An exclusive roundtable event held earlier this week brought together regional leaders, innovators, and policymakers to advance plans for a world class new HealthTech Campus at Arden Cross. Hosted at Rolls-Royce’s Derwent Building on Birmingham Business Park, the session was opened by Councillor Karen Grinsell, Leader of Solihull Council, and delivered in partnership with the University of Warwick.
The roundtable formed a key part of the inaugural West Midlands Life Sciences Week (15-19 September), a landmark initiative aimed at driving collaboration across science, healthcare, and industry. Attendees explored how Arden Cross’s strategic location, high-quality infrastructure, and broad skills base can be harnessed to unlock economic growth and create meaningful opportunities for local communities.
Jane Coleman, Director of Health Innovation at the University of Warwick, presented the ambitious vision for the HealthTech Campus, followed by an open discussion facilitated by the Rt Hon Greg Clark, Executive Director of the Warwick Innovation District. Topics included investment strategies, partnership models, and success measures to bring the vision to life.
The event concluded with a summary of next steps and networking, reinforcing the region’s commitment to becoming a global leader in health innovation and inward investment.
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Leader of Solihull Council and WMCA Board Member, said:
“Arden Cross represents a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a world class HealthTech Campus at the heart of the UK Central Hub. We’ve come a long way since the original M42 Gateway vision, but today’s discussions were all about what needs to happen next. With HS2, the University of Warwick, Muse and our regional partners behind us, we’re building a legacy of innovation, connectivity, and inclusive growth that will benefit communities across Solihull and the wider West Midlands for decades to come.”
