Record sum to support life sciences, advanced manufacturing and creative tech
The West Midlands is the “home of innovation,” regional mayor Richard Parker declared after securing a landmark £50 million government investment.
The deal is the largest of its kind to date and is designed to fuel cutting-edge technologies and drive economic growth.
‘Growth plan’
The funding, delivered through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), targets the West Midlands’ strengths in advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences and creative immersive technologies.
The funding will support trailblazing businesses, researchers and entrepreneurs in transforming bold ideas into market-ready products and processes that enhance healthcare, diagnostics, clean energy and more.
Mayor Parker said: “This record funding shows government recognises what we’ve always known: this is the home of innovation.
“Two centuries after Watt and Boulton’s steam engine, a new generation of trailblazers here is leading a tech revolution.
“My growth plan is about keeping that spirit alive, backing talent, and turning ideas into real-world solutions that create jobs and improve lives across the region and beyond.”
The initiative unites academic, business and public sector leaders to accelerate regional growth, scale high-potential clusters and bridge research to commercialisation.
It is expected to unlock an additional £190 million in private investment, create or safeguard 2,000 jobs, and add £700 million to the regional economy.
West Midlands is a hotbed for life sciences and frontier tech innovation
Science Minister Lord Vallance praised the move: “This £50 million backs the West Midlands to build on its proud history, improving lives through new medicines and lower energy bills while generating jobs.”
Mike Wright, chair of the West Midlands Innovation Board, highlighted the region’s track record as a pilot for the Innovation Accelerator model, which supported over 1,500 businesses and drew £78 million privately. He welcomed UKRI’s decision to “double-down” on the approach.
The announcement builds on recent WMCA investments, including £282 million approved last week, reinforcing the West Midlands’ role in the government’s “Industrial Strategy.”
