case_studies

The impact of Connected Places Catapult in West Midlands

Driving regional growth through accelerators, innovation twins and opportunities for inclusive innovation.

October 8, 2025

Connected Places Catapult has worked intensively in the West Midlands, across a broad range of programmes, supporting the region to embrace innovation, driving SME growth and productivity.

● £22m economic and social value has been generated by the Catapult’s activities in the region since 2023. Just over £20m of economic benefits come from job creation in supported businesses and the wider economy.

● £103m in R&D commercial contract revenue was secured in 24 months by SMEs participating in the Clean Futures Accelerator Programme.

● SMEs secured £71,000 of private funding and £47,000 of public funding through their participation in the Catapult’s DIATOMIC UK Programme.

Challenges and opportunities

The West Midlands is a place of innovative opportunity but without intervention, it is at risk of experiencing below-average growth, negatively impacting both employment and earnings.

Regional strategies outline the role of innovation and clean tech in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and growing the local economy. The shift to sustainable modes of travel, the aim to improve battery storage and charging capabilities in the region and developing the first Future Mobility Zone in the UK also make the West Midlands a potential hotbed for clean innovation. However, there are specific challenges for growth and productivity in the West Midlands, including:

Smart City infrastructure

Birmingham City Council has the ambition to become a Smart City, with strong, green energy and transportation infrastructure. Without strong collaborative and innovative relationships between businesses, investors and local government, Smart City infrastructure cannot be developed nor maintained.

Regional perceptions

As a result of investor perceptions of the region, business and investor confidence is low, highlighting the need to showcase the innovative
opportunities present in the region.

Rapid pace of change

Green growth is expected to create 196,000 new jobs in the Midlands by 2041, accounting for a £24bn boost to regional GVA5. Further to this, the West Midlands is home to approximately 5,000 clean tech businesses, employing 93,000 people. To ensure that this potential is harnessed fully, the West Midlands must ensure the employees, businesses, innovators and councils are prepared to adapt and keep pace with change.

Download the case study to discover the full impact of Connected Places Catapult in the West Midlands.