New categories announced as RTIH Innovation Awards ramps up focus on automation and data analytics

The seventh edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, 3D Cloud, EdTech Innovation Hub, and Retail Technology Show, is now open for entries.

The awards celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world. Check out our 2024 winners here.

And for 2025, we are introducing two new categories: Best Data Analytics Driven Retail Initiative and Best Use of Automation in the Retail Sector.

Best Data Analytics Driven Retail Initiative

This category shines a spotlight on innovative approaches to connecting, integrating and unifying data within retail organisations.

We’re looking for solutions that help retailers turn vast amounts of data into actionable strategies, whether through customer segmentation, demand forecasting, product optimisation, or real-time decision-making.

Entries should demonstrate how data analytics powered by cutting-edge technology solutions is helping retailers deliver measurable improvements across the business.

Download an entry form here.

Best Use of Automation in the Retail Sector

Many retailers are now embracing automation as they tackle various challenges and tap in to numerous opportunities across their businesses.

This award will highlight automation projects across the omnichannel landscape that have resulted in retailers rethinking their operations, resulting in improved productivity, enhanced customer experiences, and competitive advantages.

Download an entry form here.

We're hugely pleased to announce @VistaTechSup as Headline and Drinks Reception Sponsor at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards. Welcome onboard, guys! #RTIHAwards25 https://t.co/8GCmjjn4nQ pic.twitter.com/2LplgXg5jo

— RTIH Innovation Awards (@AwardsRtih) June 13, 2025

You've got to be in it to win it!

Our latest winners will be revealed at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 16th October.

FAQs

Is there a fee to enter the awards?: No, it is free of charge.

Can I enter across multiple categories: Yes.

Do I need to complete all the sections in the entry form? No, but the more information you provide, the better chance you have of producing a successful submission.

Is there a certain timeframe for nominated projects, initiatives etc? Yes, nominated projects, initiatives etc should have been completed (or substantially completed) during the last 12 months.

Who has visibility of our completed entry form and what information will be public should we win or be shortlisted? Only our Editor, Scott Thompson, and judging panel will view submissions. The information provided in the summary section of the entry form will be made public.

Do you only accept entries from UK-based companies? No, we accept entries from all parts of the world.

What is the shortlists process? Shortlists will be announced in August, then shortlisted entries will be sent to our independent judging panel who will decide upon the winners and highly commended submissions.

Shortlisted companies will be invited to attend an event at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 16th October (consisting of a drinks reception, three course meal and awards ceremony).

Do winners and highly commended companies receive post-event coverage? Yes, post-event coverage includes articles on our website and also an in-depth awards review in our printed magazine. There is also the opportunity for a company profile type piece to be published on our site.

Who won what in 2024? Check out our 2024 winners here.

When is the deadline for 2025 submissions? 19th September 2025.

When will the 2025 winners be revealed? Our 2025 winners will be announced at an event at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 16th October (consisting of a drinks reception, three course meal and awards ceremony).

Key dates

Friday, 19th September: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 23rd September: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 24th September - Wednesday, 8th October: Judging days

Thursday, 16th October: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 16th October.

Who will be judging the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards?

Rob Smith, Technology Officer, East of England Co-op

Suhas Grama, Senior Software Development Engineer, Amazon Just Walk Out

Vineta Bajaj, Group CFO, Rohlik Group

Nadine Neatrour, Chief Marketing Officer, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants

Jack Dowling, Transformation Director (Strategy, Product, Operations & AI)

James Pepper, CEO, Vista Technology Support

Mike Cadden, Chief Technology Officer, Marie Curie

Carole Kingsbury, Chief Technology Officer, C&C Group

Christine Russo, Industry Analyst and Retail Influencer

Matt Taylor, CTO of Global Managed Services and VP of SecDevOps, NCC Group

Paula Bobbett, Chief Digital Officer, Boots

Yatin Garg, Head Product & Engineering, Amazon

Eugene Mischenko, Founder and President, E-Commerce & Digital Marketing Association

Gregg London, Supply Chain Consultant

Scott Thompson, Editor and Founder, Retail Technology Innovation Hub

Toby Pickard, Retail Futures Senior Partner, IGD

Gary Newbury, Supply Chain Advisor and Delivery Executive