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.

Unit 9 tenant NovNat Tech celebrates further milestone

NovNat Tech, the visionary Birmingham start-up that is developing a novel technology to generate water out of air, is celebrating a significant milestone as it moves into larger premises to accommodate its growing success.
The team is not moving far. Their new laboratory, which has more room for prototyping facilities and collaborative workspace, is also at Birmingham Research Park, and will provide NovNat with the space needed to expand their research and development capabilities.
Photo Credit: NovNat
The company has developed quickly since its inception and reaped the benefits from a translational ecosystem which provides surround-sound support for Birmingham innovators.
NovNat’s co-founders Abdulbari Belouafi, Kamal Diab and Ibrahim Albaik originally met as graduate researchers before developing their novel technology. They attended the B-Enterprising Elevate programme, an incubator and business growth programme for University of Birmingham student and graduate start-ups, where they received advice and mentoring.
Following this they moved into Unit 9, where they received further support including access to research facilities, mentoring and networking opportunities. The company secured funding from Innovate UK while at Unit 9.
As part of the Birmingham Research Park community, NovNat will continue to benefit from access to the knowledge base and facilities at the University.
Abdulbari CEO of NovNat said:
“Being part of the Birmingham Research Park community is immensely rewarding. It's a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship, where ideas are nurtured, and collaborations flourish. We're grateful for the connections we've made and the opportunities for growth and learning that being part of this community provides.”
Angie Reynolds, COO at University of Birmingham Enterprise, which runs the Birmingham Research Park said: “It’s great that innovators can stay within Birmingham, and I’m delighted to see NovNat Tech’s growth story continuing here at Birmingham Research Park, where we have a range of landing and grow-on spaces, and a thriving community.”
Abdulbari added:
“Being in our new space fills me with a sense of excitement and possibility. It's not just about the physical infrastructure, it's about the opportunities it represents for growth and impact. I'm looking forward to seeing our team thrive in this environment, pushing the boundaries of what's possible and realizing our vision for a world where water is accessible to all.”
By University of Birmingham
16 May

Birmingham to Host £34.6M National Hub for Robotics-Enabled Sustainable Manufacturing

A significant step towards sustainable manufacturing has been taken with the announcement of the establishment of a national research hub at the University of Birmingham. The hub, named the EPSRC Manufacturing Research Hub in Robotics, Automation & Smart Machine Enabled Sustainable Circular Manufacturing & Materials (RESCu-M2), is part of UK Research and Innovation’s ‘Manufacturing research hubs for a sustainable future’ programme. It will receive £34.6M (£11M from EPSRC and £23.6M from project partners) in funding over the next 7 years.
The RESCu-M2 hub aims to address two grand challenges: transforming the sustainable use of critical materials and improving the productivity of ‘Re-X’ manufacturing processes. These processes, including reuse, repurpose, repair, remanufacture, and recycle, are currently labor-intensive, leading to significant material wastage. However, businesses could save up to £23 bn per year by making low- or no-cost improvements.
Professor Samia Nefti-Meziani OBE, Director of the Birmingham Robotics Institute, emphasised the need for radical approaches in manufacturing.
"Instead of focusing on producing new products and disposing of them, we should be prolonging the useful life of products, particularly those containing critical materials such as rare earth elements," she said.
The RESCu-M2 hub will harness advances in AI and intelligent automation to create a new manufacturing ecosystem that promotes cost-effective circular resource use. Partnerships include various universities, research centres, and regional authorities, with a focus on developing 'spokes' from the hub to attract further investment opportunities.
Researchers will investigate smart processes for disassembly, remanufacturing, separation, and recovery of critical products and components, as well as circular Re-X business models.
Professor Adam Tickell, Vice Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, expressed optimism about the hub's potential impact.
"The aim of RESCu-M2 is to find and help implement integrated solutions that will drastically reduce the environmental impact of high-value products and make significant savings in CO2 emissions annually," he said.
Mike Wright, Independent Chair of the West Midlands Innovation Board, welcomed the initiative, noting its alignment with the West Midland’s Plan for Growth.
"By bringing these activities together, recognising the strong base of regional R&D and businesses, we have a real opportunity to catalyse growth for the region," he added.
Read the press release here.
By Anushka Malhotra
16 May

