Innovation Accelerator is catalysing growth in the West Midlands

Driving innovation in the West Midlands through strategic partnerships

The West Midlands Innovation Board was already ahead of the game when the Innovation Accelerator programme was announced in 2022. Thanks to a well-established local governance structure and strong collaboration between industry, universities, and innovation assets, the region was primed to make the most of this opportunity.

Operating as a unified geography across three Local Enterprise Partnerships, the West Midlands was in a strong position. Familiarity with working together meant the West Midlands Innovation Board could hit the ground running, ensuring that the Innovation Accelerator delivered maximum impact. With industry partners at the heart of the programme, the region was able to prioritise focus areas that built on its engineering and advanced manufacturing heritage – expanding into clean tech, health tech, and med tech.

The Innovation Accelerator programme has been a catalyst for strengthening civic relationships and engaging politically at a higher level. This has been achieved turning collaboration into action, while reinforcing the region’s role as a hub for innovation-driven economic growth. The West Midlands was named one of three finalists for the European Capital of Innovation Awards 2024, a recognition that cemented its position as a serious player in global innovation.

Sarah Windrum, Deputy Chair, Coventry & Warwickshire LEP & Innovation Board Member at West Midlands Combined Authority

Transforming academic excellence into commercial success

Data showed that while the region had significant R&D activity, much of it wasn’t reaching industrialisation or commercialisation. The Innovation Accelerator provided the missing link, creating stronger connections between universities and industry to transform cutting-edge research into tangible business opportunities.

One standout success is the Biochar CleanTech Accelerator developed from Aston University’s complex technical research, it has built its own market, customer base, and supply chain.

The Biochar Accelerator commercialises knowledge, facilities, and research to drive environmental and economic benefits, support a low-carbon engineering cluster, and create new market opportunities. It aims to establish the West Midlands as a leader in biochar technology and sustainable manufacturing.

By leveraging the Innovation Accelerator, the project has transformed academic excellence into commercial success, creating a self-sustaining model that can be replicated in other research areas.

Sarah Windrum said:

The momentum from the Innovation Accelerator isn’t just for industry leaders — it’s an enabler for early-stage innovation and fosters inclusivity. By developing new metrics to support diverse founders and businesses, the programme is ensuring innovation reaches every corner of the West Midlands.
With a more collaborative, connected, and commercialised approach, the West Midlands is proving that it’s not just a participant in innovation – it’s leading the charge.