The application deadline now falls on Friday, 31 May. By joining this programme, businesses will have the opportunity to pioneer the transformation of manufacturing in the West Midlands using AI. 

The programme is a unique collaboration between Tech West Midlands and AND Digital and focuses on lowering the barriers to entry for AI adoption in West Midlands manufacturing.

Over the course of 12 weeks, the AI Adoption Accelerator will equip businesses in the West Midlands - free of charge - with the practical knowledge, tools and connections they need to transform their business with AI.  

Participants in the Accelerator will follow a curated 12-week programme, resulting in the design of a real world scalable AI Proof of Concept and associated AI scaling strategy. 

Participants in the AI Adoption Accelerator will also receive access to industry-leading experts for bespoke coaching and mentoring support, dedicated support to design and test a real-world AI proof of concept for business, access to a suite of curated learning resources targeted towards maximising business value from AI and plenty of networking opportunities.

The AI Adoption Accelerator is open to small to medium enterprise businesses who meet the following criteria:

• Currently based within, or relocating to, the West Midlands 
• Registered with companies house as operating in the manufacturing sector (SIC Code Section C).  
• Trading for at least six months

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are enterprises which employ fewer than 250 persons and a turnover of less than €50 million or balance sheet total of less than €43 million. 

Each organisation can nominate up to three representatives (a single lead applicant plus two additional applicants) who will work as a team throughout the programme. 

Speaking about the programme, TechWM CEO Yiannis Maos said: “TechWM is excited to spearhead this groundbreaking public-private partnership alongside ANDDigital and the West Midlands Combined Authority, dedicated to unleashing the power of AI within the manufacturing sector.

“This initiative goes beyond mere instruction; it's a catalyst for empowering individuals to lead organisational transformation and drive positive change. We invite manufacturing organisations eager to explore AI's potential to join us on this transformative journey.”