Blackleaf – European Graphene Innovator at the Crossroads of Defense Tech
In the heart of France’s industrial research ecosystem, Blackleaf emerges as a deep-tech innovator spun out of CNRS/Université de Strasbourg in 2018. This startup’s mission is far from ordinary: to supply advanced graphene-based inks and coatings that dramatically improve performance (thermal management, EMI shielding, lubrication) while slashing carbon footprints. Blackleaf’s story is one of decade-long R&D, French government awards and fast-track scaling – all tuned to Europe’s industrial renaissance. What makes Blackleaf strategically intriguing is how its technologies might serve Europe’s defense needs: high-performance conductive films for aerospace and military systems, advanced materials to reduce reliance on imported commodities, and dual-use products that straddle civilian and defense sectors. By integrating proprietary, eco-friendly graphene production in France, Blackleaf aims to deliver a local supply of a critical material. The following preview highlights key insights on how Blackleaf’s portfolio aligns with EU strategic autonomy and NATO interoperability goals, from its product scope to its role in EU/NATO programs – enticing defense analysts and policymakers to delve deeper in our full report.