Solent FutureScape 2026 Delivers a Breakthrough Day for SMEs Embracing AI and Emerging Technology

Solent FutureScape 2026, held yesterday at the King’s Conference Centre in Hedge End, welcomed more than 500 delegates for a full day of demos, panels, fireside chats and exhibitions designed to help SMEs adopt AI and emerging technologies. Attendees praised the event’s practical insights and clear, supportive approach to innovation.

A standout attraction was Titan the Robot, whose humour and futuristic performance drew large crowds and sparked lively conversations about the future of automation and robotics.

Waseem Mirza hosted the Intelligent Innovation Panel and offered an inspiring reflection on the day:

“I thought it was absolutely amazing… yes, new things can be daunting… (but) AI and innovation don’t have to be… the more you understand something new, the less daunting it feels… AI is a tool that can help us imagine our futures… it’s here, it’s now, and we need to grasp it with both hands to succeed in the future.”

Waseem – an awardwinning technology presenter and former BBC Click reporter – brought deep expertise in explaining emerging tech and its realworld impact.

Felix Manoharan, Vice President at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, shared why he joined the programme: to help SMEs understand how scalable cloud and AI technologies can open new opportunities, streamline operations and unlock capabilities previously accessible only to major enterprises. His fireside chat provided delegates with practical routes to adopting cloud and AI at a pace that suits them.

Delegates enjoyed hearing from Dame Wendy Hall, Regius Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southampton and one of the UK’s most respected leaders in AI, Web Science and digital governance. As co-chair of the UK Government’s AI Review and advisor to governments worldwide, she offered a frank and balanced look at both the promise and the challenges of AI – emphasising responsible, people centred adoption.

Throughout the day, delegates explored:

• Live demonstrations of AI across sectors

• Panels and fireside chats turning complex concepts into accessible guidance

• An innovation marketplace showcasing solutions from regional SMEs

• Support for digital skills and capability building

The event succeeded in giving SMEs a welcoming, practical environment to explore technology without pressure. With its highcalibre speakers, energetic atmosphere and strong regional focus, Solent FutureScape 2026 has firmly established itself as a flagship moment in the Solent’s digital future.