Starship Technologies delivery robots make their way to 10 Downing Street to meet PM Keir Starmer

Starship Technologies’ delivery robots made it to 10 Downing Street yesterday to celebrate game changing innovaion against a backdrop of London Tech Week 2025. And the thorny issue of regulations reared its head.

In a LinkedIn post, Lisa Johnson, VP, Corporate Comms & Public Affairs (Global) at Starship, said: “Team Starship Technologies had a blast at 10 Downing Street. We joined Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Peter Kyle (Secretary of State for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) to celebrate innovation and show how tech is already changing the world.”

She added: “The PM remembered his last trip to meet the robots years ago as an Opposition Shadow Minister (we might have mentioned regulations still haven’t changed...). We discussed how Starship can create high skilled tech and manufacturing jobs if the conditions are right, and introduced the little guy to Science Minister Lord Valance. Also took the opportunity to catch up with the Transport Secretary.”

“Great as always to see Jo Stevens, Lisa Nandy MP, Jonathan Reynolds MP, Hilary Benn, Wes Streeting MP and Yvette Cooper. Big thanks to Emily Darlington MP who is such a great advocate for science, tech, our robots and Milton Keynes!. And of course the team who made it happen and Daniel Bingley, who is a robot service user, a veteran with 18 years of service in the forces, an Invictus Games participant and GB (medal winning) Paraolympian.”

An insightful few days at #ShopTalkEurope where our team connected with other innovators reimagining the retail landscape. Our highlight was joining @SGroup on stage to discuss our rollout of autonomous delivery across Finland. In case you missed it, we now have over 650 robots… pic.twitter.com/edznPfDXtS

— Starship Technologies (@StarshipRobots) June 4, 2025

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

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

The awards, which are now open for entries, 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.