BIG
IDEAS
Born Here.
Backed Here.
CreaTech Frontiers is the West Midlands’ creative industries cluster driving the next generation of innovation in the region. We aim to transform how creative content, products, and services are made, shared, and experienced—by placing inclusive, ethical, and sustainable innovation at our core.
Core partners
Who we are
Led by Birmingham City University, CreaTech Frontiers is a 5-year, £7.2 million initiative funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Launched in 2025, CreaTech Frontiers aims to build a thriving createch ecosystem in the West Midlands region, bringing together businesses, cultural organisations, freelancers, artists, and academic experts.
CreaTech Frontiers supports innovation with a comprehensive programme of collaborative R&D funding calls, tailored support for businesses, and talent and skills development.
Funding calls
Foundations funding call now closed
CreaTech Frontiers: Grant Funding for Creative Innovators in the West Midlands
October
DAYS
Closed
Open, apply now!
Apply for the funding call below:
Register your interest, or download the PDF for more information on our last call below:
Our approach to the cluster
Our values
Idea First
It starts with the idea — not the jargon, not the paperwork.
We’re here to back the creative spark, even if you’ve never applied for funding before. You don’t need a business plan or a polished pitch deck. You need an idea that matters and a bit of help to make it happen.
This puts the emphasis on creativity, not credentials. Whether you’re a freelancer or a small business, if you’ve got an idea worth exploring, we’re listening.
Rooted Here
This region isn’t second-best. It's a launchpad.
There’s a narrative that says if you want to ‘make it’, you have to move south. We’re not buying that. The West Midlands is full of talent, ideas, and ambition — and it deserves investment.
This programme is about proving that bold, world-class innovation can start right here. That means backing work that celebrates, challenges, and grows from this place.
Human Support
Real people, genuine conversations
We know the system hasn’t always worked. That’s why we’re doing it differently. The people behind this programme – academics, creatives and technologists – aren’t here to hand down judgement. They’re here to help.
You’ll speak to real people who want you to succeed. It’s about matching the right people to the right projects and creating genuine partnerships, not just ticking boxes.
