Cross-Sector AI-Assisted Innovation for SMEs in West Midlands
Are you a West Midlands manufacturing, digital or health-tech company that wants to reduce costs, boost productivity and unlock new opportunities? If so, you are invited to register for our fully funded, action-oriented Al adoption programme. During this valuable programme, you will:
- Find out how Al can help your business without the technical jargon
- Develop an easy-to-follow Al roadmap for your business
- Be matched with the right innovation support and grants to put your Al plan into action
What We Do
Helping West Midlands SMEs adopt AI with confidence, low risk and real results
Small and medium-sized businesses across the West Midlands are ready to benefit from the fast rise of artificial intelligence – but many don’t know where to start. This new 6-month programme, delivered by Aston University (AiPT)and the Technology Supply Chain (TSC), gives SMEs a clear, practical and affordable route to understanding and using AI in ways that improve productivity, reduce costs, and unlock new opportunities.
Supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority, the programme brings together leading AI experts, industry partners and regional cluster organisations to help SMEs test ideas, build early prototypes, and plan next steps – with no unnecessary risk.
What We Offer
We start where you are and move at your pace. Each phase builds on the last.
AI Workshops Built for Your Sector
Attend a bespoke series of 2 half-day workshops for one of the following sectors:
- Manufacturing SMEs
- Digital Firms
- HealthTech Companies
Learn through real-world examples how AI is already solving problems in your sector—and how you can use it
Custom AI Roadmaps for Your Business
Every participating company will walk away with their own personalised, expert-crafted AI adoption plan that outlines:
High-impact, value-generating AI opportunities to reduce costs, boost productivity and automate laborious processes
Quick wins and long-term strategies
Clear next steps and available support to move forward
Your roadmap will show you how to move forward step-by-step at the right pace for you.
Fast-Track Innovation with Aston University
Ten participants will collaborate with the AiPT in rapid, focused "Innovation Micro-Sprints" to develop a working prototype of their AI solutions. This could be
- Quoting tools, machine learning or predictive maintenance in manufacturing
- Automating administration or developing AI-enhanced diagnostics in healthcare
- Adding AI to your digital solution
- Sustainability optimisation through AI
Funding-Ready Support
We will help you navigate the complex funding landscape—strengthening your bids for grants and investment from local funding pots, Innovate UK, Horizon Europe, KTPs, and others.
Plug into the West Midlands Innovation Network
Gain access to an expansive ecosystem of support including:
- TechWM
- WMHTC
- Sustainability West Midlands
- Grant funding pathways
- Leading universities, innovation clusters, catapults and more
AI and Sustainability
You are invited to join us from 8-12 on Tuesday 10th February at Beeswift in Birmingham to discover how AI help your business to become more sustainable. Hear from a series of experts and panels on how others are using AI to make their business more profitable and more sustainable.
Upcoming Events
10 February
AI and Sustainability Breakfast
25–26 February
Workshop for SMEs from TechWM and HealthTech Clusters
10 March
Innovation Showcase and Networking Event, part of Venturefest
Why This Matters for West Midlands SMEs
AI technologies are moving fast - but many SMEs aren't yet benefiting due to:
- Lack of technical expertise and confidence
- Uncertainty about where to start
- Low awareness of AI opportunities beyond simple automation
- Limited time and capacity
- Difficulty accessing funding or trusted specialist support
This programme is designed specifically to remove those barriers and give SMEs a safe, supported space to explore innovation.
What You Will Gain
- Build real AI skills
- Identify concrete opportunities to improve productivity
- Develop prototypes and business cases
- Access expert, independent advice
- Increase your chances of securing innovation funding
Expected Outcomes for the Region
By the end of the pilot, we expect to deliver:
- 50 SMEs trained in applied AI
- 10+ AI prototypes from innovation sprints
- Strong SME case studies and measurable impact data
- A regional model for AI adoption that can scale to hundreds of businesses
Who This Is For
This programme is ideal for SMEs that:
- Are curious about AI but unsure where to start
- Want to improve efficiency, reduce costs or develop innovative products
- Have limited internal technical capacity
- Want guidance from trusted experts
- Need support to prepare for innovation grants or R&D projects
Priority sectors include:
Manufacturing, HealthTech, Net Zero/Sustainability, Digital/Tech, Robotics & Autonomous Systems.
Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AiPT): World-leading in AI, sensing, photonics, neuromorphic computing and innovation.
Technology Supply Chain (TSC): A major SME network across the West Midlands supporting thousands of businesses with adoption, productivity and innovation.
Supporters
Register Your Interest
Tell us about your business and what you'd like support with.
