What’s happening in the West Midlands Tech Sector.

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Keep up with all the latest news in tech within the region.

School of Coding Secures Investment to Launch UK’s First AI Learning Lab in Birmingham

A fast-growing West Midlands digital training firm has secured a six-figure investment to launch what it claims will be the UK’s first AI Learning Lab, supporting regional upskilling and job creation.

The School of Coding, founded in Wolverhampton, has received backing from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II), via fund manager Frontier Development Capital (FDC). The funding will be used to fit out its new central Birmingham tech hub, expected to create 50 new jobs within the next year.

Founded in 2017, the company delivers digital skills education to both young people and professionals, offering courses in cybersecurity, software development, AI, health tech, and digital entrepreneurship. It also runs nationwide coding classes for children and works with schools, councils, and education providers.

The new lab will act as a centre for innovation and learning, equipping individuals and businesses with practical skills to adopt AI technologies responsibly and effectively.

Photo Credit: School of Coding

Manny Athwal, founder and CEO of School of Coding, said:

“AI is here to stay, and we want to help people use it ethically and productively. This new hub in Birmingham will democratise access to digital education and support both personal and business growth in the tech economy. We see this as the first of many tech hubs across the UK.”

The company now operates in 17 countries, with offices in Telford, Dublin, and India, employing nearly 300 people worldwide, including 95 in the UK.

This latest investment builds on a previous round from MEIF in 2023, reinforcing the British Business Bank’s commitment to supporting scale-up businesses in tech and innovation.

David Tindall, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said:

“We’re proud to support a business that's actively addressing the digital skills gap and championing innovation. This second round of funding demonstrates MEIF II’s mission to back high-growth firms driving change.”

Ryan Cartwright, of Frontier Development Capital, added:

“Manny and his team are creating real impact through digital education. We’re excited to support the UK’s first AI Learning Lab – a step that will help more regional businesses benefit from emerging technologies.”

By Anushka Malhotra

23 Apr

Inicio AI Raises £2.6M in Seed Round to Scale AI-Powered Financial Platform

Inicio AI, a Coventry-based fintech innovator, has raised £2.6 million in seed funding to fuel growth and roll out its FCA-regulated consumer affordability platform.

The funding round was supported by a consortium of high-profile investors, including Rigby Group, Morgan Stanley, Haatch Ventures, Angel Academe, Mint Ventures, and a number of individual angel investors. It also includes a £500,000 investment from the West Midlands Co-Investment Fund (WMCO), managed by Midven, part of Future Planet Capital.

The raise follows Inicio AI’s recent win at Birmingham Tech Week’s OneToWin pitch competition, where it earned recognition for Budgie AI, its intelligent virtual agent designed to help individuals better manage their finances.

The funds will be used to scale the company’s operations, including the launch of the UK’s first FCA-regulated specialist consumer affordability passporting service. This innovation will allow consumers to share verified affordability data with third parties, streamlining financial assessments across sectors.

The company also plans to grow its West Midlands headquarters, adding new talent in tech and data roles to support ongoing development.

Rachel Curtis, CEO of Inicio AI, commented:

“This investment, alongside our OneToWin recognition, represents a major milestone. It enables us to enhance our technology, scale our impact, and help more people take control of their financial future while improving efficiency for lenders.”

The WMCO, jointly launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the West Midlands Pension Fund, aims to back high-growth SMEs driving innovation and economic growth in the region through matched equity investment of up to £1 million.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said:

“Inicio AI is a fantastic example of regional innovation. With the right investment and support, local companies like this can launch groundbreaking solutions that improve lives and grow our economy.”

Rupert Lyle, Investment Director at Midven and Fund Principal of WMCO, added:

“Inicio AI’s cutting-edge approach to affordability assessments is reshaping how the financial sector operates. We’re excited to be part of their journey.”

By Anushka Malhotra

16 Apr

West Midlands Poised to Lead UK’s AI Revolution, Says KPMG Partner

Private firms in the West Midlands are outpacing the rest of the UK in their plans to adopt artificial intelligence (AI), positioning the region at the forefront of digital innovation, according to KPMG’s Andy Bostock.

With the UK Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan aiming to cement the country as a global leader in artificial intelligence, the West Midlands is already taking significant steps in that direction. The plan, launched earlier this year, highlights how AI can modernise public services — and private sector companies across the region are responding to the call with enthusiasm.

