UKSPA News
Barclays launches incubator at iCentrum
Barclays has become the fourth partner to join Innovation Birmingham in delivering a new incubation facility at the Campus ’ £ 8 million iCentrum building
Barclays has launched a 2,500 sq ft business incubator which will feature within the Serendip Smart City Incubator ; designed to drive innovation and open up a wealth of opportunities for tech start-ups .
The incubator will work alongside the Innovation Birmingham mentors to create a unique support package for qualifying start-up and high-growth potential early-stage digital and tech companies . The new facility was launched in April 2016 soon after the opening of iCentrum , located off the A38M Aston Expressway , which opened in March 2016 .
Located on the first floor of the 42,149 sq ft iCentrum building , the business incubator will join three other sectorspecific quarters : Digital Heath , Intelligent Mobility and Internet of Things , which will be delivered by West Midlands Academic Health Science Network , Centro and the Transport Systems Catapult and RWE npower .
The whole 10,000 sq ft first floor of iCentrum will be known as Serendip , with the ethos behind the space being to harness the power of serendipity and encourage the development of new
Pictured ( from left ) are Cliff Dennett , Head of Business Development , Innovation Birmingham ; Dr David Hardman , CEO , Innovation Birmingham ; Joanne Haden , Relationship Director , Barclays ; David Hamilton , Head of Digital Engagement , Barclays ; and Tim Virgo , Relationship Director at Barclays
products and services . To complement Serendip , there will be a state-of-the-art event and meet-up space on the ground floor for up to 500 people . The top floor of iCentrum will house office suites for growing tech companies .
Dr David Hardman , CEO of Innovation Birmingham , said : “ We are delighted to work in partnership with Barclays to deliver this exciting project and their extensive experience will perfectly complement the additional quarters to create greater strength and diversity in supporting early stage businesses .”
“ These hubs will be a place for people to create and innovate ,” said Ray O ’ Donoghue , Managing Director of Barclays in the Midlands . “ We are very excited to be part of iCentrum . Our incubator will be a great platform to support fast growing businesses .”
24 SUMMER 2016