This year’s event, held on 21st and 22nd October at Middleton Hall, brought together thousands of students, educators, and local businesses for two days of interactive learning and discovery.

Among the many highlights was the continued support of HORIBA UK, our Platinum Sponsor, whose passion for inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers shone throughout the festival.

A Partnership Grounded in Shared Values

HORIBA has been part of the MK Innovates journey since 2019 and, once again, their presence brought excitement, energy and hands-on learning to the festival floor.“Every year MK Innovates grows, bringing together hundreds of students, educators and leading organisations for a day of discovery and inspiration,” comments Ifigenia Balkoura, STEM Outreach Coordinator, HORIBA UK Limited.

“Our decision to sponsor the 2025 festival stemmed from a deep alignment of values: inclusivity, collaboration, and impact. It reflects our commitment to nurturing innovation and inspiring future talent right here in our local community.”

The company’s corporate motto, Joy and Fun, was evident in every interaction, from live demonstrations to the spark of curiosity on a student’s face as they discovered something new.

Creating Access and Opportunity

As Platinum Sponsor, HORIBA’s support helped ensure that schools from every corner of Milton Keynes, including those with limited resources, could attend and participate. Their partnership, alongside fellow sponsors, HMGCC and Niftylift together with funding from Milton Keynes Community Foundation, played a vital role in promoting equitable access and community engagement across the event.

“Being part of MK Innovates is not just about visibility, it’s about access and opportunity,” Ifigenia explained. “STEM education must be inclusive if we’re serious about building a better, more sustainable future. We want every student, regardless of background, to see themselves in STEM.”

This year’s festival once again broke down barriers, enabling more than 1,000 students to experience hands-on science and technology, connect with real-world role models, and imagine their own place in the future of innovation.

Inspiring the Next Generation

HORIBA’s exhibits were a hit with both students and teachers, offering interactive experiments and demonstrations that connected classroom learning with real-world applications.

“Events like MK Innovates are absolutely vital,” Ifigenia reflected. “They allow students to see how science and technology shape the world around them and open doors to exciting careers they might never have considered.”

It’s this mix of education and inspiration that continues to make MK Innovates such a powerful platform for the region, and HORIBA’s contribution ensures those moments of discovery keep happening year after year.

Championing Diversity and Representation in STEM

One of the festival’s core goals, and a value close to HORIBA’s heart, is encouraging more women and underrepresented groups into STEM careers.

“At a previous MK Innovates event, a teacher told us that one of her female students, after seeing our team in lab coats, said she hadn’t realised that women could be scientists. That moment stayed with us and continues to drive our commitment to inclusive education and outreach. We want every young person to know there’s a place for them in STEM.”

Through initiatives like the HORIBA Foundation UK and outreach programmes that span schools, universities and communities, HORIBA continues to champion equity, diversity and opportunity in science and technology.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on this year’s festival, Ifigenia concluded: “We’re proud to have been the Platinum Sponsor of MK Innovates 2025 and to play a part in inspiring the next generation of innovators. The festival is a true celebration of creativity, connection and opportunity, and we look forward to continuing this partnership to keep STEM learning joyful, accessible, and full of possibility.”

Thank you to HORIBA UK for your continued partnership and belief in the power of collaboration and curiosity.