West Midlands Shoots for “Tech Powerhouse” With AI Investment

Digital start-ups throughout the West Midlands are set to benefit from a wealth of increased investment opportunities, expert support services and methods to introduce AI integration, with the region looking to position itself as “a global tech powerhouse.”

Among the most significant announcements from the opening day of Birmingham Tech Week was the regional rollout of TechFirst, a £187 million programme that will “bring AI and digital skills into classrooms, careers, and communities.”

There was also the launch of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) AI Missions Document, a ten-year vision to help regional SMEs harness the potential of AI for growth innovation and public service adoption.

Delegates were also given an update on the West Midlands Cyber Hub, a new space that will help shape the future of cyber in the region for organisations, professionals, and the wider community.

Andy Hague, CEO of TechWM and Birmingham Tech Week, said: “As a region with a tech sector that is heralded as the fastest growing in the UK, our regional leaders and experts play a pivotal part in providing a platform for businesses to innovate, collaborate and grow to unimaginable heights.

“Today’s leadership event saw announcements that reflect that mission and I’m excited to see how the rest of Birmingham Tech Week unfolds as we create a one-of-a-kind space for our SMEs, tech leaders and regional figureheads to collaborate and innovate.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “The benefits of technology need to reach out across communities and support our whole economy through the collaboration with government.

“This desire to support residents and drive public sector innovation is represented within the AI Missions Document, which will be formally unveiled during Birmingham Tech Week, and will aim to shape the AI agenda for the region.”