The DIATOMIC Year 3 Extension (April 2025–March 2026) builds on two years of impact. Originally launched in 2023, it supported innovation across CleanTech, HealthTech, and MedTech. Now, the focus shifts to SMEs addressing BKQ and GIC challenges.
Achievements so far:
This phase enhances infrastructure, expands collaboration, and aligns with regional priorities for growth, decarbonisation, and inclusion.
DIATOMIC (Digital lnnovAtion TransfOrMatlve Change) is an interdisciplinary cross-cutting platform for embedding innovation capacity in the city, driving prosperity locally, and enhancing the city’s reputation globally. The purpose of the project is to build the innovation capability and capacity to drive growth and prosperity in Birmingham, positioning us as a leading UK city in digital innovation and inclusive innovation. It offers Birmingham and the West Midlands an incredible learning and transformation opportunity. The project is focusing on the following sectors: clean energy, retrofit and health innovation.
The project is structured into four workstreams:
1. Digital Twin Platform – Led by CPC and BCU, enabling SMEs to test and scale digital solutions.
Develops a scalable, secure infrastructure for SMEs to test and visualise solutions. Supports innovation in mobility, land use, digital connectivity, building energy/use optimisation, and energy systems. Aligned with BKQ and GIC regeneration.
2. International Bridges – Led by Birmingham City Council, deepening the Birmingham–Ulsan Innovation Twin Partnership.
Deepens the Birmingham–Ulsan Innovation Twin Partnership through academic, business, and civic collaboration. Includes webinars, trade missions, and joint research.
3. Digital Accelerator – Supporting 10 SMEs (5 with funded trials) to address local authority challenges in the BKQ district.
Offers tailored business support and trial funding. Challenges include:
4. DIATOMIC Centre – Programme management, monitoring, evaluation, and communications.
Ensures delivery, stakeholder engagement, and strategic dissemination.
Key partners include:
The business branch of the project organise different events throughout the project:
The academic branch of the project organised different webinars during the year 2025:
In October 2025, an Ulsan delegation visited Birmingham during Birmingham Tech Week, where they took part in the Birmingham-Ulsan Innovation Summit
In May 2025, an Ulsan delegation visited Birmingham for the second time.
In February 2025, a Business and Academic delegation visited Ulsan in a 4-day trip.
DIATOMIC was also showcased in Barcelona Smart City Expo World Congress, from 5th to 7th November 2024, with great presence in the diverse panels of the Congress programme.
DIATOMIC was present during Birmingham Tech Week, on the 23rd October 2024. On the Global Day, DIATOMIC held a panel session that showcased the different branches of the project. During this week, Birmingham hosted an Ulsan delegation.
In May 2024, a civic, business and academic delegation visited Ulsan to meet key stakeholders in the South Korean side.
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