According to KPMG’s Private Enterprise Barometer, published in December, 83% of West Midlands private firms are planning AI investments — well above the national average of 73%.

Andy Bostock, Senior Partner at KPMG, said:

“The most successful companies are those viewing AI not as a cost, but as a strategic investment in long-term growth and resilience.”

The West Midlands, with its strong roots in engineering and manufacturing, is well-positioned to reap the benefits of AI. From optimising supply chains to enhancing talent acquisition and predictive maintenance, AI applications are already transforming business models.

A recent joint report by KPMG and UKTN found that accelerating AI adoption across manufacturing and engineering will be essential to meet the region’s tech sector goal of reaching a £100 billion valuation by 2030.

The region is home to over 300 AI-focused businesses employing more than 11,000 people, forming one of the most dynamic digital clusters in the UK. Yet, Bostock stressed that the journey is just beginning.

To fully harness AI’s potential, businesses must establish strong, adaptable data frameworks and integrate AI solutions that align with their existing operations. This includes practical tools like chatbots for customer service, predictive analytics for inventory management, and AI-driven insights for marketing and long-term planning.

Andy Bostock added:

“Real business value comes from identifying where AI can enhance existing strengths. It’s not about starting over, it’s about getting smarter.”

As the region doubles down on digital transformation, Bostock believes cutting through the AI hype and focusing on measurable outcomes will be key to unlocking its full potential.

By Anushka Malhotra

11 Apr

Birmingham to Host Prestigious European Robotics Forum in 2027

Birmingham has been selected as the host city for the 2027 European Robotics Forum (ERF), one of Europe’s most influential gatherings in robotics and automation.

The International Convention Centre (ICC) Birmingham will welcome over 1,500 global robotics experts, including engineers, researchers, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, from March 1 to 5, 2027. The forum, now in its 18th edition, is expected to bring a £1.55 million boost to the region’s visitor economy.

The successful bid was led by robotics and innovation leaders from the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry and the University of Birmingham, supported by the Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau, the West Midlands Growth Company, and the ICC Birmingham.

The West Midlands overcame stiff competition from European cities including Brussels, Zurich, Tallinn, and Belgrade. The bid was bolstered by over 50 letters of support from key stakeholders, including Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation Lord Patrick Vallance, Birmingham City Council, and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Cllr Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

“Hosting more than 1,500 global leaders in robotics is a massive win for our visitor economy and a great platform to showcase the West Midlands as a hub of advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.”

Karol Janik, Robotics and Automation Technology Manager at MTC and General Chairperson for ERF2027, added:

“We’re honoured to bring ERF to the UK. It reflects the growing influence of robotics innovation not only in the West Midlands but across the country. ERF 2027 will shine a global spotlight on the UK’s thriving robotics ecosystem.”

The final day of the conference will feature exclusive industry tours of world-leading robotics and automation facilities in the region, further showcasing the West Midlands' expertise in high-tech manufacturing.

By Anushka Malhotra

11 Apr

University of Warwick Science Park Drives Creation of 150+ New Jobs

The University of Warwick Science Park has supported the creation of more than 150 new jobs in the past year, as detailed in its newly released 2023/24 Impact Report.

The report highlights continued growth across the Science Park’s four sites: the University campus, Warwick Innovation Centre, Binley’s Business Innovation Centre, and Blythe Valley Innovation Centre near Solihull. Occupancy rose by 8%, with a total of 152 businesses now operating from the Park—16 of which graduated from its Ignite incubator programme, offering start-ups affordable, flexible space and tailored business advice.

The Science Park also played a pivotal role in helping companies secure £11.2 million in equity, grants, and debt funding. In total, its business support services reached 890 businesses, contributing to the creation of 153 jobs.

Mark Tock, Chief Operations Officer at the University of Warwick Science Park said:

“It’s fantastic to see the continuing impact the Science Park is having on company growth and the wider economy. We’re proud to offer the space, talent, and financial support that help innovative companies thrive.”

The Science Park was also recognised in the Financial Times' rankings for a second consecutive year, reinforcing its position as a key driver of regional innovation and growth.

Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Warwick, added:

“The Science Park plays a vital role in nurturing innovative businesses and supporting economic development. These impressive results are worth celebrating.”

As the University prepares to mark its 60th anniversary in 2025, the Science Park is set to continue expanding its support for entrepreneurs and high-growth businesses in the Midlands and beyond.

By Anushka Malhotra

9 Apr

University of Birmingham-led Health Tech Accelerator Secures £4m to Extend Innovation Support in the West Midlands

The West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA), led by the University of Birmingham, has secured an additional £4 million in public funding to continue its work into 2025/26, further strengthening the region's position as a UK leader in health tech innovation.

The funding forms part of a wider £30 million extension of the national Innovation Accelerator (IA) programme, which supports high-growth sectors through locally driven innovation. The West Midlands, along with Greater Manchester and the Glasgow City Region, will each receive an equal £10 million share to help fuel regional economic development and technological advancement.

The WMHTIA, a flagship initiative within the West Midlands Combined Authority's (WMCA) IA programme, has already demonstrated strong results since launching in 2022, including:

- 110 jobs created or safeguarded

- Support provided to 105 health tech companies and research teams

- £2.48m in additional grant funding awarded

- £28.4m in private co-investment secured in the first year

- 269 health tech organisations engaged in its support network

Professor Liam Grover, WMHTIA Lead, commented:

“This funding extension gives us the momentum to build a truly thriving cluster in the West Midlands. The results from the past two years show just how deep the region’s health tech potential runs.”

The programme has played a key role in connecting academia, industry, and healthcare, with strategic partnerships involving the NHS, universities, and private sector innovators.

Dean Cook, Executive Director of Place and Global at Innovate UK, said:

“The WMHTIA is a key part of connecting local talent and technologies to national healthcare challenges. This continued investment will help bring ground-breaking innovations to market and support the NHS.”

The WMHTIA includes partners from Aston University, Birmingham City University, the Manufacturing Technology Centre, and other regional institutions. The extension ensures continued support for a pipeline of promising companies developing transformative healthcare products and services.

As the programme enters its third year, the University of Birmingham and its partners are poised to deepen their impact—supporting start-ups, accelerating R&D, and driving economic growth in health and life sciences across the West Midlands.

By Anushka Malhotra

9 Apr

Aurrigo’s Autonomous Airport Tech Gets Green Light for Global Deployment

Coventry-based Aurrigo International has received formal approval for its autonomous ground handling technologies to be rolled out across over 60 airports globally, following a successful trial at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

The breakthrough comes through its partnership with Aviation Solutions, a division of the Royal Schiphol Group, announced in April 2024. After testing Aurrigo’s Auto-DollyTug® and Auto-Sim® systems at Schiphol, the technology has now been validated for broader commercial deployment.

Royal Schiphol Group—operator of Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague, and Lelystad Airports—holds stakes in a host of global hubs including Eindhoven, Brisbane, Hobart International, and JFK Terminal 4, and has collaboration agreements with Beijing Capital International Airport and Seoul Incheon. This global footprint now opens the door for Aurrigo’s smart airside innovations to be adopted worldwide.

Photo Credit: Aurrigo

Marcel Stroop, Director of Go-to-Market at Aviation Solutions said:

“Aurrigo is a true front-runner in autonomous ground handling. We work to deliver solutions we can guarantee 100%, and Aurrigo is now part of that movement—bringing proven innovations from Schiphol to airports around the world.”

The successful trial featured Aurrigo’s Auto-DollyTug®, a next-generation electric and autonomous vehicle for transporting luggage and cargo, and Auto-Sim®, a simulation platform that enables airports to plan, model and optimise autonomous operations in advance of real-world deployment.

With validation in hand, the next phase will focus on commercialising Aurrigo’s technology through Aviation Solutions’ extensive global network.

David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo said:

“This endorsement confirms the demand for our smart airside solutions. It also strengthens our go-to-market strategy by working with a trusted, incentivised partner who connects us with well-informed, progressive aviation customers.”

Aurrigo’s innovations are part of a growing trend toward automation in aviation, helping airports reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and support sustainability goals.

By Anushka Malhotra

8 Apr

Birmingham's Grid Edge Secures £2.8M to Scale AI Platform that Cuts Energy Costs and Emissions

Birmingham-based tech firm Grid Edge has raised over £2.8 million in funding to expand its AI-powered energy optimisation platform that helps commercial buildings cut carbon emissions and reduce energy costs.

