The Invest in UK R&D – Midlands Campaign kicked off a series of outbound missions in October, which included the UK’s first ever University R&D Overseas Investment Mission, taking over 25 Vice-Chancellors, academic leaders and regional partners to the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology – where the Midlands Campaign hosted the UK’s Global Pavillion Stand on behalf of the UK High Commission, Innovate UK and the Department for Business and Trade. The impressive delegation showcased the depth of the regions’ research expertise and the UK’s commitment to pioneering global R&D partnerships.
Campaign site and investment prospectus launched
To coincide with the start of the outbound missions and to support the campaign, a new website and prospectus have been launched. These resources outline the collective strengths of the region, highlighting sectors where the Midlands is world-renowned for its research and innovation, and highlighting the outstanding opportunities for international businesses and investors.
From Birmingham Tech Week...
As part of a new two-year partnership with Tech West Midlands, the Campaign’s showcase activity started at Birmingham Tech Week on 21st October 2024, the Midlands’ most significant innovation, investment, and technology event, attracting over 7,500 visitors. Highlights included:
- Hosting the Tech Leaders breakfast, attended by 400 eco-system leaders – and Co-Chairing a roundtable for investors, industry and Vice-Chancellors with Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Rt. Hon Peter Kyle MP.
- The inaugural meeting of the Directors of over 30 Science, Tech, Innovation and Enterprise Parks and other innovation assets from across the Midlands.
- Co-hosting the Global Growth Congress with West Midlands Growth Company, the Department for Business and Trade and Birmingham City Council, which was attended by 500+ international investors, companies and trade bodies, including panel discussions focussed on universities and place-based investment.
- Hosting the Universities, Innovation and Investment Partners dinner, attended by over 200 of the Midlands’ most senior leaders.
- Panel discussions: Developed by Midlands Innovation, Midlands Enterprise Universities, Midlands Engine, and West Midlands Growth Company.
- The Campaign supported West Midlands Growth Company with the launch of the It Starts in the West Midlands campaign as one of the initiative’s contributory funders. The launch event included remarks from the Mayor of the West Midlands.
...to Singapore
The campaign continued at the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) beginning on 28th October 2024. Attracting over 22,000 visitors, SWITCH brings together leaders, entrepreneurs, creators, accelerators, and investors from the Global-Asia innovation ecosystem. Leaders from the Midlands delegation participated in high-profile events, including:
- A showcase UK Global Pavilion Stand, which also hosted Innovate UK Clean Tech and Department for Business and Trade AI delegations, and featured a number of showcases by members of the delegation.
- A keynote speech on the UK’s Artificial Intelligence expertise by Professor Nick Jennings, Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University.
- The Midlands Global Perspective debate on the Global Stage Chaired by Professor Jane Norman, Interim-Vice Chancellor at the University of Nottingham and featuring Professor Julia Sutcliffe, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Business and Trade, and Professor Tsuhan Chen, Deputy President (Innovation and Enterprise) at the National University of Singapore, alongside Professor Trevor McMillan OBE, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University.
- Delegation visits to A*STAR – Agency for Science, Technology and Research and Nanyang Technological University Singapore.
- A National University of Singapore Reception hosted at the Global UK Pavillion Stand
- Networking opportunities, including the UK SWITCH 2024 Reception at Eden Hall, hosted by His Excellency Nikesh Mehta, the British High Commissioner to Singapore. These events brought together delegates, distinguished guests, and nearly 300 Midlands university alumni, showcasing their expertise in investment, venture capital, R&D, and finance, and offering valuable insights to campaign representatives.
Unlocking possibilities for UK R&D
Reflecting on a successful start to the campaign Alex Favier, Global Campaign Director said: “It was outstanding to see the response from our partners, advocates and alumni working in investment and industry to our collective offer – by joining forces, working together and pooling our resources – we have had a much bigger impact than as 20 universities acting individually”
Professor Nick Jennings, Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University added: “It was brilliant to see so many colleagues committed to unlocking the power of universities to drive regional economic growth. Our region’s innovations in sectors including clean tech, AI, and advanced manufacturing are having a truly global impact.”
Helen Turner, Midlands Innovation Director said: “The Invest in UK University R&D – Midlands Campaign is flying the flag for the Midlands region and highlighting the enormous potential of all UK universities to leverage their global connections to attract international investment and drive economic growth.”
Next stop Germany
The campaign will continue its packed schedule of outbound visits over the coming months, with stops in Boston, Austin and Cannes. The next stop will be at MEDICA in Düsseldorf, Germany, on November 11th. With over 5,300 exhibitors from 70 countries and 83,000 visitors, MEDICA is one of the largest medical B2B trade fairs in the world.
For more information on the campaign and details of upcoming missions, please visit the website or LinkedIn page.
