The West Midlands is undergoing an exciting transformation, with AI at its core. The region is embracing a future where AI is not just a buzzword but a powerful tool for growth and innovation.
With nearly 70,000 AI industry professionals and a promising job market, the question arises: how are businesses leveraging this technology?
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) reports over 140 AI companies in the region, and they're encouraging more to join the AI revolution. Their recent AI and Tech Prospectus outlines three ambitious missions: to become a national AI testbed for public service innovation, boost business productivity, and establish an AI academy offering free adult training.
Andy Hague, lead of TechWM, emphasizes the need to demystify AI. "It's time to move beyond the fear-mongering predictions of AI replacing jobs. While it's easy to be concerned, the reality is far more nuanced."
As firms integrate AI tools, Hague stresses the importance of raising awareness. "The majority of people, likely over 70%, struggle to articulate what AI is and its potential impact. Especially for small businesses, understanding how AI, cyber, or quantum technologies can enhance their operations is crucial."
Tech WM aims to bridge this gap by working with businesses, academia, and the public sector. They'll provide feedback to the WMCA to ensure these missions are realized.
The body, partly funded by the local authority, drives the digital tech agenda and attracts private investment. For businesses seeking guidance, the West Midlands Cyber Hub offers a central resource.
In 2025, several AI and cyber faculties opened, aiming to make the West Midlands a leader in skills training and competitiveness.
The Centre for Cyber Resilience and Artificial Intelligence (CYBRAI) at the University of Wolverhampton and Aston University's Capgemini AI Centre for Excellence are key players.
"The universities in the region are doing incredible work," Hague says. "Wolverhampton, Warwick, Aston, and Birmingham are all contributing significantly to the AI landscape."
Mayor Richard Parker and the WMCA recently announced a £10m strategy, predicting AI will become a core skill akin to math and English. Manny Athwal, founder of the School of Coding & AI, believes tech-education is vital, and the region must collaborate to stay ahead of cities like Manchester.
The school, in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton, offers courses in computer science, business management, and health and social care, integrating AI across the curriculum. Their goal is to equip students with practical AI experience, teaching them to challenge and work alongside AI, not be replaced by it.
Encouraging mature learners is crucial, Athwal adds. "We can't leave it to the next generation."
Shakielah Bibi, a 41-year-old student at the school, agrees. Learning about AI has "opened doors" for her. As a mother and homemaker, she wanted to develop her skills and keep up with technology.
"As my children grew older, I realized I could help them more if I understood the technology and AI they use. It's an incredible feeling to learn something I never thought possible."
Christianah Abayomi-Daniel, a former nurse and fellow student, enjoys applying AI to her studies and daily life. "If it wasn't part of my course, I might have given up. It's a fascinating time to be learning."
Hague describes the region's AI journey as "a fascinating time." As the sector grows, the initial hype around AI is calming, revealing a more nuanced reality.
"Compared to other areas, we might rank low on pure outputs, but we're well-regarded. Much is still in its infancy."
The future is promising, given the WMCA's targets for jobs and growth. Athwal hopes for less fragmentation and more government funding to achieve these goals.
"If someone else gets that funding first, they'll take the lead. But I'm confident we'll get there."
The West Midlands is embracing a future where AI is a powerful tool for progress. It's an exciting journey, and we invite you to be a part of it. What stories would you like to see covered in Wolverhampton's AI revolution?