BMet Introduces Groundbreaking FinTech Course in Birmingham

Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet)
is making waves in the education sector with the launch of the UK's pioneering Further Education (FE)-led FinTech short course. The institution is poised to enrol its first cohort of students in June, marking a significant milestone in the realm of financial technology education.
This innovative initiative comes as a response to the surging demand for skilled professionals in the dynamic field of FinTech. With the support of industry experts and strategic partners such as the
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
and
SuperTech
, BMet is set to redefine educational offerings in the region.
The comprehensive sixteen-week program is meticulously crafted to provide students with a deep understanding of FinTech concepts and technologies. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the historical evolution of FinTech, delve into regulatory frameworks, and identify avenues for innovation within the sector.
The course curriculum, developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, reflects the evolving needs of the industry and aims to bridge the skills gap in the FinTech landscape. By integrating self-study modules, online learning resources, and in-person sessions, BMet seeks to provide a flexible and immersive learning experience for aspiring FinTech professionals.
Suzie Branch-Haddow, Vice Principal for External Development at BMet, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, highlighting the region's potential as a major hub for FinTech innovation. She emphasised the pivotal role of Further Education in empowering individuals to seize opportunities in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands area.
Industry veteran Jo Griffin, Project and Skills Lead at SuperTech, will be among the esteemed lecturers contributing to the course curriculum. Griffin's expertise underscores the program's commitment to delivering real-world insights and practical knowledge to students.
The course's completion will be marked by the issuance of a certificate, providing participants with tangible recognition of their newfound expertise. Employers within the SuperTech community and beyond are expected to value the skills and competencies acquired through the program, positioning graduates for rewarding career opportunities in the burgeoning FinTech sector.
As Birmingham continues to solidify its position as a leading FinTech destination, BMet's pioneering initiative signals a new era of education tailored to meet the demands of the digital economy. With the support of strategic partnerships and a forward-thinking approach, BMet is poised to empower the next generation of FinTech innovators and disruptors.
By Anushka Malhotra
13 May

Teachify Wins Education & Training StartUp of the Year at Midlands StartUp Awards 2024

Birmingham-based startup Teachify has clinched the coveted title of Education & Training StartUp of the Year at the Midlands StartUp Awards 2024. Recognised for its innovative AI-driven approach to simplifying lesson planning, Teachify is revolutionising the education sector with its cutting-edge platform.
Founded by Ikum Kandola, Teachify aims to alleviate the burden of lesson preparation for educators by leveraging artificial intelligence technology. Kandola, a former secondary school teacher, conceived the idea while grappling with the time-consuming task of creating lesson materials. Determined to streamline the process, he embarked on a mission to develop a user-friendly platform capable of generating tailored lesson plans, question sheets, presentations, and more in a matter of seconds.
Since its inception in early 2023, Teachify has garnered widespread acclaim for its ability to significantly reduce teacher workload while enhancing instructional quality. With support from the University of Birmingham's Elevate Business Incubator, Kandola and co-founder Frank Crossley have empowered hundreds of educators to optimise their teaching practices and maximise student engagement.
Expressing his delight at the award win, Ikum Kandola remarked,
"This is a significant milestone for us as a startup. Being recognised with this award reflects the hard work and commitment of the Teachify team in improving the lives of teachers through reducing workload induced stress. We look forward to expanding our reach to keep revolutionising the EdTech space!"
The Midlands StartUp Awards aims to celebrate the achievements of entrepreneurial ventures across various sectors, highlighting the transformative impact of startups on the regional economy. Supported nationally by leading institutions and organizations, the awards serve as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of startups amidst challenging economic landscapes.
As a regional winner, Teachify will advance to the UK Startup Awards final, slated to take place at Ideas Fest on September 12th. Positioned as 'the Glastonbury for Entrepreneurs,' the event promises to showcase the best and brightest startups from across the UK, providing a platform for industry recognition and networking opportunities.
With its unwavering commitment to innovation and educational excellence, Teachify is poised to continue making strides in the dynamic landscape of EdTech, empowering educators and students alike with transformative learning experiences.
To know more about Teachify, visit
their website.
By Anushka Malhotra
10 May

