ETIH Awards 2026 shines a light on higher education campus physical retail technology innovation
RTIH’s sister site, EdTech Innovation Hub, recently announced the launch of its inaugural ETIH Innovation Awards, celebrating excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.
The awards recognise the companies, platforms, and individuals driving innovation and transformation in this fast moving space, whether through personalised learning, upskilling tools, or powerful digital platforms that prepare students and professionals for the future.
Categories include Campus Retail Innovation. This focuses on technology deployments enabling retail experiences to thrive on educational establishment campuses, even as online shopping continues to grow.
ETIH is looking for examples of cutting-edge technology that reduces friction in the customer journey, appealing to tech savvy students and staff members, and catering to their fast paced lives - for instance, checkout-free stores, contactless payments, and autonomous deliveries.
Emma Thompson, Co-Founder and Director of Content at EdTech Innovation Hub, says: “The modern campus is a connected ecosystem, where technology influences every part of student life, from how learners access resources to how they shop and interact.”
“This category celebrates the creativity and technical ingenuity transforming on-campus retail experiences while reflecting the broader digital evolution happening across education.”
Scott Thompson, Co-Founder of ETIH, Editor of Retail Technology Innovation Hub (RTIH), and Managing Director of Paxton Media, says: “There’s a fascinating intersection emerging between EdTech and retail tech, where the same digital transformation principles, frictionless experiences, automation, and personalisation, are being applied to learning environments and campus life. This award recognises that overlap and celebrates how retail innovation can enhance the overall student experience.”
The Campus Retail Innovation Award joins more than 20 other categories across this year’s ETIH Awards, which include Best AI Powered EdTech Solution, Best Career and Skills Development Platform, and Global Impact Award.
Entries cost £80 for a single category or £150 for multiple submissions. The deadline for entries is Friday, 27th March 2026, with the shortlist announced on Tuesday, 2nd April 2026 and winners revealed on Monday, 27th April 2026.
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Checkout free stores and autonomous deliveries were key focus areas at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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