On Thursday 10th September, Robert Horsfall, Director of Finance & Strategic Projects at TEP Birmingham attended the launch of the latest NatWest Accelerator Programme Hub at the University of Wolverhampton.
The programme, which has existing hubs at TEP Birmingham and the University of Warwick, will now provide expert coaching, networking, funding support, and specialised banking services to start-ups across the Black Country – strengthening the established West Midlands Accelerator Cluster.
The programme already supports more than 30,000 entrepreneurs and business owners, with plans to reach 50,000 members by the end of 2026.
A day to celebrate
As well as the launch of the hub, attendees to the event also witnessed the high-energy Pitch Competition. This competition saw five ambitious entrepreneurs competing for £100k – showcasing the very best in regional innovation.
From tackling Parkinson’s and asthma to improving surgical outcomes, cutting energy costs through AI and climate tech, and preventing infections in medical devices, these competing founders are building solutions with the potential to make a real-world impact.
Robert reflected on the event: “This launch marked another major milestone in empowering entrepreneurs in the West Midlands. And, as a fellow programme hub, we’re excited to have the University of Wolverhampton as part of the programme.
“I was delighted to be involved as a panellist at the final of the Pitch Competition to see first-hand the ambition and innovation coming through the NatWest Accelerator Programme.
“By extending the programme into the Black Country, we have even more opportunity to help innovative businesses start, scale, and stay in the West Midlands. I can’t wait to see what comes next for this hub at the University of Wolverhampton.”
A network of regional innovation support
In July 2026, we were delighted to host the launch of a NatWest Accelerator Hub onsite at TEP Birmingham, marking an exciting moment in our 300-year long history of innovation.
Our partnership with the NatWest Accelerator Programme builds on our legacy and furthers our mission of supporting businesses who are working towards a cleaner, greener future.
Through the programme, scaling businesses benefit from our expertise and state-of-the-art facilities as well as a network of experts from West Midlands universities, and the support of the West Midlands Combined Authority.
The addition of the University of Wolverhampton to the programme’s network of hub locations marks an important step in furthering the West Midlands as a launchpad to innovation in action.
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