Robots, space warfare and AI: The future comes to Lincolnshire

A robot compere, space warfare, artificial intelligence, defence technology and cutting-edge AgTech will take centre stage as The Great Exhibition of Lincolnshire returns on Wednesday 21 October.

The exhibition will bring together an international line-up of business leaders, industry experts, innovators and overseas representatives at the Lincolnshire Showground's Epic Centre for a showcase of the technologies shaping our future.

For the first time, a robot will help host the event, introducing speakers and welcoming delegates as Greater Lincolnshire demonstrates its growing role in technology, energy, food production, defence and security. Speakers include former Prime Minister Rt Hon Liz Truss, former four-term Texas State Representative and CEO of the American Energy Association Rt Hon Jason Isaac, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick, Zia Yusuf, Texas Representative Carrie Isaac, ABP Humber Regional Director Andrew Dawes, Swiss Bitcoin mining expert Matthias Gerber, alongside experts discussing space warfare, AI, defence and emerging technologies.

Representatives from countries including Taiwan, Bangladesh, the United States, Canada and Poland will also attend, giving the exhibition a truly international dimension.

The event will be opened by Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire Dame Andrea Jenkyns DBE, who created the Great Exhibition to showcase the area's businesses, entrepreneurs, agricultural producers and technological innovators.

Inspired by the original Great Exhibition of 1851, this year's event asks a very modern question: What will Britain need to feed, power and protect itself in the decades ahead and what part will Greater Lincolnshire play?

The exhibition will showcase innovation across three central themes:

WE FEED the future of farming, food production, AgTech and agricultural innovation.

WE POWER energy security, infrastructure and the technologies needed to power Britain.

WE PROTECT defence, AI, security, advanced manufacturing, drones and the technologies changing modern warfare.

Mayor Dame Andrea said: “This isn't a traditional business exhibition. It's a glimpse into the future, from robots and artificial intelligence to AgTech, defence innovation and even space warfare.” “Greater Lincolnshire already plays a critical role in feeding, powering and defending our country. The Great Exhibition is about bringing innovators from our area together with national and international leaders and asking: what comes next?” “Our exhibitors aren't presenting ideas on paper. They're showcasing technologies that can help keep Britain's food on our shelves, our lights on and our country safe.”

Notes to editors 

About The Great Exhibition of Lincolnshire

The Great Exhibition of Lincolnshire was created by Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire Dame Andrea Jenkyns DBE to showcase the people, businesses and industries driving growth, innovation and opportunity across the region.

Inspired by the Great Exhibition of 1851, the event brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, policymakers and innovators to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future.

The 2026 Exhibition is built around three themes:

• We Feed - celebrating Greater Lincolnshire's strengths in food production, agriculture and agri-tech.
• We Power - highlighting the region's role in energy generation, infrastructure and energy security.
• We Protect - showcasing innovation in defence, security, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

About the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA)

The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority was established to bring together local leaders to drive economic growth, improve transport, create jobs and skills opportunities, and attract investment across Greater Lincolnshire.

Led by the Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, the Authority works with local councils, businesses, education providers and communities to deliver its vision of a stronger, more prosperous and better-connected Greater Lincolnshire.

The Authority's ambition is to create a region that is more ambitious, better connected and full of opportunity for residents, businesses and future generations.