Overt stem, a bold new platform dedicated to accelerating inclusive innovation across the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor, officially launched at Lakehurst Park, Milton Keynes.
The launch brought together a diverse mix of leaders from academia, industry, government, and grassroots organisations, united by a shared belief: the future of STEM depends on deeper collaboration, broader access, and a commitment to real change.
Two Platforms, One Mission
Overt stem operates through two connected platforms, each with a distinct purpose:
The Overt stem summit is where the STEM community comes together to collaborate. Conceived as a multi-zone “festival of ideas,” it brings together an innovation showcase, pitch arena, academia-led collaboration spaces, and a high-impact learning exchange, all designed to remove barriers, accelerate partnerships, and turn conversation into action.
The Overt stem awards celebrate the people, teams, and organisations driving STEM forward across the Growth Corridor. With 22 categories spanning education, innovation, inclusion, and leadership, the awards spotlight excellence and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.
Together, they form a single platform with a clear mission: to build a more inclusive, connected, and future-ready STEM ecosystem across the region.
The Launch
The event opened with an address from Emma Kent, University of Cambridge MBA graduate and Managing Director of Initivo, who highlighted the urgency of addressing persistent STEM skills gaps and reinforced the platform’s mission to unite sectors in unlocking talent across the region.
A thought-provoking panel discussion followed, chaired by Debbie Lewis, Accelerator Community Manager at NatWest. Panellists confronted structural barriers head-on, calling for an end to siloed working, a rethink of outdated talent pipelines, and recognition that inclusion is a driver of both innovation and economic growth.
Attendees described the launch as “energising,” “long overdue,” and “a catalyst for meaningful change.”
Who Was in the Room
Attendees included representatives from Horiba UK, STEM POINT, TMX Group, UXLI, Silverstone Technology Cluster, STEM Learning, Niftylift, The Open University, Atlassian Wiliams F1 Team, Enguinity, Space East, University of Buckingham, The Bedford Colelge Group, AQA, Ringway and The University of Cambridge
A Platform with Purpose
Overt stem’s founder, Meena Chander, said:
“Overt stem exists because talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. We’re building visible pathways and tangible opportunities so that people across the Growth Corridor, regardless of background, can thrive and lead in STEM. This isn’t just an event. It’s a movement.”
What’s Next
Nominations for the Overt stem Awards 2026 are now open, with the summit date to be announced soon. With partnerships forming and momentum building, Overt stem is already demonstrating its potential to convene, connect, and drive change at scale across the Growth Corridor.
For more information, to nominate, or to get involved, visit: events-together.co.uk/overt
Media Contact
Meena Chander Events Together Ltd meena@events-together.co.uk 07971 122 214
About Overt Stem
Overt stem is a platform for inclusive STEM innovation across the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor. Through its summit and awards, it connects educators, businesses, investors, policymakers, and communities to celebrate excellence, drive collaboration, and create equitable opportunities in STEM. Founded by Meena Chander through Events Together Ltd, it builds on two successful years of the MK STEM Awards.
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