Marks and Spencer hackathon explores generative AI and the benefit it could bring to customers
An M&S hackathon took place this week, with over 220 colleagues from across the retailer gathering in 22 teams, dedicating 24 hours to explore real life business opportunities during BEAM Academy’s bi-annual event.
M&S established the BEAM Academy in 2019. It’s an internal training programme based on the UK government’s Apprenticeship Levy scheme, which provides funding for on the job training, and in partnership with data science and AI education provider Cambridge Spark.
During the hackathon, 14 teams explored generative AI and the benefit it could bring to customers.
Others looked to elevate customer experiences by introducing personalised, healthy shopping suggestions and improved stock availability.
And there was also a visit from Co-CEO, Katie Bickerstaffe, and the one and only Colin the Caterpillar to inspire the teams.
The winning team was headed up by Clothing & Home Design Lead Luke Miller.
“Whilst spending time working in the Finsbury Pavement, London store, it was clear that there was a quicker way to get Clothing & Home products out on to the shopfloor for our customers,” he said.
“The hackathon was a really collaborative process that brought different skillsets from across the business, which was really powerful to experience. We were only a small team, but our win has proven that colleague ideas can make a big impact to our business.”
In a LinkedIn post, Russell Johnson, Chief Data Scientist, Marks and Spencer, said: “Amazing display of AI innovation at this month’s M&S Hackathon.”
“I’m so proud of the M&S data science team and their contribution to helping our business colleagues solve the toughest problems in retail.”
2023 RTIH Innovation Awards
M&S was shortlisted at the 2022 RTIH Innovation Awards in the Most Innovative UK Retailer category.
We received a record number of submissions in 2022, with winners including Sook, B&Q, 3D Cloud by Marxent, Compass Group, AiFi, Walmart, Ribble Cycles, Obsess, HyperFinity, Red Ant, Pets at Home, and TPP Retail.
Our winners and highly commended companies were announced at a sold out event in central London on Tuesday, 6th December.
The fifth edition of the awards is now open for entries.
For 2023, we are introducing new categories and expanding the awards ceremony in December to accommodate more attendees.
Entries are free and you can submit in multiple categories.
Further information here.
Scott Thompson, Editor and Founder of RTIH, says: “Our awards celebrate the dynamic, resilient and innovative retail sector and the companies and technologies that drive it forward.”
“Competition was tougher than ever in 2022, so to emerge victorious was no mean feat.”
“Congratulations to our winners and highly commended companies. I’m excited to launch the fifth edition of the awards. The 2023 event will be the biggest and best yet.”
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