World land speed record holder inspires young innovators

World land speed record holder Andy Green OBE encouraged young people to be curious, work together and take on ambitious challenges when he delivered a keynote speech at Brooklands Innovation Academy (BIA) LIVE on Wednesday 7 October 2026, at Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey.

The event brought over 500 pupils from 42 schools from across the South East to Brooklands Museum for a full day of practical workshops, talks and conversations with people working in science, technology, engineering and maths. Moving between sessions across the Museum, students tested ideas and solved problems inspired by the work of researchers, engineers, healthcare professionals and businesses. 

They explored challenges spanning robotics, satellite design, aerospace, healthcare, sustainable energy and precision engineering. Activities included coding robots, designing and launching rockets, learning how products such as toothpaste and medicines are developed, and investigating the science behind flight. Speaker sessions and an apprentice panel opened up conversations about the different routes into STEM careers. 

Andy’s appearance carried a particular connection to Brooklands - his selection as the driver of ThrustSSC was announced at the Museum in 1995. Two years later, he became the first person to break the sound barrier on land.

Andy Green OBE said: “Coming back to Brooklands Museum to speak with these brilliant students has been a real pleasure. This was the place where I was announced as the driver of ThrustSSC, so I know how a moment here can mark the start of an extraordinary challenge.

“I hope students take away from today that a world record is never one person’s achievement. It takes people with different skills asking questions, testing ideas, learning from setbacks and working together. I saw plenty of that spirit in the workshops today.”

Now in its fifth year, Brooklands Innovation Academy connects young people with industry and education partners at events run throughout the year. Before today’s BIA LIVE event, its 2026 programme had welcomed over 300 pupils from more than 20 schools, with sessions covering real-world maths, sustainable fuel production, accessible engineering and women in STEM.

Jamie Youles, Head of Science, Jubilee High School, Addlestone said: “We’ve been bringing students to Brooklands Innovation Academy every year because we see the difference it makes. It takes science beyond the classroom and shows young people where their curiosity, ideas and skills could take them. Meeting people who are working at the forefront of science, technology and engineering, and then getting the chance to take part themselves, makes those careers feel real and achievable. “For some students, a day like this can genuinely change how they see their future. They come back to school excited, asking questions and talking about possibilities they perhaps hadn’t considered before. That’s why BIA has become such an important date in our school calendar.”

Alex Patterson, CEO of Brooklands Museum said: “Brooklands has always been a place where people turned bold ideas into real achievements. Today, students did more than hear that story - they worked alongside people solving challenges in the world around us. “Andy’s achievements show what determination and collaboration can make possible, and our partners have helped young people discover just how many paths there are into STEM. We hope every student leaves knowing that their ideas and skills could shape what comes next.”

Brooklands Innovation Academy LIVE is presented by Brooklands Museum in partnership with Bourne Education Trust as part of the National Science Summer School programme. Lead sponsor Haleon, sponsors BAE Systems and Stanhope-Seta, and a wide range of workshop providers and supporters helped bring the day to life.

Preeti Roy, Global Innovation Research Lead - Oral Health and STEM Sponsor at Haleon, said: “At Haleon, innovation and scientific expertise are at the heart of what we do. That's why we're proud to be the lead sponsor of the Brooklands Innovation Academy, an initiative that helps bring STEM to life for the next generation of talent. Programmes like this give young people the opportunity to experience STEM in a practical and engaging way, helping them explore the many career paths available to them.”