributing to a more sustainable future, both energetically and with less waste, without having to give up electronics and digital technology.

TB: A startup or company.

CD: Ocean Ecostructures. As we work as a society towards a more sustainable future, someone has to take care of this priceless heritage of humanity now.

TB: What helps you to disconnect?

CD: Relaxing with my family and friends, going climbing, cycling and pottery, following the 1-2-3 rule: sometimes alone, sometimes with two, sometimes with many.

TB: A book to recommend.

CD: ‘Pirenaica’ by Ander Izagirre. Brilliant mix of travel (by bike!) and history.

TB: A series, film or song that defines your moment in life.

CD: The film “Her” by Spike Jonze (2013), beautiful and with the AI whispering to us.

TB: A recipe, a restaurant.

CD: The recipe for Spanish omelette with with onion, undercooked. I love Catalan cuisine connected to its roots, and here in the city I recommend L’Home dels Nassos in Sants.

TB: A place in the world.

CD: Any bivouac in the Pyrenees.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

CD: I believe in artificial photosynthesis as a technological pillar of the future, so I think we should continue to invest in startups like Twelve, in California, or closer to home, in Jolt Solutions, which develops essential components for technology.

TB: What does Tech Barcelona mean to you?

CD: A vital and welcoming community, essential in Barcelona.