Urban innovators sought for £100k digital transformation programme

17.07.25 BIRMINGHAM, Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for transport, the built environment, cities and local growth, announced today that applications are open for the new Diatomic Digital Accelerator in the West Midlands.

Up to ten small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in the region with innovative digital solutions will be supported by the programme, with at least five progressing through to a trial phase. Six programme challenges have been identified to support planning and development in both Birmingham’s Knowledge Quarter and Wolverhampton’s Green Innovation Corridor.

A total of £100,000 will be made available to develop and demonstrate use cases to create a smarter, more sustainable future. Successful companies will benefit from mentoring, training and expert advice and be introduced to partners, potential customers and investors. The accelerator runs from October 2025 to March next year, and is designed to drive regional innovation, boost economic growth and create jobs across the West Midlands.

Alongside the funding, companies welcomed onto the accelerator will receive tailored commercial and technical support from the Catapult, and applications close on 31 August. 

The challenges are:

1. Mobility & Last Mile (Birmingham Knowledge Quarter)

Developing connected green walkways and intuitive wayfinding in an urban space shared by multiple transport routes can be challenging. Digital twin approaches could help to optimise current mobility, and forecast and model future needs.

2. Land Usage & Underground Infrastructure (Birmingham Knowledge Quarter)

Making better informed decisions when planning land usage and accelerating new developments are targets for the Quarter. Innovative solutions are sought to map existing infrastructure, deliver planning at speed and improve land use.

3. Digital Connectivity (Birmingham Knowledge Quarter)

Improving the modelling and delivery of digital connectivity across the Quarter; ensuring both wired and wireless infrastructure are future proofed. Solutions are sought to plan new assets and create a seamless digital connection experience.

4. Building Optimisation (Birmingham Knowledge Quarter)

Maximising the use and impact of the Woodcock Building in Aston University’s campus; an incubator space for life sciences and clean tech. Innovative solutions are required to support energy efficiency, net zero ambitions, climate resilience and future development.

5. Planning (Wolverhampton Green Innovation Corridor)

Innovative, AI-driven digital solutions are sought that can integrate and analyse a wide range of data sources, including land use and development information, to support the delivery of thousands of new homes.

6. Renewable Energy (Wolverhampton Green Innovation Corridor)

Developing a renewable energy programme to support sustainability ambitions for the area. Areas of focus include optimising renewable energy data, modelling and scenario testing for renewable energy risk, and regulatory changes.

“The West Midlands is filled with innovative companies and we’re excited to be supporting those with pioneering new digital solutions that promise to drive development and growth opportunities in two key areas of Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Both these areas have huge potential to deliver great economic impact for the region – and together are forecast to stimulate tens of thousands of jobs.

“Working alongside our partners, Connected Places Catapult is proud to help drive forward technologies of the future, and be part of the ‘It Starts in the West Midlands’ campaign. Aligned with regional priorities, the Diatomic programme is helping to close funding gaps, reduce economic disparities and strengthen local supply chains. So far, it has supported 36 SMEs, accelerated the development of key technologies and forecasts £23m in co-investment.”

Alan Welby, Managing Director for Built Environment and Local Growth at Connected Places Catapult

The Diatomic programme is delivered by Connected Places Catapult in partnership with Birmingham City Council, the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, Aston University and in collaboration with Wolverhampton City Council and University of Wolverhampton. It is part of the wider West Midlands Innovation Accelerator delivered in partnership with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Innovate UK and the West Midlands Combined Authority.