AIGA Launch at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026
The AI Growth Alliance officially launches at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, with a public launch event on Thursday 23 July — connecting AI with the region's aerospace, defence and autonomy sectors.
The AI Growth Alliance officially launches to the public on Thursday 23 July 2026, at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Hampshire — as part of the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.
One of the world’s largest aerospace, aviation, defence and space gatherings, Farnborough brings together industry, government and innovators from across the globe — right here in our region. The wider airshow runs from 20–24 July, with public access toward the end of the show, including the “Pioneers of Tomorrow” day.
The official launch — Thursday 23 July
AIGA’s public launch takes place on the morning of Thursday 23 July:
- 9:00am — Networking
- 9:15am — Press and media session
- 9:30am — Formal launch
The launch will be opened by Paul Oxley, Director General (Skills) at ADS — the trade association that owns the Farnborough International Airshow and represents more than 2,000 companies across the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors. AIGA’s Chair will then deliver a keynote on the region’s AI ambitions, followed by contributions from strategic partners Councillor Paul Harvey (Leader, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council) and Brian Johnson (Chair, Solent Freeport and Maritime Solent).
The launch will also introduce AIGA’s new AI Leadership & Skills Strategy, alongside perspectives on ethics and inclusion.
Tickets for the launch are limited — get in touch to register your interest.
Why we’ll be there
Farnborough sits at the heart of AIGA’s Defence & Security cluster. Artificial intelligence is reshaping the sectors the airshow represents, and we’re attending to champion responsible adoption across:
- Autonomy and unmanned systems — AI for uncrewed aircraft, sensing and decision support
- Defence and security — threat detection, secure systems and dual-use technologies
- Advanced aerospace engineering — AI-driven design, manufacturing and digital twins
- Regional skills and innovation — connecting Hampshire and the Solent’s talent, research and industry
As a Hampshire-based alliance, we’re proud to support an event of this scale on our doorstep — and to help the region’s organisations turn AI’s potential into real-world growth.
Strategic partnership
Farnborough International has joined AIGA as a Strategic Partner, reflecting a shared ambition to present the South Central region as a coordinated AI ecosystem with national and international reach.
Bring the family
Farnborough’s Pioneers of Tomorrow Day on Friday 24 July is free for children — book tickets.