Kjirstin Breure is the President & CEO of Hydrograph Clean Power Inc., a company that produces pure graphene and other nanomaterials through a clean process called Hyperion. Founded in Vancouver, B.C., in 2017, Hydrograph’s technology was developed at Kansas State University and is now helping companies use advanced materials in industries like energy storage, coatings, and health tech. HydroGraph also has a location in Toronto, Ontario, and plans to expand its headquarters in Austin, Texas, in February 2026.
_________________
Q: What is the biggest misconception about graphene and nanomaterials today?
Kjirstin Breure: A lot of people think graphene only exists in research labs, but it’s actually already being used in real products. The truth is, we’ve moved far beyond the experimental stage. HydroGraph’s Hyperion process produces graphene that is extremely pure and consistent, and it’s made in a way that can scale for industry use. The real challenge today is helping companies understand how to integrate graphene into their products efficiently. Once more people see how graphene improves performance and reduces waste. I think they’ll view it as essential instead of experimental.
Q: How do you approach innovation in a fast-moving field?
Kjirstin Breure: Innovation at Hydrograph starts with curiosity but depends on structure. We’re always looking for new applications for graphene, but we make sure every project is based on what the market actually needs. Our process is flexible enough to adapt as technology and demands change, which helps us stay ahead without losing focus. We also work with partners in different industries, so we can see where our materials can solve real problems. The best innovations come from listening, testing, and improving until the material performs exactly as required.
Q: Partnerships seem to be important to HydroGraph. What makes a good collaboration for you?
Kjirstin Breure: Good partnerships are built on shared goals and honesty. When we work with another company, we make sure both sides know what success looks like, what challenges might happen, and how we’ll measure progress. A great example is our collaboration with Hawkeye Bio and Ease Healthcare, which was announced back in August this year. With those partnerships, our graphene is being used in a new lung cancer test. Their expertise in medical diagnostics, combined with our materials technology, created something stronger than either could have done alone. Collaboration to us means learning together, communicating regularly, and creating solutions that have real impact.
Q: How do you balance commercial growth with environmental responsibility?
Kjirstin Breure: Sustainability is part of our process at HydroGraph—it’s not an afterthought. The Hyperion method uses very little energy, produces no toxic waste, and avoids harmful chemicals. That makes it one of the cleanest production systems in the material industry. We also opt for projects where our products can help reduce environmental impact, such as improving energy efficiency or extending product lifespans. We believe that long-term success comes from creating a business that’s profitable, ethical, and benefits the planet all at once.
Q: What makes you optimistic about the future of HydroGraph and your industry?
Kjirstin Breure: I’m thrilled by the growth in the field and how it’s become so open to collaboration. Advanced materials like graphene are moving from the lab into everyday products, and that change is happening faster than most people realize. Over the next 10 years, we expect to see more graphene use in batteries, sensors, coatings, and even medical devices that improve the quality of life. HydroGraph’s goal is to make these technologies accessible by producing materials that are pure, consistent, and easy for manufacturers to adopt. I think we’re just at the beginning of what graphene can do, and the potential for real change is huge.
