TechWM was founded in 2019, originally as Birmingham Tech, to connect a fragmented West Midlands technology ecosystem and help the region realise its potential as a leading global technology centre with a strong social mission. The region had talented founders, established businesses, universities and growing technical expertise, but lacked an independent organisation able to bring these groups together, build a shared regional story and improve access to support.
Our development has taken place during a period of rapid change. The West Midlands technology sector increased in value from £11.5 billion in 2021 to £15.3 billion in 2022 and was recognised as the UK’s fastest-growing regional tech sector for two consecutive years. This growth increased demand for investment, skills, scale-up support and help adopting emerging technologies. In 2023, Birmingham Tech became TechWM to reflect our region-wide role. We also announced £1 million of investment in initiatives supporting the regional ecosystem.
Since 2019, TechWM has helped businesses raise more than £100 million, inspired thousands of people to explore technology careers and built relationships with over 50 regional and national partners. In 2024, we led or supported public-private projects worth more than £8 million. Our investment competition attracted 140 applicants and resulted in Coventry-based Inicio AI receiving £1.35 million. Every applicant was offered further support and investor connections, while we convened 50 exited founders and angel investors interested in backing regional companies.
We have also helped businesses put new technology into practice. An AI Adoption Accelerator delivered with AND Digital trained 12 West Midlands manufacturers, which began introducing AI into their operations. A sustainability innovation challenge with JLR and Plug and Play connected companies with commercial opportunities and awarded £90,000 to Genomines.
Birmingham Tech Week is the clearest expression of our convening role. It has grown into the UK’s largest regional technology festival and now attracts around 8,000 people annually. In 2024, it delivered 60 events with 100 speakers and delegations from 10 countries. The 2025 programme included more than 35 events and 200 speakers, welcoming over 100 international delegates from at least 16 countries. It also provided a platform for a regional AI manifesto, new cyber initiatives, an agreement with Beijing and the launch of Frontiers Fest. Dedicated events addressed digital skills, women in technology, scale-up growth and engineering.
TechWM has helped the West Midlands communicate its strengths through the “Making Tech Succeed in the Most Human of Places” narrative, developed with the West Midlands Combined Authority and 100 regional contributors. This work informed the region’s European Capital of Innovation submission. In 2024, the European Commission placed the West Midlands third in Europe, recognising its collaborative approach to innovation and inclusive economic opportunity.
Today, TechWM is the independent connector for the West Midlands technology ecosystem. We bring together the people who build, fund, adopt and shape technology. Our work improves access to expertise and investment, supports emerging fields including AI and quantum, and gives the region a stronger national and international voice. We have built a trusted platform that helps turn regional capability into business growth and wider opportunity.
