Meet the Team
Dr James Claypole
CEO and Founder
James worked as a researcher at the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating based in Swansea University for more than 10 years. Where he developed a formulation and method for recovering silver from printed electronics. A patent was filed for the technology with the help of the AgorIP and is currently the subject of an Innovate UK ICURe Explore project to determine the commercial potential.
James’ background is in the formulation of novel materials for printing and in the rheological measurement of process materials. He has worked on a number of notable research projects including; Advanced Rheology for Printed Large Area Electronics, Advanced Function Micro & Nano-Materials, which focused on the scale up of technology, and Heated Wearable Technology for Elite Sport, which created bespoke wearables used by British Olympic athletes during training and gold medal British athletes at the Olympic games in Tokyo.
Through the ICURe Explore project, James led the research team to explore the commercial potential of the patented recyclable silver ink technology. Following 3 months of market research and pitching to an expert panel, it was decided that the creation of a spinout company was the best route. James led the team through the ICURe Exploit program and was successful in applying for the ICURe follow on funded and securing Angel Investment. James started as CEO of Ail Arian in August 2024 to continue the journey to creating more sustainable printed electronics.
Hannah Claypole
Marketing and Sustainability Officer
Hannah graduated from Swansea University with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, combining her academic background with a passion for creativity and communication. She successfully ran a small creative design business, where she honed her technical skills, managed social media marketing, and delivered bespoke design projects.
With experience across both the private and public sectors, including roles in communications and outreach, Hannah brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as Marketing and Sustainability Officer at Ail Arian. She is currently studying a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) course in digital marketing, ensuring her skills remain at the forefront of industry trends.
In addition to her professional achievements, Hannah enjoys photography, a hobby that complements her creative flair and attention to detail. At Ail Arian, she combines her diverse expertise to promote sustainable innovation and support the company’s mission to drive positive environmental change.
Laura Wood
Ink Development Officer
Laura is the Ink Development Officer at Ail Arian, a forward thinking company focused on developing innovative, sustainable solutions. With a First Class Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from Swansea University and an MSc by Research in Materials Engineering, Laura brings expertise in creating advanced materials and technologies with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Before joining Ail Arian, Laura worked at the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating, where she contributed to the development of new materials and formulations for industrial applications, including corrosion-resistant coatings for offshore marine turbines. This hands-on experience has allowed her to gain valuable insights into creating products that balance performance with environmental sustainability.
At Ail Arian, Laura is excited to be part of a forward-thinking team that shares her commitment to advancing sustainable engineering practices. She is focused on leveraging her academic background and early career experience to help develop eco-friendly, innovative solutions that meet the needs of a rapidly evolving industry.
Explore Sustainable Printed Electronics
Learn more about our innovative technology and discover our range of sustainable conductive inks for printed electronics