Aston University Unveils Design Factory Birmingham: A Hub for Global Innovation

By Anushka Malhotra

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Investment

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Quick Read: Aston University introduces Design Factory Birmingham, joining a global network of innovation hubs. The initiative aims to drive collaboration and innovation in solving real-world problems, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like 3D printers and design software.

Aston University, located in the heart of Birmingham, has officially launched the Design Factory Birmingham, becoming one of the two UK hubs outside London in the esteemed Design Factory Global Network. This initiative, inaugurated on February 14th, marks a significant step towards fostering collaboration, innovation, and real-world problem-solving in the digital and design space.

Photo Credit: Aston University

The Design Factory Birmingham provides a platform for businesses, entrepreneurs, industry partners, and students to collaborate on projects leveraging cutting-edge technologies like 3D printers and design software. With a focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, data science, and web design, Aston University aims to share its expertise and drive innovation-led growth in the Midlands.

Named after Dame Margaret Weston, a trailblazer in electrical engineering and former Science Museum director, the Design Factory holds both local and global significance. Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, emphasized its role in contributing to socio-economic transformation locally and becoming a vital player in the global network of 39 innovation hubs.

This launch positions Birmingham as a key player in the global innovation landscape, with the Design Factory Birmingham poised to make a lasting impact on technological advancements and collaborative initiatives.

Read the Press Release here.

What's new

West Midlands Export Support Programme Extended to 2026

West Midlands businesses looking to expand into international markets will continue to benefit from expert support, as the Exporting Starts Here programme has been extended until March 2026.

The programme, which offers free, practical export advice, is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) through Business Growth West Midlands and led by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. It covers Coventry, Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country, with delivery support from the Greater Birmingham and Black Country Chambers of Commerce.

Launched in November 2023, the initiative has already supported over 100 businesses, providing one-on-one advice, online training, and live events — with a major international trade conference planned for later this year.

Exporting Starts Here focuses on high-potential sectors including aerospace, electric vehicle manufacturing, health and med tech, logistics, financial services, and e-commerce, but companies from all sectors are encouraged to apply.

Keely Hancox, from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber, said the programme has already demonstrated measurable results in helping firms boost international sales and profitability:

“In the current climate of uncertainty around trade deals and tariffs, this programme provides grounded, actionable support to help local businesses expand globally.”

Business advisor David Hooper added:

“Firms have weathered Brexit and now face constant updates around trade regulations. This programme gives them the guidance they need to move forward with confidence.”

One local company already seeing success is PortalZero, a Coventry-based startup developing off-grid cooking solutions for campervans. Co-founder Scott Shearan praised the support:

“The Chamber helped turn our innovation into a global opportunity.”

Nayden Yurukov, also a co-founder, said:

“We were exploring the Australian market but didn’t know how to begin. The Exporting Starts Here programme gave us both the tools and the confidence.”

Applications remain open. Businesses interested in export support can visit:

cw-chamber.co.uk/international-trade/Exporting-Starts-Here

or email: exporting@cw-chamber.co.uk.

By Anushka Malhotra

13 May