Innovation and Funding Conference Ignites West Midlands' Manufacturing and Tech Sectors

By Anushka Malhotra

1 minute 20 seconds

Tech

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Quick Read: The inaugural Innovation Funding and Support Conference at Birmingham's STEAMhouse ignites West Midlands' manufacturing and tech sectors, fostering collaboration and innovation.

The inaugural Innovation Funding and Support Conference, hosted at Birmingham's STEAMhouse on April 5th, has concluded successfully, marking a significant milestone for the manufacturing, engineering, and technology sectors in the West Midlands.

The event, which drew approximately 200 businesses and featured 20 exhibitors, was organised in collaboration with WMG and the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA), with the aim of bolstering the region's research, development, and innovation landscape.

Dr. Richard Fallon, CEO of the Technology Supply Chain (TSC), hailed the conference's success, emphasising its role in fostering innovation-driven economic growth.

"This conference showcases the innovative spirit of the West Midlands, bringing together leaders in manufacturing, engineering, and technology to drive competitiveness on a global scale," remarked Dr. Fallon.

Photo Credit: STEAMhouse

Keynote speakers, including industry stalwarts Jo Birch, Prof Paul Cadman, Charlie Blakemore, Rowan Crozier MBE, Chris Greenough, Melissa Snover, Dr Paul Milne, and Richard Parker, shared insights on innovation, talent engagement, and leveraging technology in manufacturing.

Notably, Charlie Blakemore, CEO of Intercity, shared his four-decade journey of innovation in defence and aviation, while Rowan Crozier MBE highlighted the transformative impact of Innovate UK grants on his firm, Brandauer.

Melissa Snover, founder of Nourished, a Birmingham-based trailblazer in 3D-printed personalised vitamins, underscored the supportive ecosystem of the West Midlands in facilitating her company's rapid growth.

The conference also featured dynamic panel discussions led by industry experts such as Johnathan Dudley, Rachel Eade, and Naomi Nash, exploring innovation in manufacturing and business.

Dr. Liam Grover of WMHTIA spotlighted the accelerator's pivotal role in driving innovation and commercial success in the region's health tech sector, opening new avenues for growth.

The Innovation Funding and Support Conference has set a new standard for collaboration and innovation in the West Midlands, reaffirming the region's commitment to nurturing a vibrant manufacturing and technology ecosystem. It serves as an inspirational platform for local businesses seeking to embark on the path of innovation and expansion.

What's new

Worcestershire's BetaDen Welcomes First Businesses to Tech Incubator

BetaDen, the award-winning Worcestershire organisation supporting innovative tech businesses, has welcomed its first cohort of start-up technology and digital businesses to its new incubator programme. This initiative is delivered in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership. BetaDen Incubate will support up to 60 start-up businesses over four intakes, operating from its dedicated co-working space at The Kiln in Worcester.

Image Source: BetaDen

The inaugural group of ten businesses accepted into the incubator includes:

• Access Support: An online platform catering to the increasing need for remote work in the Disabled Student Allowance sector.

• B13 AI: AI-powered software designed to mitigate risks in software development projects.

• Bid Essentials: A bid management intranet system for private sector businesses bidding on public sector tenders.

• Connor Hay: A service specialising in mobile app and website development.

• Doopee Doo: A gamified discovery app that provides new experiences and interactions in the tourism sector.

• GraftAR: An augmented reality app allowing customers to visualise products in their homes and connecting them with tradespeople.

• LostLamb: A technology-driven system to reunite parents with children who wander too far or get lost.

• Make Life Better: An AI tool helping citizens realise benefit and grant entitlements.

• Ocius Consulting: Software to help organisations manage business change effectively through improved planning, workflow, and communication.

• Silvflame: A system designed to contain and protect against wildfires caused by natural phenomena and human activities.

Donston Powell, External Affairs Director at BetaDen, stated:

“The ‘BetaDen Accelerate’ programme has repeatedly proven there is a wealth of entrepreneurial technology talent in our county. We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of emerging early-stage tech startups in the last year, so we’re excited that we can now bring the benefits of our award-winning programme to young businesses right at the beginning of their commercial journey.”

Participants in BetaDen Incubate will benefit from face-to-face workshops on key topics, one-on-one tailored business support from BetaDen’s team of experienced coaches, access to dedicated office space at The Kiln, a series of networking events, support, access to PR opportunities, and exposure to BetaDen’s extensive partner and alumni network.

Alex Brookes, Centre Manager and Director at The Kiln, added:

“We are thrilled to partner with BetaDen by hosting the Incubate programme. Collaborating with BetaDen is a great opportunity for us to support innovation, budding entrepreneurs, and drive technological advancement within our community, which is a huge part of what we are all about here at The Kiln. There is a natural synergy between The Kiln and BetaDen that we thought was definitely worth taking advantage of.”

Karen Nolan, Founder of Bid Essentials, said:

“I was really pleased to be accepted onto the programme. The workshops we’ve done so far have been brilliant—there were a lot of things I didn’t know, and I’m glad I have the opportunity to learn and progress. It has been an exciting experience so far with a real community feel—it is good to be around other founders who are at the same stage as me, facing the same challenges. I feel really supported by the BetaDen team, mentors, and my peers in the group.”

The next intake of businesses for BetaDen’s eight-week Incubate programme will begin in September 2024. To register interest, visit

BetaDen Incubate

By Anushka Malhotra

9 Jul