West Midlands Mayor Andy Street recently cut a ribbon to open the first phase of a £5 million ‘state of the art’ collaborative space for businesses, artists and academics to work together on new projects and business ideas.

Birmingham City University and Eastside Projects’ STEAMhouse facility (www.STEAMhouse.org.uk) features a number of facilities that people can access for free, ranging from 3-D printers and laser cutting machinery to virtual-reality technology and printing studios.

There are eight different rooms, each with its own specialist technology and dedicated technicians. By connecting arts into STEM subject areas, it is anticipated that STEAMhouse will help to create jobs and support the growth of
the Midlands Engine.

Julian Beer, deputy vice-chancellor of Birmingham City University, said: “STEAMhouse is all about bringing together people from different backgrounds to maximise opportunities for creativity and innovation.

"We are delighted to formally open this facility, which will help us re-think how business and the arts can work together, and the real impact that can have on economic growth in the West Midlands.

We want to see as many people as possible take advantage of what is on offer here, as it undoubtedly has the potential to make a huge difference to the future prosperity of our region and its workforce.”

STEAMhouse’s development is in part a response to reports indicating that small businesses in the West Midlands are lagging behind on collaborative innovation.

By linking academic research and the vibrant creative arts scene in Birmingham’s Digbeth area, the university hopes to develop a new supply chain in the region.