Education & Development Zone Exhibitors

Iscar

ISCAR UK will be at MACH 2026 as the Education and Development Zone Headline Sponsor, engaging with the UK’s next generation of engineers, technicians, and manufacturing professionals.

MACH aligns with ISCAR UK’s commitment to supporting the future of advanced manufacturing through cutting-edge carbide tooling, digital machining solutions and hands-on technical support across industry sectors including aerospace, automotive and general engineering. The event also marks an important milestone as ISCAR UK launches its Level 6 Apprenticeship Programme in 2026, reinforcing its investment in developing future engineering talent. This is further supported by the opening of ISCAR UK’s brand new, state-of-the-art Technology Centre this year, designed to demonstrate live machining, innovation, and practical learning, helping to build capability, confidence, and long-term skills within UK industry.

The Royal Navy

The Royal Navy will be at MACH 26 to connect with the UK’s next generation of technicians, scientists and engineers with real-world maritime innovation at one of the country’s premier manufacturing and technology showcases, hosted at the NEC Birmingham from 20-24 April 2026 by the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) as part of its mission to highlight advanced technologies and build the national skills pipeline.  Engaging at MACH aligns with Defence-wide Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) priorities to inspire more young people into STEM pathways and careers, reflecting the Navy’s long-standing role in maritime, engineering and aviation advancements and its active outreach through projects, STEM programmes, and school partnerships across the UK. 

Hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities that translate Naval engineering and technology into accessible experiences for students, educators and their families will be provided by the Royal Navy.  These will complement MACH’s live production and advanced manufacturing environment connecting classroom learning with real industrial applications.  This presence underscores a commitment to nurturing talent early – through practical projects, engineering challenges and ambassador-led engagement – so young people can see clear pathways into high impact engineering and technology roles that sustain UK capability and competitiveness in the years ahead. 

Pathways into Engineering Zone

University of Nottingham 

Our Omnifactory® robotic demonstrator has been uniquely designed to simulate an automated manufacturing environment, which can produce different products, utilising variable tooling, all within the same cell. This represents a solution to challenges industry is facing regarding unpredictable and variable demand for its products, whilst they simultaneously analyse the scale of investment needed in digital manufacturing technologies.  It is a miniaturised version of a full-scale demonstrator and capability embedded within the Omnifactory® facility at the University of Nottingham. 

Renishaw 

Discover hands-on STEM inspiration with Renishaw… 

 Our stand will feature an interactive activity designed to engage students and spark curiosity about engineering and technology. You’ll also find a selection of measurement devices that align with the main Renishaw stand, offering a real-world insight into precision engineering and innovation.  We’re especially excited to showcase the world’s first 3D printed bike frame, featured in the Guinness Book of Records in 2018. This unique exhibit demonstrates a practical application of additive manufacturing (AM) metal 3D printing, highlighting how advanced engineering can solve real-world challenges. 

 And to help young people explore the exciting pathways available at Renishaw, we’ll also be sharing information about our early careers opportunities, including work experience, apprenticeships, placements, and graduate roles. 

VEX Robotics 

VEX Robotics is the world’s leading educational robotics company and the only one with significant presence from Early Years, right through every Key Stage and into University – both for classroom use and extra-curricular competitions. 

STEM Racing

Designed for teachers, guided by engineers, and supported by F1®, STEM Racing puts students on the fast track to success – combining real-world skills with plenty of fun along the way. 

Modelled on the structure of a professional F1 team and mapped to the National Curriculum, the programme transforms the classroom into a dynamic, multidisciplinary learning experience. 

Working in teams of 3 to 6, pupils take on defined roles, ranging from car design and manufacturing to testing and branding. Once their projects are complete, they compete in official STEM Racing events, capturing all the excitement of a Grand Prix, and delivering the same jaw-dropping track times. 

STEM Racing is a feature of the MACH 2026 Education & Development Zone, where they will be showcasing their innovative approach to STEM learning and teamwork.