Matching Up scheme aims to grow innovative ideas

LEADING organisations in the transport and construction sectors have launched a new incubation programme aimed at growing innovative small companies in the region.

Partners from the Midland Metro Alliance, including Colas Rail, Colas UK and Bouygues UK, have combined their commercial networks with digital campus Innovation Birmingham to launch the ‘Matching Up’ programme.

The new programme is being hosted at Innovation Birmingham’s iCentrum building and is accepting applications until May 5.

The aim is to speed up company development and allow start-ups to test innovative business models and implement prototypes industry context.

Matching Up will also provide successful applicants with hot-desk facilities at iCentrum.

Once the application window has closed, businesses will be matched up within a nine-week assessment period during which each project partner will identify suitable innovations to help develop.

Those matched businesses will then undergo a three-month collaboration process where innovations will be refined and adapted to the Matching Up requirements alongside a project partner.

The best ideas will be showcased at a pitch day in front of the partners and Innovation Birmingham.

Cliff Dennett, head of business development at Innovation Birmingham, said: “We are thrilled to be expanding the breadth of business in a real support on offer at Innovation Birmingham through the Matching Up programme.

“Incorporating industry leaders from the transport and construction sectors into the incubator will provide a key pathway for businesses to test and implement new ideas, grow, and enhance their visibility alongside reputable brands.”

Steve Green, knowledge manager at Bouygues UK, added: “A key way for large organisations to develop is through embracing and driving innovation. “The Matching Up incubation programme launched with the industry partners and Innovation Birmingham provides the ideal arena for this to happen. “Innovation, collaboration and supporting local communities in the places in which we work are hugely important to the Bouygues businesses in the UK. “Making this partnership with Innovation Birmingham is something we are particularly proud to be launching.”

We are thrilled to be expanding the breadth of business support on offer Cliff Dennett