The object
Elvira Fortunato co-invented the paper-based transistor, using cellulose as a functional part of an electronic device. The low-cost component opened routes to disposable electronics and RFID applications, and her university profile documents the breakthrough and her continuing work in transparent electronics.
01
What Elvira did
Co-invented the paper-based transistor with Rodrigo Martins.
02
Why it matters
The European Inventor Award profile records the first use of paper as a functional transistor component.
03
Living-status check
NOVA reported in April 2025 that Fortunato had taken leadership of the China–EU Joint Laboratory for Electronic Materials at the start of 2025.