Defence leaders and autonomy innovators gather in Plymouth for Land, Sea, Air conference

The University hosted delegates for an event exploring how the region’s innovation and ingenuity can create a world-leading hub for autonomous systems
Professor Richard Davies, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, addresses delegates at the Land, Sea, Air conference held at the University in November 2025

Defence leaders and autonomy innovators gather in Plymouth for Land, Sea, Air conference

The University hosted delegates for an event exploring how the region’s innovation and ingenuity can create a world-leading hub for autonomous systems
Hundreds of leading officials from the worlds of defence, autonomous systems, industry and skills have gathered in Plymouth for the inaugural Land, Sea, Air conference.
Organised by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and hosted at the University of Plymouth, the event was designed to explore how the region’s rich maritime heritage, agricultural expertise, and growing aerospace sector can converge to create a world-leading hub for autonomous systems.
The audience included delegates from NATO, the Ministry of Defence, the Royal Navy, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
It was also attended by a number of businesses with bases in Plymouth and the wider South West, including multi-nationals such as Babcock, Helsing and Thales but also smaller local companies including MarineAI, WholeShip and Chess Dynamics.
The University also had stands showcasing its cutting-edge autonomous activities, from airborne drones and marine platforms used for monitoring at land and at sea to agri-tech robotics.
The event was conceived by Sam Duffield, Chair of the Young Professionals Committee at the IET and a graduate from the MEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering course at the University, and was then supported by the University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, Plymouth City Council and the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport.

The volume of interest in this event has been incredible, and I think 2026 and beyond will be an exciting time for the UK. I’ve had the pleasure of learning from and working with some of Britain’s most talented engineers, and there’s a new generation of young engineers coming through into leadership roles who have a real hunger for innovation. I wanted to organise this event to set the precedent of a new type of engineering emergent in Plymouth. It’s agile, it’s not afraid to build new ideas, create prototypes, and fail fast. If the UK wants to keep up with other nations, we need to keep promoting both small and large companies with innovative ideas, and this event achieves that. This event is just the start.

Sam Duffield
Organiser of the Land, Sea, Air conference
Sam Duffield, Professor Chris Fogwill and Luke Pollard MP at the Land, Sea, Air conference staged at the University of Plymouth in November 2025
From left: Sam Duffield, Executive Dean of Science and Engineering Professor Chris Fogwill and Luke Pollard MP at the Land, Sea, Air conference
The event featured more than ten hours of talks, panel discussions and networking opportunities in addition to stands showcasing a wide range of autonomous platforms and innovations.
It also delved into the many challenges and opportunities facing companies, with the ambition of forging collaborations needed to drive investment, innovation, and economic growth.
It is the latest major event to take place in the city following its designation as the UK’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy, and the announcement that it will benefit from the Government’s Defence Growth Deal programme.
Land, Sea, Air was officially opened by Professor Richard Davies , Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, and Luke Pollard, the MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport.

I am delighted that our University is hosting this major event, and I have no doubt it will be the first of many as our city makes the most of the opportunities presented by defence-driven growth. Today is a great example of how we are in a unique position to bring people together and build the professional and personal relationships that will shape our futures for the benefit of our city, our region, our nation, and our world.

Richard DaviesProfessor Richard Davies
Vice-Chancellor

Plymouth and the wider South West have always been at the forefront of maritime innovation, and today we’re extending that leadership into land, sea, and air autonomy. This event is about harnessing our region’s unique strengths to drive collaboration, investment, and cutting-edge research – creating opportunities that will shape the future of autonomous technology and deliver real economic growth for our communities.

Luke newsletter headshot eve of poll.jpeg

Luke Pollard MP
MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

Land, Sea, Air at the University of Plymouth was designed to explore how the region’s rich maritime heritage, agricultural expertise, and growing aerospace sector can converge to create a world-leading hub for autonomous systems
Land, Sea, Air at the University of Plymouth was designed to explore how the region’s rich maritime heritage, agricultural expertise, and growing aerospace sector can converge to create a world-leading hub for autonomous systems
Land, Sea, Air at the University of Plymouth was designed to explore how the region’s rich maritime heritage, agricultural expertise, and growing aerospace sector can converge to create a world-leading hub for autonomous systems
 

Read more information linked to this article

More related news

Professor Richard Davies, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, addresses delegates at the Land, Sea, Air conference held at the University in November 2025
Plymouth docklands at mouth of the Tamar

Delivering on the UK’s defence and security priorities

University of Plymouth vessels on test patrol in Plymouth sound with network overlay

Centre for Marine Autonomy, Maritime Cyber Security and Technology (CMAST)

Image: Robotriks

Specialist controlled environment, aquaculture and sensor technology