Tesco sets sights on innovative startups and challenger brands as Accelerator Programme opens for applications

Tesco reports that applications for its latest Accelerator Programme are now open.

Launching in October, this is designed to support innovative startups and challenger brands. Application deadline is Sunday, 2nd March, and you can apply via RangeMe's platform here.

If your brand can help Tesco's customers make healthier, sustainable choices, is from an under-represented background or is actively giving back to the community, the grocery giant would like to hear from you.

Programme benefits:

🌟 12-month development programme

🌟 Calendar of dedicated learning events

🌟 Build a network within Tesco and with cohort peers

🌟 Access to and support from a dedicated Innovation category team

🌟 Access to Tesco Insight & Media

🌟 Structured commercial plan and review

Tesco Clubcard

Happy birthday to Tesco Clubcard which is 30 years old this month.

Edwina Dunn and Clive Humby of dunnhumby were approached by Tesco in 1994 to help the grocery giant create a loyalty card. And the rest, as they say, is retail history.

In a LinkedIn post, Humby said: "It’s 30 years this week since we broke the mould of grocery retail. What amazes me most is that some are still playing catch up. People talk a lot about AI changing the landscape, but actually it’s all about the data not the software. AI is just a new way of doing what we have always done faster and ‘maybe’ cheaper…. Though I suspect if the vendors have their way more expensively."

He added: "It isn’t rocket science. Know your customer means a better shopping experience, better products, better pricing, improved ROI on promotions and happier customers. It's good to reflect on the last 30 years."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Startups will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in March, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.