SuperTech Launches Pre-Accelerator Programme for West Midlands Startups

By Anushka Malhotra

1 minute 24 seconds

Investment

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Quick Read: SuperTech launches the Seeds pre-accelerator programme, offering over £10,000 in support for new tech startups in the West Midlands.

SuperTech is introducing its latest pre-accelerator initiative, aimed at helping new businesses in the West Midlands leverage technology to succeed. The SuperTech Seeds programme offers over £10,000 in development time and learning support to prepare ten startups for market readiness.

Backed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) as part of the West Midlands Innovation Programme, SuperTech Seeds is dedicated to fostering growth, job creation, innovation, and inclusion. In 2022, the programme funded and launched thirty new businesses, contributing significantly to the region's startup ecosystem.

As the UK’s only tech supercluster, SuperTech invites non-tech business founders who require technological assistance to transition from idea to market-ready to attend the launch event on Thursday, July 18th. This event is especially beneficial for founders seeking investment and possessing minimal technical experience. Interested individuals can register for the event.

SuperTech Seeds collaborates with Greater Things to help founders bring their business ideas to market using proven 'no-code' tools and micro-investments.

Jof Walters, Chief Executive of Greater Things and SuperTech Industry Leader, stated:

“SuperTech Seeds is about empowering great business ideas with the necessary technology to transition from concept to market-ready. Unlike generic incubators or business support programmes, Seeds focuses on developing technology to create a minimum viable product (MVP).”

Walters noted that while nearly 5,000 new tech founders emerge annually in the West Midlands, only about 100 secure the funding needed to start trading. “SuperTech Seeds is unique – we facilitate the launch of startups through a micro-investment model, utilizing the latest development practices within a supportive ProfTech ecosystem,” he added.

The launch event at STEAMHouse will feature insights from successful entrepreneurs and leading AI experts, including Jof Walters and Heather Murray, a no-code founder and advisor on AI to government and ProfTech companies. Attendees will learn about pioneering approaches to business launch using the latest no-code/low-code and AI tools.

This interactive session welcomes everyone, from graduates to seasoned professionals embarking on new ventures. SuperTech Seeds is available to businesses and residents in the West Midlands, with a particular focus on supporting businesses led by women and individuals from minority ethnic communities.

Representatives from STEAMHouse, powered by Birmingham City University, will also be present to showcase their digital labs, business support programme, and facilities.

What's new

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

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