UK links London deep tech with West Midlands manufacturing in new Scaleup Pathway

The UK has unveiled a new Scaleup Pathway to bolster the scaling of domestic innovation and manufacturing. WestTech London and the West Midlands regions have collaborated to deepen the ties between their respective thriving innovation ecosystems. Spearheaded by Imperial College London and the University of Warwick, the initiative aims to bolster the UK's capabilities in commercialising research, fostering innovative firms, and preserving crucial manufacturing and production sectors. This strategic move is expected to elevate the UK's global competitiveness.

The Scaleup Pathway addresses a significant challenge faced by British innovation companies as they progress from research and development to commercial production and scaling. It brings together deep tech innovation and commercialisation alongside broad industrial and advanced manufacturing capabilities. The program will equip companies with essential resources, expertise, and talent at every growth stage, including access to investment, highly skilled workforce, specialised facilities, and supply chains.

The Scaleup Pathway will foster collaboration between the two regions, bolstering economic growth across the UK. Supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority, the Greater London Authority, and various councils, including Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Solihull, Birmingham, Coventry, and Warwickshire, the initiative joins forces with Imperial College London and the University of Warwick, along with other prominent research institutions.

These include the University of Birmingham, University of West London, Brunel University, Aston University, Coventry University, Birmingham City University, and the University of Wolverhampton.

Professor Hugh Brady, President at Imperial College London and WestTech London's representative, emphasized the UK's potential to become a global science and technology leader. He highlighted the importance of connecting regional strengths and providing businesses with necessary expertise, infrastructure, and investment to scale their innovations within the country. This, in turn, will drive a new wave of industrial growth and enhance the UK's competitiveness on the global stage.

WestTech London, established and backed by Imperial College London and key partners like Imperial College NHS Trust, is nurturing a vibrant innovation ecosystem in West London. The region is home to 1,000 frontier innovation companies, generating over £9 billion in annual revenue and supporting more than 20,000 jobs. The West Midlands, on the other hand, boasts an annual manufacturing output of over £22 billion, employing hundreds of thousands of individuals.

The region is undergoing a transformation towards next-generation manufacturing, focusing on electric light vehicles, battery technology, and smart energy systems.