Tech giant Cisco is to launch a new hub in STEAMhouse, Birmingham City University鈥檚 flagship 拢70m innovation centre, as part of an investment into the West Midlands.
The US-headquartered networking and security firm said the space has capacity for 60 employees and recognises the strength of the region as one of the UK鈥檚 fastest-growing hubs for innovation and STEM talent.
Situated in Birmingham鈥檚 Knowledge Quarter and located within the West Midlands Investment Zone – a distinctive and inclusive city-centre innovation quarter focused on life sciences and digital technologies – the new Cisco office is expected to open this summer.
In recent years, the West Midlands has emerged as a leading destination for foreign direct investment and business growth.聽
“All technology companies should be represented regionally, and in these competitive times, it’s vital to identify the best hubs for talent, innovation, and collaboration,鈥� said Adele Every, managing director, public sector of Cisco UK and Ireland.聽
鈥淭he West Midlands has long demonstrated its strengths in these areas, and this new space reflects our confidence in the region鈥檚 important role in driving future growth.
鈥淭his is more than an office presence 鈥� it’s a commitment to the future of the West Midlands. Cisco鈥檚 new space at STEAMhouse is part of our continued expansion of regional presence and recognises that innovation, talent and our ecosystem spans across all four corners of the UK.鈥�
Professor David Mba, vice-chancellor of BCU, welcomed the announcement.
鈥淎s an anchor institution for the West Midlands, BCU strives to bring the world to Birmingham through amplifying the region鈥檚 status as a leading centre for technological talent and business growth,鈥� he said.
鈥淗aving a global brand like Cisco invest in our region is a major display of confidence in the future of our city, which will also offer our graduates more opportunities to develop their careers locally.鈥�
Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker said: 鈥淐isco鈥檚 investment in the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter is a big win for our region and a clear vote of confidence in my plan to get our economy growing again.
鈥淭he world’s top companies are choosing to come here because of the exceptional talent and cutting-edge innovation we can offer them.
鈥淭he West Midlands has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, and it is still the case today. We are home to a 拢15 billion tech sector and the fastest-growing cluster in the UK. It is businesses like Cisco that mean we can keep going from strength to strength.鈥�
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