Milton Keynes will host the launch of Overt STEM, a new initiative designed to strengthen collaboration across the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor. The event will take place at Lakehurst Park on 23 April and aims to connect businesses, academia and innovators across the region.
The launch marks the evolution of the MK STEM Awards into a broader platform focused on collaboration rather than recognition. Founded by Meena Chander, Overt STEM shifts attention towards building partnerships, increasing visibility and supporting long-term regional growth.
Overt STEM has been designed as a multi-zone festival bringing together a summit, innovation showcase, pitch arena and academia-led collaboration spaces in one place. The aim is to create an environment where organisations can connect earlier and form partnerships more quickly, helping to remove barriers that often slow innovation.
The Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor is widely recognised as one of the UK’s most dynamic economic regions. However, collaboration across sectors remains fragmented. Overt STEM aims to address this by creating a shared platform where SMEs, large businesses, universities and public sector organisations can engage on equal terms.
With the UK expected to require around 173,000 new STEM roles each year, the challenge extends beyond skills alone. It also includes improving connectivity, visibility and access to opportunities across the region. Overt STEM aims to open up these pathways so opportunities are more evenly distributed.
Meena Chander, founder of Events Together and Overt STEM, said there is significant untapped potential across the corridor but limited interaction between organisations. Meena said: “There is extraordinary talent and innovation across this corridor, but too often it sits in silos. Overt STEM is about changing that by creating a space where organisations of every size, from start-ups to global leaders and academia, can connect earlier and build something greater together.” Meena added: “This is not a traditional event. It is a working ecosystem; one where collaboration isn’t just encouraged, it’s enabled.”
The initiative has already attracted interest from organisations across the region, including those connected to Robert Bosch UK, STEM Learning, Cranfield University, Initivo Consultancy Limited and the South Midlands Growth Hub. This early backing reflects a growing appetite for a more joined-up approach to innovation and regional growth.
Following the Milton Keynes launch, Overt STEM will continue as a year-round programme of activity aimed at strengthening connections and accelerating innovation across the corridor. Businesses and organisations involved in STEM are encouraged to attend the event and explore opportunities to get involved.
