Key Takeaways
- Government minister briefed on the development of Birmingham’s Innovation Quarter
- Aston University and Bruntwood SciTech establish a joint venture to advance the Innovation Quarter
- Major health tech innovation cluster planned within the district, utilizing genomics data, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence
- The district aims to drive innovation and socio-economic transformations in the city and beyond
The Vision for Birmingham’s Innovation Quarter
Aston University recently hosted George Freeman, the Minister of State for Research, Science and Innovation, to discuss the ambitious plans to create an innovation district in the city of Birmingham. Professor Aleks Subic, the university’s vice-chancellor, the Mayor of West Midlands Andy Street, and senior representatives from Bruntwood and Birmingham City Council met to brief the minister on the ongoing efforts to establish the Birmingham Innovation Quarter.
The Innovation Quarter aims to house technology businesses of all sizes, universities, colleges, hotels, and two conference centers within the city center. The location is strategically placed to be adjacent to the main HS2 Birmingham terminal, fostering better connectivity and opportunities.
A Collaborative Effort for a World-Class Innovation District
Following the recent announcement of a joint venture between Aston University and Bruntwood SciTech, the project aims to transform Birmingham’s Innovation Quarter into a world-class innovation district focusing on science, technology, and enterprise. This collaboration represents a significant step towards actualizing the vision for the district.
Professor Subic emphasized the importance of science, technology, and enterprise in Aston University’s 2030 strategy and campus development plans. He believes that working with key partners across the city will help create an innovation precinct of international significance, driven by world-leading digital innovation capabilities.
Health Tech Innovation Cluster: A Key Component of the District
The development plans include the establishment of a major health tech innovation cluster within the district, leveraging genomics data, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence to drive innovation and socio-economic transformations in the city and beyond. The health tech cluster concept has resonated strongly with the minister and stakeholders, reflecting the potential for immense growth and development in the sector.
Unlocking the UK’s Potential as a Science and Technology Superpower
The briefing took place in the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology Hub (GBSIoT), home to one of Europe’s largest Cyber Physical Manufacturing facilities. Minister Freeman acknowledged the importance of science and innovation as key drivers of economic growth and prosperity, and the critical role universities play in achieving the UK’s goal of becoming a science and technology superpower by 2030.
He further highlighted the significance of regional R&D clusters in the UK, with Birmingham’s Innovation Quarter serving as a prime example. The collaborative effort of Aston University, Birmingham City Council, Mayor Andy Street, and Bruntwood will result in a digital innovation district next to the HS2 terminal. This district will connect the city’s medtech, cleantech, and creative clusters, driving innovation and attracting investments that will benefit the entire city and region.
