Innovation Birmingham and National Express drive ahead with business incubator

Public transport operator National Express has partnered with the region’s largest digital technology campus Innovation Birmingham to create opportunities for SMEs to access the transport sector and collaborate on digital technology innovation.

The new business incubator ‘NXIS’ creates commercial opportunities for small businesses across the West Midlands, providing access to the transport sector and helping companies to grow and embed products and services.

National Express, a company that now delivers over 845 million journeys every year joins Innovation Birmingham’s Serendip Smart City Incubator as a commercial partner.

The application process to find the next big thing in transport tech begins today. NXIS will sit alongside other partner incubators, including Barclays Eagle Labs, Tata Motors, the West Midlands Academic Health Science Network, Transport for West Midlands and Gymshark.

Rob Muir, chief digital officer at National Express, said: “We are delighted to partner with Innovation Birmingham to launch our new incubator for small businesses developing new digital technology solutions. With our infrastructure, networks, expertise and contacts, we are urging businesses to grasp this opportunity with both hands.

“The purpose of innovation in this context is to disrupt the market, enhance products and streamline processes. Alongside giving something back to small businesses and boosting the great ideas of entrepreneurs, we are hoping to acquire some of the most talented and sought-after minds in the region to improve what we do and maintain our position as a leading international public transport provider.”

The new digital technology incubator offers successful applicants six months of free coworking space at Innovation Birmingham’s flagship multi-million-pound iCentrum building, working alongside other entrepreneurs and corporate partners.

National Express is seeking genuine commercial opportunities through the venture as it continues to digitise its business.

Alongside physical space to nurture and grow innovative ventures, the incubator also connects SMEs with expert teams at National Express, who will offer tailored mentoring and support services alongside Innovation Birmingham’s business experts.

Innovation Birmingham’s community currently comprises over 170 digital technology businesses and over 1,000 tech specialists innovating in sectors such as education, sport, finance, letting, media and transport.
Katharine Fuller, head of business support at Innovation Birmingham, said: “It’s great to see our Serendip Smart City Incubator thriving and the addition of a new partner and more incredible entrepreneurs presents new opportunities for all. We are so excited to be welcoming National Express as our latest commercial partner, joining an array of prestigious international companies on-site.
“Having globally successful partners on-site is not only beneficial for members of the incubator but also the wider Innovation Birmingham community too, acting as inspirational and motivational hubs for aspiring companies.”

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