Sports Tech Firm Hexis Raises £1.6M in Pre-Seed Fundraising Round

Birmingham-based sports technology company, Hexis, has secured £1.6 million in a pre-seed fundraising round to bolster its innovative AI-driven fueling plans for athletes. The investment, led by APEX and Sport Republic, marks a significant milestone for Hexis, positioning it to revolutionise personalised nutrition in the sports industry.
Hexis specialises in tailoring fuelling plans for athletes based on individualized needs, leveraging its proprietary Carb CodingTM system. This cutting-edge technology enables Hexis to provide athletes with bespoke nutrition plans designed to optimize performance and accelerate recovery.
The funding round, which includes backing from APEX, an athlete-backed venture capital firm, and Sport Republic, a prominent sports investment company with ownership of football clubs such as Southampton FC and Valenciennes FC, signifies a strong vote of confidence in Hexis' mission.
Dr. David Dunne, Co-Founder and CEO of Hexis, expressed pride in securing the support of APEX and Sport Republic, highlighting their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of sports science innovation. He emphasised that the investment will fuel Hexis' efforts to provide athletes, coaches, and organisations with cutting-edge nutrition solutions tailored to their unique needs.
Hexis, led by Dr. David Dunne, Dr. Sam Impey, and Professor James Morton, stands at the forefront of personalised nutrition technology, offering real-time adaptive fuelling plans to optimise athletic performance and recovery.
The injection of funds from APEX and Sport Republic will enable Hexis to accelerate its mission of enhancing athlete performance through advanced nutrition technology.
By Anushka Malhotra
9 May

Stickee Secures Multi-Million Pound Growth Capital

Solihull-based creative technology company, Stickee, has recently announced a significant milestone in its growth journey. The firm has successfully secured a multi-million-pound growth capital facility from Santander UK, a move that is poised to accelerate its expansion plans and drive innovation in the realm of creative technology.
Specialising in the development of software solutions and data insights, Stickee has carved a niche for itself in helping clients thrive both online and offline. With a focus on leveraging emerging technologies such as AI and Machine Learning, the company aims to stay at the forefront of digital innovation.
The investment from Santander comes at a pivotal moment for Stickee, as it seeks to further invest in proprietary software and enhance its capabilities in AI and Machine Learning. This strategic move underscores the company's commitment to staying ahead of the curve and delivering cutting-edge solutions to its clients.
Over the past three years, Stickee has experienced remarkable growth, tripling its team size and expanding its presence in the market. With a projected 25% year-on-year growth from 2023 to 2024, the company is poised for even greater success in the coming years.
Bobbie Bhogal, Director at Stickee, expressed his appreciation for Santander's support, noting their understanding of technology's pivotal role in driving growth. He emphasiSed the importance of continuing to invest in proprietary software and embracing new technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the market.
As Stickee embarks on this new phase of growth, the investment from Santander serves as a testament to the company's potential and underscores its position as a leader in the creative technology space. With a focus on innovation and client success, Stickee is well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities and shape the future of digital technology.
By Anushka Malhotra
9 May

