Inspiring Future Innovators at the MK Innovates STEM Festival

Niftylift was the headline attraction at the MK Innovates STEM Festival 2025, inspiring young minds with interactive STEM activities and live demonstrations.

Engaging Young Minds in STEM

Niftylift was proud to be the headline attraction at this year’s MK Innovates STEM Festival, held on 21st and 22nd October 2025 in Middleton Hall at the Centre:MK. The festival brought together local businesses, schools, and community groups to celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and to inspire young people to consider careers in these exciting fields.

Niftylift apprentice demonstrating STEM activities at MK Innovates STEM Festival 2025

Our stand was buzzing with activity throughout the two days, with a wide range of hands-on exhibits and interactive challenges designed to spark curiosity and encourage problem-solving.

Interactive STEM Activities

Visitors of all ages enjoyed exploring how Niftylift’s technology works through a series of engaging demonstrations, including:

• VR Experience – Take a virtual ride 28 metres up in a Niftylift HR28.
• 5S Puzzle – Discover how to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Hydraulic Arms – Operate a scaled-down hydraulic system using syringes and water for a chance to win a Niftylift keyring.
• Control Box Wiring Activity – Test your wiring skills like a real Niftylift engineer.
• Purchasing Challenge – Match our global suppliers to the parts they provide.
• Tool Identifier Task – Put your mechanical knowledge to the test.
• Careers Stand – Learn about Niftylift’s apprenticeship programmes and career opportunities.

Visitors enjoying Niftylift’s VR experience at MK Innovates STEM Festival 2025.

We also showcased two of our latest innovations, the HR12 4x4 Hybrid and the HR15NE, both on static display for visitors to see up close.

Supporting Local STEM Development

The Niftylift team was made up primarily of our apprentices, who did a fantastic job running the stand, engaging with visitors, and sharing their enthusiasm for engineering. The group was supervised by Karl Digby, Learning and Development Manager, and Evie Savage, Early Careers Coordinator.

Our attending apprentices included:

Paigan Huish, Mitchell Smith, Mitchell Richardson, Ewan Bell, George Mott, Haydn Nixon, Oliver Pearce, Tommy Shaw, Luke Hornsby, Oliver Marlow, Joshua Foot-Batten, Josh Brady, Josh Causton, and Kyran Kearney.

Members of the Niftylift Team at the MK Innovates STEM Festival 2025 with HR15NE

We were also delighted to welcome Councillor James Lancaster, Mayor of Milton Keynes, who visited our stand and met several of our apprentices.

Building Confidence and Inspiring Others

Reflecting on the event, Karl Digby, Niftylift’s Learning and Development Manager, commented:

“Once again, Niftylift stood out as one of the most engaging exhibitors at the MK Innovates STEM Festival. It was fantastic to see our apprentices growing in confidence as they inspired the next generation of engineers and innovators. Their passion and professionalism made me incredibly proud.”

Dr Susan Izadkhasti and the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Councillor James Lancaster, standing with Karl Digby while visiting Niftylift’s stand at MK Innovates STEM Festival 2025

Encouraging Future Engineers

Niftylift’s involvement in local STEM outreach is an important part of our commitment to developing future talent and supporting our community. By giving young people hands-on experiences with real engineering principles, we aim to help them see how creativity and problem-solving can lead to exciting and rewarding careers.