Ben Everitt, the MP for Milton Keynes North, spoke at the Innovate MK Festival in Middleton Hall at the centre:mk on Friday (08/10).
The Festival is aimed at inspiring young people to get involved with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), but is also hopes to reach out to students or adults seeking further education opportunities or adults wishing to change careers.
Local companies such as the South Central Institute of Technology, Thames Valley Police, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), CityFibre and Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture were all in attendance as schools from across Milton Keynes brought students along to enjoy the interactive experiences.
And Ben was keen to get involved himself checking out some of the FCDO's high tech gadgets and touching the roof of centre:mk thanks to NiftyLift, before speaking on stage about why STEM subjects are so important, especially here in Milton Keynes.
Ben commented: "It's so important we are getting children inspired by STEM subjects from a young age, we need to show that these jobs are something anybody can aspire to be. I was told about a girl who said she didn't know women could be scientists when she visited one of the stands at the Festival. We need to ensure that in the future nobody thinks they can't do something because of who they are.
"Milton Keynes is the best place in the UK to get involved with STEM subjects - you don't have to look far to spot a robot roaming our streets, or to hear about some of our businesses involved in space technology. I've said it before and I really believe MK can be the Silicon Valley of Europe so let's get inspiring to innovate."
