HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

HIE

Working With Higher Education Institutions

Universities are essential drivers of innovation, skills development, and long‑term economic growth. Our region’s higher education institutions sit at the heart of a vibrant technology ecosystem, fuelling talent, research, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration. By working closely with them, we help ensure that businesses have access to the people, ideas, and partnerships they need to thrive.

Why Higher Education Matters to Our Ecosystem

Driving cutting‑edge research and innovation, enabling businesses to explore emerging technologies and ways of working, collaborate on R&D, and bring new solutions to market.

Skills and knowledge for scaling businesses, through unique access to talent and funding, universities are a key mechanism for accessing government support for scaling businesses.
Support entrepreneurship and spinouts, turning ideas into high‑growth tech ventures that create jobs, investment, and new opportunities.
Build and nurture a future-ready talent pipeline, ensuring the region has the digital skills needed for economic competitiveness.
Attract global partnerships and investment, raising the profile of the region and positioning it as a leading destination for advanced technology innovation.

SuperTech works in two ways with the HEI community: through the Next Generation Services HEI Forum and through strategic partnerships with individual institutions.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO YOU?

Innovation with Strategic Intent
Access to a Curated Innovation Ecosystem
Trusted, Regulator-Aware Environments
Internal Engagement: Capability and Capacity Building
Improved Business Outcomes: e.g. Productivity/Customer Experience improvements
Innovation supporting Inclusive Growth
A Trusted Partner for your Innovation Journey

Next Generation Services Higher Education Forum

The Next Generation Services Higher Education Forum brings together all the universities from across the West Midlands, aligning strategic focus and expertise to drive growth through innovation. Through collaboration and building consortium, we are enhancing the ecosystem with high-quality innovation services and offerings for businesses.

Members of the Forum include:

Aston University
Birmingham City University
Coventry University
University of Birmingham
University of Warwick/ Warwick Business School
University of Wolverhampton

Each institution brings unique strengths that deepen the region’s innovation capacity and support the growth of next generation services.

Strategic Partners: Spotlights

Centre of Excellence for Enterprise AI – Aston University

Aston University is home to nationally recognised strengths in artificial intelligence, data science, and applied machine learning. Through specialised research hubs, industry-facing AI programmes, and cutting-edge academic expertise, Aston helps drive adoption of AI across business and public-sector applications—supporting productivity, innovation, and the development of advanced digital skills.

STEAMhouse – Birmingham City University

STEAMhouse is a major centre for collaborative innovation, combining science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to help businesses solve complex challenges. It provides state-of-the-art facilities, interdisciplinary expertise, and practical support for organisations looking to prototype, test, and scale new ideas. As a hub for creativity, digital innovation, and enterprise, STEAMhouse plays a pivotal role in strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem.

Gillmore Centre for Financial Technology – University of Warwick

The Gillmore Centre is a global leader in fintech research, focusing on emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, sustainable finance, digital assets, and machine learning-driven financial innovation. Its expertise plays a central role in shaping the future of financial technology across the region, providing world-class research, industry collaboration, and a talent pipeline equipped for the next wave of digital finance.