Aston University launches Midlands digital consultancy hub
Birmingham has recently joined a global network of design and digital consultancies focused on solving real-world problems.
Design Factory Birmingham, located at Aston University, is one of only two hubs in the UK outside of London.
The city’s official inclusion in the Design Factory Global Network on February 14th allows Aston University to open its doors to other organisations, promoting collaboration and innovation.
Businesses, industry partners, entrepreneurs, staff, and students will work together on projects using technologies like 3D printers and design software.
Aston University will share its expertise in areas like artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, data science, and web design.
The Design Factory will have a space named after Dame Margaret Weston, a former Science Museum director. She studied electrical engineering at one of Aston University’s previous schools and was the first woman to lead a national museum.
The Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, Professor Aleks Subic said: “The Design Factory Birmingham is another key milestone in our ambition to be a leader in science, technology, and innovation, driving socio-economic transformation in our city and region. It is important to the Midlands because it will make a direct contribution to innovation-led growth in partnership with industry and businesses. However, this is not only a local launch but also a global launch as Design Factory Birmingham is a global innovation hub and an integral part of the Design Factory Global Network involving 39 innovation hubs around the world.”
Currently, there are 39 innovation hubs across five continents, mostly in universities and research organisations, with three in the UK located in London, Birmingham and Manchester.
