BIRMINGHAM DIGITAL FUTURES

WHO ARE WE AND WHAT DO WE DO

Birmingham Digital Futures (BDF) Innovation District, led in collaboration by the University of Birmingham, PwC and Tech She Can, bridges the digital skills gap and drives innovation in the West Midlands.

Our mission is to create a world-class digital skills ecosystem, empowering individuals, businesses, and the local community to thrive in the digital economy. With technology advancing rapidly and the demand for digital skills increasing, BDF serves as a catalyst for collaboration between academia, industry, and government. Through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge resources, we shape the future of work and ensure regional competitiveness.

MEET OUR DELIVERY PARTNERS

Tech She Can is on a mission to change the ratio of women in technology, to create a world that works for everyone. The charity inspires girls and boys about careers in technology through free, inclusive resources and experiences. It also creates pathways into employment for women and inspires change, working closely with education, industry and government. Tech She Can are founding members of BDF and have supported its growth through access to their inspirational resources. 

Ahead Partnership designs and delivers bespoke and collaborative programmes that connect young people to aspirational role models and opportunities in key growth sectors, including digital and technology. By working collaboratively with employers and schools, their work seeks to equip young people with key skills for the future world of work and address sector challenges. 

Digital Innovators create pathways to sustainable employment through the provision of the competencies and digital skills employers value and need to succeed in their marketplace. Digital Innovators offer distinctive programmes focussed on boosting employability and nurturing talent. That improves and diversifies the talent pool of partnering organisations and ensures young people can stand out from the crowd in an oversaturated job market. 

Entrust provide schools with specialist experience, new insight and additional capabilities to help them build on their strengths and address any service shortfalls with real confidence. Everything they do is tailored to meet the precise needs and priorities of individual schools, academy trusts and local authorities.

WHAT WE DO

DEVELOP SKILLS

BDF Innovation District offers comprehensive training programs, equipping individuals with the digital skills needed to excel in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. Through partnerships with leading businesses and educational institutions, we provide practical, hands-on learning experiences and promote lifelong learning.

a primary school girl is sitting at her computer desk in school and pointing to her screen explaining something to her young teacher who is sitting beside her .

WHAT WE DO

RESEARCH AND INNOVATE

Our innovation-driven environment fosters research initiatives exploring emerging technologies and their impact on various sectors. By encouraging cross-disciplinary collaborations, we generate new knowledge and drive innovation to address real-world challenges.

WHAT WE DO

COLLABORATE

BDF connects businesses, academic institutions, and government bodies to co-design and co-deliver innovative solutions. We facilitate partnerships that foster knowledge exchange, encourage entrepreneurship, and accelerate technology adoption across industries.

Exchange Building

WHAT WE DO

DEVELOP THE ECOSYSTEM

We actively contribute to the development of a vibrant digital ecosystem in the West Midlands region. By aligning with regional innovation assets like Tyseley Energy Park, Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, and the Manufacturing Technology Centre, we leverage existing resources to drive digital skills for the green economy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.

The BDF Innovation District is growing exponentially. By signing the BDF Charter organisations have taken action to reduce the digital skills gap that threatens long-term socioeconomic growth within the region and beyond. We invite you to be at the forefront of this partnership and help us realise a future where ground-breaking technology advancements and regional economic growth can merge with inclusive values.

WHO HAS COMMITTED?

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