The latest investment comes from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, Mercia Ventures, and strategic backers including Centrica, bp Ventures, and private investors. The funding round is subject to approval under the National Security and Investment Act (NSIA).

Grid Edge’s innovative software is already being used by major clients such as Amey, Equans, and OCS, as well as landmark buildings like Birmingham’s Bull Ring and the Royal Opera House in London. By analysing real-time data from meters, sensors, and building management systems—and combining it with external inputs like weather and energy tariffs—its AI generates energy usage insights and recommendations that typically cut carbon and costs by up to 20%, with a return on investment in just six months.

Photo Credit: Grid Egde

The £2.8m will support Grid Edge’s ambitions to expand its customer base, enhance platform capabilities, and grow its 28-person team with 15 new hires in sales, technical, and support roles.

Founded in 2016 by energy experts Jim Scott, Dan Wright, and Tom Anderson, the company has rapidly grown under the leadership of CEO Paul McCorquodale, formerly of EE and Amber Energy. Grid Edge’s annual recurring revenue (ARR) has increased by 150% in the last year alone, with a goal of nearly tripling that again in the next two years. The number of supported building locations is also set to jump from 120 to 400.

Paul McCorquodale said:

“Our mission is to simplify the complex world of energy and building systems, helping businesses reduce emissions and cut costs,. This funding will enable us to onboard even more customers and further extend our reach and impact.”

The round was led by Mercia Ventures, with legal support from Shakespeare Martineau.

Rafael Joseph of Mercia Ventures added:

“Grid Edge is at the forefront of sustainable energy management, and their growth comes at a pivotal moment. As energy prices fluctuate and sustainability regulations tighten, the demand for smart solutions like Grid Edge’s will only rise.”

Beth Bannister of the British Business Bank said the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II was designed for exactly this kind of innovation:

“Grid Edge represents the kind of high-impact, growth-driven business that will drive our transition to net zero while strengthening the Midlands economy.”

By Anushka Malhotra

3 Apr

West Midlands Innovation Accelerator Secures £10M Boost to Power Regional Growth

A fresh £10 million funding boost has been secured for the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator, unlocking even more support for local entrepreneurs, researchers, and cutting-edge businesses developing the technologies of tomorrow.

Mayor Richard Parker announced that the West Midlands is one of just three UK regions—alongside Greater Manchester and Glasgow—to benefit from a £30 million national fund, secured from government in partnership with Innovate UK and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Photo: Dipa Patel, Richard Parker and Dean Cook, Photo Credit: West Midlands Combined Authority

The accelerator, managed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), has already delivered remarkable results. Since launching, it has supported more than 700 businesses, leveraged £70 million in additional private investment, and helped create and sustain hundreds of local jobs. It focuses on supercharging innovation in advanced manufacturing, healthcare technologies, diagnostics, and the transition to net zero.

Mayor Parker highlighted the region’s rich industrial heritage and bold future vision:

“From James Watt’s steam engine to the UK’s first petrol car, the West Midlands has always been a place of invention. Today, we’re shaping the future with 5G, medical technologies and clean energy. This new £10 million investment will fuel the region’s next wave of breakthroughs, supporting my Growth for Everyone plan and making sure innovation drives prosperity across every community.”

One of the businesses benefitting from the accelerator is Enable Design, whose founders Anil and Dipa Patel have developed an innovative, adjustable wheelchair seating system that evolves with a person’s posture and growth—one example of the high-impact innovation the region is nurturing.

The West Midlands Innovation Accelerator is part of a wider Innovation Accelerator (IA) programme, co-designed by Innovate UK and regional leaders. The national initiative is intended to transform key city regions into global R&D powerhouses by combining local insight with national strategy.

Dean Cook, executive director for place and global at Innovate UK, said:

“This pilot proves what’s possible when national expertise meets local knowledge. It’s already improving healthcare, infrastructure and sustainability outcomes—and with this new round of funding, the impact will only grow.”

This latest investment adds to over £100 million previously committed to the IA programme, cementing the West Midlands’ place as one of the UK’s most exciting hubs for innovation-led growth.

By Anushka Malhotra

2 Apr