The International Digital Laboratory is a cutting edge multi-disciplinary centre that was opened in 2008 to transform the digital capabilities of SMEs in the West Midlands, create new partnerships with industry and drive new research collaborations. Over £50 million was invested by the University, Advantage West Midlands, WMG and private sector partners and a diverse range of digital technologies research teams and cutting edge equipment were based there.

The funded facility had a support programme that assisted over 700 businesses and individuals, created 13 new businesses and established over 20 collaborative research projects. Read some of our case studies.

Today over 300 WMG and Jaguar Land Rover staff work there, focussing on collaborative research with a range of industry partners in digital manufacturing, lightweight product/system optimisation, digital validation and verification. It is the home of the Institute for Digital Healthcare and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.

Achievements of the programme:

• 122 New Jobs
• 185 Safeguarded Jobs
• 430 Businesses Assisted
• 255 Individuals Assisted with Skills Development
• 274 Individuals Assisted with Management and Leadership
• £8.6M Value added to the Local Economy
• 170 New Products and Processes
• £2.8M Additional Research Investment gained
• 13 New Businesses Created