AI for Growth, Growth for All
Farnborough International has announced its strategic partnership with the AI Growth Alliance (AIGA), a regional initiative supported by the Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board, ahead of its official launch at the Farnborough International Airshow on 23 July.
Hampshire and the Solent are home to world-class industries, leading research institutions, and strong public sector leadership. However, AI adoption across the region remains fragmented, uneven, and often inaccessible. Many organisations lack the confidence, capability, and connections to put AI into practice.
The AI Growth Alliance has been established to address this challenge. Bringing together industry, education, the public sector, and community organisations, AIGA provides a coordinated, people-centred approach to enabling practical and responsible AI adoption across the regional economy.
Operating as a convenor, connector and catalyst, AIGA focuses on:
- Enabling real-world AI adoption across sectors
- Strengthening accessible skills and career pathways
- Building leadership confidence and organisational capability
- Improving coordination across the regional AI ecosystem
Through this partnership, Farnborough International will provide a global platform to showcase the region’s strengths in AI and advanced technologies, while supporting collaboration, innovation, and talent development across key sectors.
As the global stage for aerospace, defence, and advanced technology, Farnborough International Airshow provides a unique platform to showcase the transformative power of AI and deep tech across its traditional and adjacent sectors, foster collaboration, and inspire the next generation of innovators.
What our partners say
Strong, cross-sector partnerships are vital as we navigate the opportunities and complexities of AI, and welcoming Farnborough International in partnership with the AI Growth Alliance will strengthen our collaborations, driving forward our ambitions to build a thriving and inclusive AI community across Hampshire and the Solent — that harnesses the potential of artificial intelligence to foster innovation, improve skills and unlock growth across our local economy.
Through our role on the Hampshire Prosperity Partnership Board and within the newly established Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority, we are working with partners to champion the local economy and skills, ensuring residents and businesses can benefit from emerging technologies and that our region remains a competitive and forward-looking place to live and work.
— Councillor Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council
The launch of the AI Growth Alliance is a significant step forward for Hampshire and the Solent Region, bringing together the partners, expertise and ambition needed to ensure our region is at the forefront of responsible AI adoption. For Solent Freeport, this is exactly the kind of strategic collaboration that can unlock long-term economic value — supporting businesses to innovate, strengthening our skills base, and creating new opportunities for people across our communities. By connecting education, industry and civic leadership, the Alliance will help ensure the Solent has the talent, confidence and capability to compete in an increasingly AI-driven economy.
— Brian Johnson, Chair of Solent Freeport
Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform every sector of the South of England’s economy, but no single organisation can realise that potential alone. By bringing together the expertise, ambition and experience that already exists across our region, we can create opportunities that benefit everyone.
— David Patterson, Chair of the AI Growth Alliance
What comes next
In its initial phase, AIGA will work with partners across business, education, public services and communities to support practical AI use cases, strengthen access to skills, and improve alignment between innovation, investment, and opportunity.
By connecting people, organisations and sectors, the AI Growth Alliance aims to create the conditions for more inclusive growth, increased adoption of AI technologies, and stronger collaboration across the region and beyond.
Bringing together government, industry, academia, education, public health, and investors, the AI Growth Alliance and Farnborough International will accelerate the responsible growth and adoption of artificial intelligence across Hampshire and the Solent, while strengthening links with the regional innovation ecosystem.
Get involved
Connect with the AI Growth Alliance and help shape a practical, responsible and inclusive AI-enabled future for Hampshire and the Solent.
Get in touch to find out more, or join our LinkedIn group — AI Growth Alliance – Hampshire and the Solent.