Alibaba launches CoCreate Pitch competition for UK European SMEs, flagship event hits London

Chinese e-commerce giant, Alibaba, has announced the launch of CoCreate Pitch - a new product competition where UK and European SMEs can compete for a prize pool worth nearly £750,000.

It is also bringing its flagship event CoCreate to London later this year, creating a dual annual offering hosted in London and Las Vegas for the first time.

Since 2023, the SME focused trade event has been hosted in Las Vegas, bringing together more than 2,000 North American SMEs under one roof. The first ever CoCreate event in Europe will take place in London on 14th November.

CoCreate Pitch will see SMEs pitch innovative products. Two Grand Champions (Las Vegas and London) will each receive approximately £150,000. 20 global winners will be awarded up to £30,000. All participants will receive complimentary access to Alibaba’s AI powered sourcing tools and supplier network.

The competition will last up to four months. UK SMEs can now submit their products online, with submissions evaluated on innovation, feasibility and market potential.

Kuo Zhang, President at Alibaba, comments: "The pitching competition has always been a highlight of CoCreate, and it’s great to see the entrepreneurial energy and passion SMEs bring to developing their innovative product ideas. This year, we’re thrilled to open this opportunity to entrepreneurs in Europe and the US, and look forward to seeing the product dreams of the brightest SMEs and entrepreneurs coming to life on stage."

SMEs and entrepreneurs interested in applying can post a 30-second video on Instagram or TikTok highlighting their business story or product. Posts need to include the hashtag #CoCreatePitch and tag @Alibaba.com_official. Alternatively, they can fill out a registration form here.

Liz Wang, Global Head of Commercial Strategy at Alibaba, comments: "The 'can-do' spirit of SMEs has always been the inspiration of Co-Create. Our global supply chain empowers these businesses to turn their product dreams into reality. From ideation to production, financing to mentorship, we’re here to help them make it'"

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.