Wolverhampton Event Highlights Manufacturing's Shift towards Innovation

Digital technology's transformative impact on manufacturing took centre stage at a significant event held in Wolverhampton. Nearly 230 attendees gathered at Grand Station in Sun Street for the "Digital Technology: The Future of AME Supply Chains" event, highlighting the crucial role of technology adoption in advancing manufacturing processes.
Keynote speaker Brian Holliday, Managing Director of Siemens Digital Industries and Co-Chairman of the Made Smarter Commission, underscored the UK's manufacturing industry's global significance, ranking eighth globally in output value. Holliday emphasised the pivotal role of digital tools and platforms in modern manufacturing, enabling businesses to enhance sustainability, productivity, and efficiency through real-world process optimisation.
"Digital tools and platforms are increasingly underpinning modern manufacturing,"
stated Holliday, noting the benefits of immersive simulations and augmented reality in improving products and processes. He stressed the importance of incorporating technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and cloud computing to drive innovation and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector.
Dr. Mark Swift, Director of SME Engagement at WMG, University of Warwick, and Will Kinghorn, Technology Adoption Specialist at Made Smarter UK, provided insights into dispelling myths around digital manufacturing and discussed automation strategies for SMEs, respectively.
Mark Sage, Executive Director of the Augmented Reality for Enterprise Alliance, shed light on how augmented reality can enhance operational efficiency, while Rowan Crozier, CEO of Brandauer, shared his company's digital journey over the past decade.
Photo: Brian Holliday, Rowan Crozier, Rachel Eade, Will Kinghorn, Mark Sage, Dr Mark Swift, Photo Credit: West Midlands Combined Authority
The event, hosted by Rachel Eade MBE, featured presentations from industry experts and a panel discussion focusing on the West Midlands' manufacturing future. The panel included representatives from HORIBA MIRA, Make UK, West Midlands Combined Authority, The Technology Supply Chain, and Made Smarter West Midlands.
Attendees also had the opportunity to engage in a Meet the Buyer section with prominent organisations like Hitachi Rail and Coventry Very Light Rail, exploring supply chain opportunities in the Midlands.
Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub leads the Made Smarter West Midlands initiative, supporting SMEs in manufacturing and engineering sectors to access match-funded grants and expert guidance from WMG and the MTC.
Craig Humphrey, CEO at Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, emphasised the importance of digital skills for manufacturers and highlighted the impact of Made Smarter West Midlands in enhancing productivity and enabling SMEs to engage in digital supply chains.
The event showcased the critical role of digital technology in shaping the future of manufacturing, empowering businesses to embrace innovation and drive growth in the evolving landscape of Industry 4.0.
By Anushka Malhotra
7 May

Merger Creates UK’s Biggest Independent IT Managed Services Provider

In a significant move reshaping the landscape of the UK's IT managed services sector, Nelson-based telecoms group Daisy and West Midlands' Wavenet have announced their merger. The combined entity, with a projected turnover of £500 million, will boast a workforce of over 2,000 employees and serve more than 22,000 customers across the country.
The deal, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals, will see Wavenet's existing private equity partner, Macquarie Capital Principal Finance, emerge as the largest shareholder. Meanwhile, Daisy Group's chairman, Matthew Riley, and other existing shareholders will retain a minority stake in the business. Matthew Riley is slated to join the board of the newly formed entity as a non-executive director.
This merger brings together two dynamic companies that have witnessed substantial growth through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Daisy's recent acquisition of ECSC in June 2023 strengthened its cyber and security capabilities, while Wavenet has completed six acquisitions since 2021, significantly enhancing its IT services, cyber, and next-generation communications offerings.
Wavenet's chairman, Bill Dawson, expressed excitement about the merger, stating, "By combining our strengths, resources, and expertise, we are poised to create a stronger and more innovative organisation, well positioned to capitalise on the rising tide markets of cyber, cloud, and intelligent networks."
Matthew Riley echoed this sentiment, emphasising the alignment in vision and culture between Daisy and Wavenet. "The newly combined business will be primed for growth through the increased scale of our offering, greater market reach, and cross-selling opportunities," he said. "We will also strengthen our existing alliances with global tech providers, with the new business becoming the number one partner for many."
Wavenet received legal advice from Travers Smith, while Daisy Corporate Services was advised by DWF Group.
The merger of Daisy and Wavenet signals a new era in the UK's IT managed services sector, promising enhanced capabilities, expanded market presence, and innovative solutions for businesses and the public sector alike.
By Anushka Malhotra
3 May