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Teessiders show off their digital prowess

[ October 17, 2025   //   ]

Teesside University, in collaboration with Tees Valley Combined Authority, Teesside Freeport, ICC United Kingdom (ICC UK) and the International Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation (iC4DTI), hosted a two-day demonstration event at the Teesside Digital Trade Testbed.

Located at Teesside International Airport, the Testbed is developing, deploying and measuring the impact of new solutions to streamline international commerce. It provides a secure, real-world environment for businesses to trial technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, geofencing, and decentralised digital identities.

The event demonstrated interoperable, governed connections for documents, identity and movement that deliver quicker clearance, earlier finance and lower fraud risk.

Professor David Hughes, Associate Dean at Teesside University’s School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, said: “This project places Teesside University at the heart of pioneering solutions for the future of international trade. In doing so, it aligns perfectly with our mission to utilise our industry-informed expertise to deliver solutions which empower business and make this region a hub for innovation.

“By reducing administrative burdens – which account for up to 15% of trade costs –  digital trade will help UK businesses save billions while promoting sustainability and efficiency.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Our region has always been at the forefront of engineering, industry, and groundbreaking innovations, and this is another example of yet more progress unfolding right on our doorstep.

“Having led the way in creating the Teesside Freeport, this new testbed shows how we’re going even further to lead the way in making it easier for our local firms to trade internationally, and how we’re pioneering technology right here on Teesside which will have an impact on global trade, putting our name on the map as a place to invest, trade, create jobs and grow.”

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