Technology

Posted on October 25, 2016 by staff

EU funding to back Birmingham tech firms

Technology

European Union funding to the tune of more than £2 million will be used to back technology entrepreneurs in Birmingham.

Innovation Birmingham, Alta Innovations and the University of Birmingham have teamed up to provide a programme of support and mentoring for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Businesses will use co-working space at either the E4F Incubator on the Innovation Birmingham Campus or the BizzInn Incubator, and have access to technical support and entrepreneurs-in-residence.

Katharine Fuller, head of projects at Innovation Birmingham, said: “With over 14,152 companies launched in Birmingham last year alone, the region continues to be a hotspot for entrepreneurialism and, with a large, skilled and youthful workforce, established infrastructure and strong digital connectivity, it is vital that we continue facilitate and support new and existing talent by providing the necessary conditions for them to thrive.

“This funding will go some way towards achieving this goal and BizzInn will be a fantastic addition in delivering the next phase of this project.”

David Coleman, head of enterprise acceleration at the University of Birmingham, added: “Through the close collaboration of our respective hi-tech support programmes, we’re providing stronger and more identifiable places for hi-tech entrepreneurs and businesses in Birmingham to access support.

“Our interventions will help teams at all stages, from proving the viability of their concept, to building teams and relevant supplier or customer contacts, to attracting finance.”

A digital technology academy for performing arts is to open in Birmingham.