West Midlands Innovation Programme

Overview

The West Midlands Innovation Programme (WMIP) addresses regional innovation capability and capacity challenges by supporting innovation activities in the region through key clusters, promoting cross-sector innovation, and enhancing the region's innovation ecosystem.

Building on the success of WMIP 1.0, which generated over £28m in additional GVA, and WMIP 2.0, which levered over £13.5m co-investment into the West Midlands innovation ecosystem, WMIP 3.0 (2025-2026) continues to stimulate R&D&I activities across the region, generate additional public and private investment into innovation, and contribute to the regional economic growth.

Led by the West Midlands Combined Authority, WMIP 3.0 aligns with the objectives of the West Midlands Plan for Growth and supports Cluster Leadership activities through the team of Cluster Innovation Partners (CIPs). The programme budget includes the Flexible Innovation Fund dedicated to the development and delivery of innovative collaborative interventions that address barriers to innovation in the West Midlands.

Applications Open: WMIP Flexible Innovation Fund: 2025-26

This funding opportunity is available to organisations and consortia of West Midlands innovation ecosystem stakeholders and is aimed at supporting pilot projects that:

• Are small-scale and time-limited in nature
• Stimulate innovation activity across West Midlands priority clusters
• Can demonstrate long-term scalability at regional, national, or international levels
• Aim to create lasting structural change in the West Midlands innovation ecosystem
• Seek to attract further public or private co-investment

To apply, find the guidelines and application document linked below.

Deadline for applications: 5:00pm, 9 June 2025.

Please note: This fund is not intended for ongoing or ‘business-as-usual’ activities.

Case Studies

The West Midlands Innovation Programme has enhanced business in our region across different sectors. Learn more about WMIP 1.0 and 2.0.