The low-cost radio frequency identification (RFID) and near field communications (NFC) market, bring game-changing benefits to entire product lifecycles, including inventory reduction, traceability, counterfeit detection, proof of provenance, and customer interaction. The chips cost less than a penny and allow everyday objects to be given unique digital identities as well as interact with their environment.
Pragmatic Semiconductor have developed an integrated circuit platform that does not rely on silicon. This revolutionary technology merges materials and devices pioneered by the flat panel display industry with equipment and processes from mainstream integrated circuit manufacturing. They create flexible integrated circuits that are thinner than a human hair and significantly cheaper and faster to produce than their silicon equivalents. Pragmatic’s manufacturing process allows for a rapid turnaround time of 48 hours for integrated circuits from start to finish, a 1000 times lower carbon emission than comparable silicon wafer manufacturing, and a 10 times lower cost.
Vice President of Product Development, Brian Cobb is looking to further develop as a leader, particularly when it comes to managing the risks inherent in developing new technology at a cutting-edge deep-tech company in a high-growth phase. He sees the Shott Scale up Accelerator as a space to discuss personal growth and skills and an opportunity to step back and get an outside view of the big picture.
He recognises that: “We’re at an inflection point in growth, moving towards a rapid scaling that involves tremendous growth in the team, customers, finances, and ambition. As we try to go global with our message and market, the pressure and requirements on me as a leader are only ratcheting upwards.” Brian sees the Shott Scale up Accelerator as helping to build stronger relationships with others in similar positions, whether through networking with peers or through mentorship by someone with more experience. He recognises that these provide “a space to discuss personal growth and skills outside the relentless day to day demands of a growing business is welcome [and allows you] to take a step back and get an outside view of the big picture.”
Over the next 12 to 18 months Pragmatic are looking to roughly double their employees; commission a second production line and place equipment orders for a third; deliver initial mass volumes of NFC integrated circuits; and achieve an order of magnitude increase in the number of groups globally designing their own products using our technology for manufacture on Pragmatic’s lines.
