VenHub Global and Follett Higher Education have announced a partnership involving the deployment of the former's smart stores across Follett served college and university campuses in the United States.

The tie up can support locations at residence halls, student centres, athletic facilities, arenas, transit areas, satellite campuses, and other high traffic campus settings. Each college or university smart store can be customised with the institution’s colours, logos, and branding.

“Follett has built an exceptional campus retail presence and a deep understanding of the products, services, and experiences that campus communities value,” says Shahan Ohanessian, Founder and CEO at VenHub.

“Together, we are creating a scalable autonomous retail channel that can expand the deployment of our smart stores across college and university campuses and help bring Follett’s trusted merchandise and campus essentials into more locations. Our smart stores already serve customers beyond conventional store hours at high traffic locations such as LAX and Union Station, and with this new partnership, we are looking forward to meeting students and visitors where they already live, learn, and gather.”

“Campus communities expect convenient, flexible access to everyday essentials and campus-branded merchandise,” says Emmanuel Kolady, CEO at Follett Higher Education. “Our partnership with VenHub provides an opportunity to extend the campus retail experience beyond the campus store, working hand in hand with each institution to serve more students, faculty, fans, alumni, and visitors across campus.”

“Autonomous retail is particularly well suited for environments that need convenient access, flexible footprints, and the ability to serve customers beyond standard operating hours,” adds Ohanessian. “Follett’s campus network and retail expertise, combined with our autonomous smart store platform, create a meaningful opportunity to bring a new level of availability and convenience to college and university communities.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Autonomous stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world, have now closed for entries. Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2026 shortlists and finalists here.

We received a record number of entries this year and many fantastic examples of technology excellence driving transformative change across the global retail sector.

Congratulations to all those who made it through the initial submission process! It’s now over to our star studded judging panel who will decide the winners to be announced at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London. 

The event will be held on Wednesday, 4th November and consist of a drinks reception, three course meal, awards ceremony presided over by award winning stand-up comedian, presenter, actor and broadcaster, Aurie Styla, and after party until 1am.

Click here to book your place at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 4th November.