SMI Annual Conference 2026

We are delighted to announce that the SMI Conference 2026 will take place on 17th February 2026 at the University of Strathclyde Technology & Innovation Centre. The daytime conference will feature 4 plenary sessions in the TIC's Main Auditorium, with a breakout area on Level 2 Foyer featuring exhibitions. View the virtual tour of the SMI Conference 2026 daytime conference venue here. 

Glasgow 2026 Programme

Monday 16 February 

1800- 2030  - Welcome Networking Event at the Radisson Blu Glasgow featuring speed pitches from innovative maritime organisations, drinks and canapes. 

Tuesday 17 February –

0800 - 1630 - SMI Conference 2026 at the Technology & Innovation Centre, featuring a maritime exhibition.

1900-2000 - SMI Conference 2026 Drinks Reception at the Radisson Blu - Megalithic Suite

2000 - 2300 SMI Conference 2026 Gala Dinner at the Radisson Blu - Megalithic Suite - after dinner speaker TBA

Wednesday 18 February 

1000 - 1300 - Optional visits to local shipyards

Special delegate rates for local hotels will be available via the SMI Conference event team. 

2026 Theme

"Engineering the UK’s Maritime Future: Sovereignty, Innovation, and the Offshore Transition"

The four conference sessions are as below: 

1. Delivering Sovereign Maritime Capability and Industrial Resilience

Discussion will focus on enhancing shipbuilding capacity, infrastructure, and engineering expertise to support a robust and competitive maritime industrial base.

2. Maritime Innovation for Energy Security and Global Export Growth

This session will explore cutting-edge engineering solutions for clean propulsion and energy systems, approaches to decarbonising the wider supply chain—from ports and platforms to production—and the importance of lifecycle design and retrofit strategies for achieving green compliance.

3. Autonomy, AI, and Digital Engineering at Sea

A session outlining how autonomy, artificial intelligence, and digital engineering are transforming maritime operations, covering areas such as integration, regulation, and assurance of autonomous systems, as well as the use of digital twins, simulation, and predictive maintenance.

4. Engineering the Offshore Energy Transition into Critical National Infrastructure

Discussion will centre on the engineering challenges and opportunities involved in transitioning offshore energy into critical national infrastructure, including the design, construction, and deployment of floating offshore wind. It will also examine vessel requirements for future energy projects and the integration of hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and subsea technologies.