Generative AI and augmented reality loom large as Marks and Spencer hosts seventh hackathon

Marks and Spencer hosted its seventh hackathon event last week, with generative AI playing a key role.

In a LinkedIn post, Jeremy Pee, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Marks and Spencer, said: “Yesterday (18th May) we witnessed an incredible display of innovation, collaboration, and sheer talent as we hosted our 7th Hackathon.”

“With over 200 participants and 16 teams across all areas of M&S,  it was a remarkable event that was high energy and truly inspiring!”

He added: “Congratulations to all the teams who participated and pushed the boundaries of creativity.”

“We were blown away by the abundance of groundbreaking from automation and chatbots to augmented reality and generative AI, the range of projects showcased the depth of talent within our team.”

Pee gave a special shout-out to Team Magrathea, who “wowed us with their innovative approach to generative AI, focusing on recommending outfits through chat and enhancing access to our company's treasure trove of data through conversation. Well done, Team Magrathea!”

2023 RTIH Innovation Awards

M&S was shortlisted at the 2022 RTIH Innovation Awards in the Most Innovative UK Retailer category.

The fifth edition of the awards is now open for entries.

The event celebrates global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

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.

For 2023, we are introducing new categories and expanding the awards ceremony in December to accommodate more attendees (further details on that will be revealed in the near future).

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.”

Deadline for 2023 submissions is Friday, 27th October, with winners being revealed at an event in central London during November.

Entries are free and you can submit in multiple categories.

Further information here.