Freeport Futures Expo. 2026 (Invite Only)

Thu Feb 19 2026 at 10:30 am to 12:30 pm UTC+00:00

The Staiths | Middlesbrough

Tees Maritime
Publisher/HostTees Maritime
Freeport Futures Expo. 2026 (Invite Only)
Advertisement
Showcasing the next generation of maritime enterprise
About this Event

The Freeport Futures Expo marks the finale of the Freeport Futures Challenge - a real-world project exploring the future of maritime on the Tees.

Between November and February, student teams from Middlesbrough College have been developing new business concepts designed to operate within the Tees Freeport. Each idea aims to support the region’s growing maritime sector and drive long-term opportunity.

At the Expo, teams will:

  • Exhibit their business ideas at dedicated stands
  • Deliver a live five-minute pitch to a panel of industry professionals
  • Answer questions from investors and guests

Event Schedule

10:30am: Guests arrive to light brunch and student exhibition

11:45am: Investor pitches

12:15pm: Live vote and announcement of the winning team


What to Expect

Each team has been given:

  • An assigned plot of land within the Tees Freeport
  • A £10 million budget to plan, brand, and pitch a viable business
  • A £200 exhibition budget to create a stand and promotional materials

Judges and guests will be looking for:

  • Innovative thinking and clear problem solving
  • Commercial awareness and practical feasibility
  • Sustainability and environmental consideration
  • Confident and engaging presentation

Voting

The winning team will be chosen via a live vote following the investor pitches.
Everyone - investors and attendees alike - will have an equal vote in deciding the overall winner.


About the Programme

The Freeport Futures Challenge is delivered by the Tees Maritime Cluster in partnership with Middlesbrough College, connecting education and industry to inspire future careers in the region’s maritime sector.


Event Photos
Event Photos
Event Photos
Event Photos
Event Photos
Event Photos
Event Photos
Event Photos
Event Photos
Event Photos
Event Photos
Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Staiths, Port of Middlesbrough, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom

Tickets

GBP 0.00

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Middlesbrough

Band Of Confusion - Tribute To Genesis
Fri, 20 Feb at 07:00 pm Band Of Confusion - Tribute To Genesis

30 High Street Normanby, Middlesbrough

Brass Castle Comedy Club
Fri, 20 Feb at 08:00 pm Brass Castle Comedy Club

Middlesbrough Golf Club

Ross Noble: Cranium Of Curiosities
Sat, 21 Feb at 08:00 pm Ross Noble: Cranium Of Curiosities

Middlesbrough Town Hall

The Northern School of Art Open Day (College Level) Monday 23 February
Mon, 23 Feb at 10:00 am The Northern School of Art Open Day (College Level) Monday 23 February

The Northern School of Art

Critical Care Surgical Study day
Thu, 26 Feb at 09:30 am Critical Care Surgical Study day

STRIVE Academic Centre, Entrance B, Room 42

Indie Day Party: Middlesbrough \ud83c\udfb8
Sat, 28 Feb at 03:00 pm Indie Day Party: Middlesbrough 🎸

The Middlesbrough Empire

Middlesbrough is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Middlesbrough Events