Aston University opens £1 million AI-powered business hub for Birmingham entrepreneurs
Aston University has opened a new £1 million AI-powered business hub in Birmingham, aiming to support local entrepreneurs, startups and scaleups.
The Aston Business Hub will offer hands-on support to founders and leadership teams, helping them to identify opportunities, prioritise investment and create clear roadmaps to scale their businesses.
Designed to meet the needs of startups and small businesses, the hub offers adaptable workspaces, hot desks and collaborative spaces. Companies based at the site can also access a pool of students and graduates looking for placements and employment in Birmingham.
Academic researchers and students on Aston University’s PhD+ Programme will also be available to work with companies at the Hub, giving access to advanced expertise and new ideas to help them grow.
Businesses can select a gold, silver or associate membership package to access varying levels of support and access to resources.
“The new business hub marks a significant investment by Aston University in the city of Birmingham, and we’re delighted to be playing a leading role in supporting the city’s innovation and enterprise ecosystem,” comments Professor Gurpreet Singh Jagpal, Chief Commercial Officer at Aston University.
Yiannis Maos, a serial entrepreneur and tech expert, will serve as Entrepreneur in Residence at the Hub. Businesses with a gold membership will receive a one-to-one consultation with Maos as well as access to his monthly drop-in sessions.
“The world of business is changing rapidly, and AI is at the heart of that transition. I’m really excited about the Aston business hub because right now we are facing challenges but also exciting opportunities as well,” he comments.
“The business hub represents a great place to work from but most importantly the business support that will allow those businesses to grow and scale. I’m delighted to have been chosen as the AI entrepreneur in residence for the business hub and I’m excited to help play a vital role in supporting entrepreneurs and start-ups in Birmingham.”
