Innovation conference staged in the Black Country for the first time
A successful West Midlands entrepreneur who pioneered sustainable lithium-ion battery technology will share his journey at the region’s largest innovation event next month.
Amrit Chandan, born and raised in the West Midlands, launched his first business with just £500 won in a university competition while studying at the University of Birmingham.
Two decades later, he has become a globally recognised figure after founding a trailblazing company that developed innovative methods for reusing and recycling lithium-ion batteries.
Now a mentor to emerging entrepreneurs, Mr Chandan is set to deliver the keynote speech at Venturefest West Midlands 2026, taking place on Tuesday March 10 at Wolverhampton’s Molineux Stadium. This is the first time the event has been held in the Black Country.
Venturefest West Midlands is the region’s premier gathering for entrepreneurs and innovators, providing unrivalled opportunities to network with national investors, decision-makers, partners and support organisations.
‘I’m a West Midlands founder through and through’
Alongside inspirational speakers, panel discussions and extensive networking, the day will feature Pitch Up, a Dragon’s Den-style competition run by Aston University’s Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, University of Birmingham Enterprise and Minerva Business Angels. This year’s winner will receive a record £15,000 cash prize.
Mr Chandan said: “I’m a West Midlands founder through and through. This region has the ambition and the talent, and when you combine that with the networks here, the accelerators, mentors and investors, you get a community that genuinely helps entrepreneurs move faster and think bigger.”
Pam Sheemar, NatWest’s regional accelerator director for the Midlands, South West and Wales, added: “Venturefest WM 2026 is a brilliant platform for entrepreneurs to raise their profile, strengthen their pitching skills and build the connections that can accelerate growth.
“The West Midlands is home to exceptional talent and ambition, and this event brings founders, investors, industry and support partners together in a way that creates real momentum for innovative businesses.”
Free to attend but requiring advance booking via www.venturefestwm.co.uk, Venturefest West Midlands is co-hosted by the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands. It aligns with WM Mayor Richard Parker’s ‘Growth Plan’ and is sponsored by NatWest and Medilink Midlands.
