🌍 Calling all future innovators!
Thames Freeport, in partnership with Young Enterprise, is inviting students aged 12-14 from Barking & Dagenham, Havering, and Thurrock to take part in the Smart City Schools Competition.

💡 The Challenge:
Design what your community will look like in 2035 using technology and AI tools. Tackle real local issues—whether it’s cleaner streets, safer parks, or smarter transport—and share your creative solutions!

✅ Why join?

  • Develop teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills
  • Compete with schools across your borough
  • Help shape the future of your area

📥 Teachers can download the resource pack for full details and judging criteria.
📌 Enter now: thamesfreeport.com/smart-city-schools-competition

Let’s build the future – together! 🚀
For full details, please visit: Thames Freeport 

Image Credit: Thames Freeport

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Thames Freeport?

Thames Freeport is a government-created Free Trade Zone designed to boost international trade and economic growth. It covers Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and Thurrock, attracting new businesses and creating jobs for local people.

Why is there a school competition?

A key aim of Thames Freeport is to engage the local community and hear from young people about their ideas for the future. This competition invites students to tackle local challenges by creating innovative technology or AI-based solutions

Who can enter the competition?

Students are welcome to enter the competition either on their own or as part of a group of up to five people. This means you can take part individually or work together with friends to share ideas and create something amazing as a team.

What skills will students develop?

By entering, students will build important skills such as communication, teamwork, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.

Where can I find the judging criteria?

Full details on what judges are looking for are found in the competition pack. Judges focus on understanding of the problem, creativity of the solution, logic, teamwork, presentation, and use of technology.

How will the entries be judged?

A panel of external Thames Freeport judges will review all entries. Judging is based on the team’s understanding of local issues, their chosen solution, innovative use of technology or AI, and the skills demonstrated throughout the project.

How do we get started?

Step One: Please register through the application page.

Step Two: Read through the information pack, use the provided resources to plan activities, and help students work towards producing their competition entry. Good luck!

If you have any other questions, please reach out to the email below:

enquiries@thamesfreeport.com