Aston University launches million-pound AI-powered business hub to accelerate growth for local entrepreneurs
A new, million-pound business hub has opened in Birmingham as part of a major investment in the city’s innovation and enterprise ecosystem. Led by Aston University, the hub initiative aims to support entrepreneurs, start-ups and scale-ups by providing access to expert support, talent and collaborative workspace.
Yiannis Maos MBE and Professor Gurpreet Singh Jagpal OBE at the new hub, photo courtesy of Aston Business Hub
What makes this initiative different is the technology at the heart of it: an AI ‘growth engine’ designed to help businesses move beyond ideas to sustainable growth through structured business diagnostics, expert guidance and hands-on support. This will enable founders and leadership teams to identify opportunities, prioritise investment and develop clear, AI-enabled road maps to help scale-up their business.
The modern, adaptable workspaces at the hub include hot desks, meeting rooms and collaborative spaces, with facilities designed to meet the needs of start-ups and growing businesses.
Companies based in the hub will also be able to access a pool of industry-ready students and graduates looking for placements, internships and employment opportunities, and academic researchers and doctoral students through the PhD+ programme and academic research projects.
A range of different membership packages are available, each providing varying levels of access to resources, facilities, and support. Those purchasing a gold or silver membership package will receive a one-to-one consultation with Yiannis Maos MBE, the hub’s new AI entrepreneur in residence, and can access his monthly drop-in sessions.
Maos has successfully scaled multiple tech ventures, including an AI startup that exited for £55m, and helped position the West Midlands as the UK’s fastest-growing tech region, valued at £16bn.
Professor Gurpreet Singh Jagpal OBE, Chief Commercial Officer at Aston University, says: ‘The new business hub marks a significant investment by Aston University in the city of Birmingham, and we’re delighted to be playing a leading role in supporting the city’s innovation and enterprise ecosystem.
‘At Aston, we want to help support entrepreneurs, start-ups and scale-ups by offering access to expert support, talent and collaborative workspace. Innovation has always been at the heart of Birmingham, and we’re excited to see the new hub open its doors to help write the next chapter for entrepreneurs and start-ups in the city We’re really excited to be partnering with Yiannis Maos as we know he will be bringing expert knowledge to the hub including special consultations and monthly drop-in sessions.’
Yiannis Maos MBE, AI Entrepreneur in Residence at Aston Business Hub, adds: ‘The world of business is changing rapidly, and AI is at the heart of that transition. I’m really excited about the Aston business hub because right now we are facing challenges but also exciting opportunities as well.
‘The business hub represents a great place to work from but most importantly the business support that will allow those businesses to grow and scale. I’m delighted to have been chosen as the AI entrepreneur in residence for the business hub and I’m excited to help play a vital role in supporting entrepreneurs and start-ups in Birmingham.’
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