Aston University opens PhD research support to West Midlands fintechs
The PhD+ scheme will pair 10 doctoral researchers with selected regional businesses working on fintech, AI, cybersecurity, fraud detection, and digital innovation.
Aston University and SuperTechWM are making 10 doctoral researchers available to selected regional businesses through the PhD+ scheme.
Aston University and SuperTechWM are making 10 doctoral researchers available to selected fintech and professional services businesses in Birmingham and the West Midlands through Aston’s PhD+ scheme.
The partnership will give regional businesses access to PhD research support and industry engagement for projects covering fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fraud detection, and digital innovation.
The researchers will work with selected companies on innovation challenges linked to each business. Previous work under the program has included developing AI technology for fraud detection.
The PhD+ scheme launched in 2024 and is designed to combine doctoral research with industry placement, continuing professional development accreditation, AI training, leadership development, and business skills.
The first PhD+ cohort began studying in September 2025. The scheme is open to home and international students and covers all university tuition fees, regardless of nationality, plus a three-and-a-half-year stipend at UK Research Council rates.
Doctoral researchers matched with business projects
Aston University says the partnership will draw on its expertise in AI and digital technology research, with projects focused on innovation challenges linked to individual businesses.
Existing projects include work in cybersecurity, fraud detection, and automation of decision-making in complex regulated environments.
The university’s research base includes the Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute and the Centre of Excellence for Enterprise AI.
Professor Mike Caine, Interim Vice-Chancellor, Aston University, says: “Aston is proud of its relationship with SuperTechWM and our collaboration brings together the University’s research expertise and talent with SuperTech’s network of businesses, startups, and scale-ups. This new innovative programme pairs individual researchers with an industry partner, which will elevate our students’ learning and prepare them for both work and life within a changing world.”
SuperTechWM links scheme to regional fintech growth
SuperTechWM supports technology and innovation-led growth for Birmingham and the West Midlands’ business, professional, and financial services sector.
Aston University and SuperTechWM have been working together for more than a year to support growth across the regional business, professional, and financial services cluster.
Hilary Smyth-Allen, CEO of SuperTechWM, says: "Our partnership with Aston University represents a powerful step forward for the West Midlands’ innovation ecosystem. Through the PhD+ programme, businesses across our region will gain access to research talent capable of unlocking new possibilities in fintech, AI and digital transformation. At SuperTech WM, we are committed to helping companies stay at the forefront of technological change, and this collaboration ensures that the ideas shaping the future of professional and financial services are being developed right here in the West Midlands.”
SuperTechWM hosts what it describes as the largest professional services cluster outside London.
PhD+ combines AI training and industry placement
Aston University says PhD+ is the first UK scheme to combine an industrial placement, continuing professional development accreditation, and training in AI, leadership, and business as standard.
The first cohort began studying in September 2025. The scheme is open to home and international students and covers all university tuition fees, regardless of nationality, plus a three-and-a-half-year stipend at UK Research Council rates.
