Vivek Koncherry is an Indian graduate of The University of Manchester, whose business, Graphene Innovations Manchester (GIM), has signed a $1bn investment deal. 

The company is based at the University’s Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) and develops and produces premium, environmentally friendly products using advanced 2D materials, including breakthrough graphene-enhanced GIM Concrete that does not need cement or water and can be made using recycled materials. 

Vivek came to Manchester from India to do his undergraduate degree in Textile Technology and Management in 2001. This was followed by a PhD and eight years working as a post-doc in Manchester’s Department of Materials. 

With support from Manchester’s Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) Vivek set up SpaceMat – recycling waste car tyres, mixed with rubber and graphene – and it was here that he also set up and grew his business, Graphene Innovations Manchester (GIM).

The company has attracted international funding to the North West and formed partnerships that will spearhead an unprecedented scale-up of graphene-based technologies intended to make a substantial impact on global CO2 emissions.  

Vivek was awarded The Spectator’s Innovator of the Year Award for Excellence in Sustainability for GIM's groundbreaking work in harnessing the power of graphene to drive sustainability and economic viability.