Adisyn (ASX: AI1), a small but ambitious player in the semiconductor industry, has made a bold move by appointing industry stalwart Kevin Crofton to its board. With more than three decades of experience across some of the most innovative companies in the semiconductor sector, Crofton’s appointment signals a strategic push by Adisyn to commercialise its graphene interconnect technology—a development that could redefine the industry’s future.
For a company at the frontier of material science and chip design, Crofton’s expertise could be a critical piece of the puzzle. But why has this seasoned executive decided to join a relatively small firm like Adisyn? The answer lies in the promise of graphene and the opportunity to be part of what Crofton believes could be the next big breakthrough in semiconductors.
Crofton’s Remarkable Career
To understand the significance of Crofton’s move, it helps to revisit his storied career. Crofton began at Lam Research, where he gained deep insights into wafer processing and yield optimisation—skills that would become foundational in his career. Over the years, he progressed to leadership roles, eventually becoming a transformative force at SPTS Technologies.
SPTS, which Crofton helped rescue from near-bankruptcy, grew from a £15 million business to a £500 million industry leader in just 14 years. This success culminated in its acquisition by KLA-Tencor, part of a $3.2 billion deal that saw SPTS recognised as one of KLA’s most profitable divisions.
Crofton’s ability to identify industry shifts and navigate high-growth opportunities also extended to the Comet Group, where he played a pivotal role in driving innovation and value creation. He’s also been a trusted figure in global semiconductor organisations, including SEMI, where he served as board chair and vice chair.
Why Adisyn? Why Now?
For Crofton, the decision to join Adisyn’s board wasn’t taken lightly. Over the past four years, he has been closely involved with 2D Generation, Adisyn’s subsidiary focused on graphene interconnect technology. During that time, Crofton witnessed significant progress and saw firsthand the potential for this technology to disrupt the semiconductor industry.
“This is an opportunity to contribute to an inflection point in the industry,” Crofton explains. “Graphene interconnects could surpass the limitations of copper, providing the foundation for the next wave of semiconductor innovation. That’s a challenge worth tackling.”
Crofton is particularly drawn to the technical challenge and the industry-wide implications. With copper interconnects reaching their physical limits, the semiconductor sector faces a bottleneck that threatens the progress of Moore’s Law—the principle that chip performance doubles roughly every two years.
The Graphene Opportunity
Graphene, a material with extraordinary electrical conductivity and thermal stability, could be the solution. Adisyn’s breakthrough lies in its ability to deposit graphene at low temperatures, making it compatible with existing semiconductor manufacturing processes. If successful, this innovation could enable smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient chips, potentially transforming the industry.
Crofton sees parallels between the adoption of graphene interconnects and previous industry revolutions he’s witnessed, such as the transition from aluminium to copper interconnects and the rise of advanced packaging.
“These kinds of changes don’t happen often, but when they do, they redefine the industry,” Crofton says. “Graphene interconnects have the potential to be that kind of breakthrough.”
A Strategic Path Forward
Crofton’s addition to the board is as much about strategy as it is about science. His approach is rooted in focus and execution—principles he’s honed throughout his career.
“You’ve got to figure out what your niche is and execute on it,” he emphasises. “For Adisyn, that means honing the graphene interconnect process, proving its viability, and finding the right partners to scale it.”
Partnerships will play a central role. Crofton envisions collaborations with major research institutions such as IMEC, the leading semiconductor research hub, and equipment manufacturers like Lam Research and Applied Materials. He also highlights the importance of engaging with chipmakers such as TSMC and Samsung to bring the technology to market.
The Stakes and the Prize
The global semiconductor industry is on track to exceed $1 trillion in annual revenue by 2030, driven by the rapid growth of AI and high-performance computing. However, much of this growth depends on overcoming the limitations of copper interconnects. Crofton estimates that solving this bottleneck could unlock an additional $400 billion to $600 billion in semiconductor revenue.
“Graphene interconnects could be the key to enabling the next generation of AI chips, which are critical for the industry’s growth,” Crofton notes.
The stakes are particularly high given the competitive nature of the semiconductor market. As Crofton points out, Adisyn is already punching above its weight, gaining recognition from major players and being invited to participate in high-profile industry consortia.
Challenges and Optimism
While the potential is enormous, Crofton acknowledges the challenges. Commercialising graphene interconnects will require further technical refinement, navigating scientific unknowns, and securing strategic partnerships. But he remains optimistic.
“You eat an elephant one bite at a time,” Crofton quips. “We’ve demonstrated feasibility. Now it’s about refining the process, proving robustness, and engaging with partners to take this to market.”
He also emphasises the importance of balancing public disclosure with strategic secrecy. “We need to be careful about what information we put into the public domain. Protecting our intellectual property and keeping certain best practices close to our chest will be key.”
Why Investors Should Pay Attention
For investors, Adisyn represents a compelling opportunity. The company’s focus on solving a critical industry bottleneck aligns with the semiconductor sector’s most pressing needs. While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, Crofton’s leadership and Adisyn’s innovative technology provide a strong foundation.
“This isn’t just about Adisyn,” Crofton concludes. “It’s about driving progress in an industry that impacts every aspect of modern life. I’m thrilled to be part of a team with the potential to deliver a game-changing solution.”
With Crofton on board, Adisyn is poised to navigate the complex journey from innovation to commercialisation. For investors, the next two years will be critical as the company works to turn its graphene ambitions into an industry-wide transformation.