Get involved
CreaTech Frontiers supports creative businesses across the West Midlands with expert guidance on growth, investment, IP, and commercialisation. The programme offers business support, thematic workshops, mentoring, and help accessing R&D grants for innovation and prototyping. Over 70 paid internships and 16 fully funded PhDs will nurture future talent. £1.8 million in R&D funding will be awarded to regional SMEs through grants of £5,000–£50,000, shaped by industry needs and academic insight. Activity is delivered in partnership with Digital Catapult and others, and organised around seven research themes, including immersive tech, live performance, gaming, AI, screen, visual arts, and createch research.
Core partners
Funding
Who can apply
We invite applications from freelancers and companies working with creative technologies to develop innovative ideas, content, products, or services aligned with CreaTech Frontiers R&D themes.
How to apply
Applications for funding can be made through this website – we will publish information about upcoming funding calls in advance, and we’ll also run a programme of support events to assist with the application process.
Eligibility
To be eligible for grant funding, you’ll need to be a freelancer, microbusiness or SME. You’ll also need to have a registered address in the West Midlands and have a unique tax reference or a registered company number.
Closed, coming soon
Foundations funding call now closed
How can the programme help?
Access to research
CreaTech Frontiers aims to connect freelancers, creative companies and cultural organisations with academic researchers to spark new ideas and collaborations. Our focus on sustainability, diversity and responsible innovation means research isn’t just theoretical – it’s practical, inspiring and designed to help shape the future of creativity.
Business support
We’re here to help creative businesses grow. Whether you’re exploring new products, services or markets, CreaTech Frontiers offers support, funding and connections to make it happen. We can help you scale sustainably, open fresh opportunities, and build the West Midlands’ reputation as a hub for innovation.
Skills development
Through workshops, mentoring and collaboration with researchers and industry experts, you’ll gain valuable creative, technical and business know-how. It’s about giving you and your team the confidence, tools and networks you need to create, adapt and thrive.
CreaTech facilities
Great ideas need the right spaces to come to life. CreaTech Frontiers gives successful grant recipients access to specialist labs across the region. These facilities are designed for experimentation, prototyping and testing, with expert support to make the most of your ideas.
- Birmingham City University – CreaTech Frontiers Lab at STEAMhouse
- Coventry University – Delia Derbyshire building
- University of Birmingham – Transforming Humanities Lab
- University of Warwick – Fusion Lab
Building the ecosystem
We believe innovation grows best in a strong community. That’s why CreaTech Frontiers is building connections across the West Midlands, linking artists, businesses, cultural organisations, and academics. Together, we’re creating an inclusive and supportive ecosystem where ideas flow, collaborations flourish, and creativity finds the space to shine.