Including Nextail and Zipline: 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards global tech implementation finalists

We’re pleased to announce the shortlist for the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards Technology Implementation of the Year (Rest of World) category.

We received a record number of entries this year and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.

Congratulations to all those who made it through the initial submission process!

It’s now over to our judging panel who will decide the winners to be announced at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, taking place  at The HAC in Central London.

The event will be held on Thursday, 16th October and consist of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

Book your place at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony on Thursday, 16th October here.

Our 2025 runners and riders as follows:

ICA Gruppen, Cleveron and Ingrid

Cleveron and ICA built a first of its kind Retail-Driven Open Network (RDON): a carrier agnostic, store anchored parcel infrastructure that lets multiple logistics providers use ICA's nationwide footprint.

At the same time, the retailer retains complete oversight and brand control. After a 2022 pilot, the partners automated over 100 in-store pickup points by now, with the 100th installation at ICA Maxi Visby in April 2025.

Using Cleveron's robotic systems, indoor parcel lockers and multi-carrier software alongside Ingrid’s service point software, ICA cut queues, freed staff from manual handover, and created a scalable, convenient last mile aligned with the needs of its Swedish customers.

Nextail

Nextail uses AI and machine learning to automate and optimise inventory management decisions, demand forecasting, and in-season merchandising operations for global fashion retailers.

Its platform enables retailers to enhance efficiency, profitability, and the overall customer experience through smart, data driven solutions. Since the launch of our new forecast in August 2024,, customers achieved 100% adoption, 20% less over forecast and 25% less under-forecast in stores, with 94% of predictions within 0–1 unit error.

Documented results include up to +39.9% units (Gina Tricot), up to +15.1% ASP (Merkal), at Guess +5pp sell-through, +7% ASP and −20% stockouts, plus up to 50% stockout reduction and 15–20% lower in-store inventory.

nsign.tv and AREAS

AREAS, a global travel F&B and retail specialist, partnered with digital signage platform nsign.tv to implement a scalable, centralised content management system across more than 2,000 locations in 11 countries.

Over 2,500 screens now deliver dynamic, data driven messaging in real-time, enhancing customer experience, streamlining operations, and empowering local teams with full autonomy.

One standout deployment is SELF, the first AI powered robotic restaurant in an airport, where nsign.tv plays a key role in guiding customers through a fully automated experience. The project exemplifies how smart, flexible technology can drive omnichannel transformation across global retail networks.

Sensei and Sonae MC

Sensei partnered with Sonae MC to launch the world’s largest autonomous supermarket: Continente Bom Dia in Portugal. Spanning 1,200 m² with over 11,000 SKUs and more than 1,500 daily baskets, the store integrates AI, computer vision, and sensor fusion powered by 1,676 cameras, 2,000 shelf sensors, and six autonomous checkouts.

Customers enjoy a seamless experience across all areas, including fresh product counters. The solution enhances operational efficiency, reduces shrinkage, and delivers a faster, smoother customer experience, proving that autonomous retail is no longer a concept but a scalable, high performing reality that sets a new global benchmark at full supermarket scale.

Sodaclick and KFC Americana

Sodaclick deployed the Middle East’s first multilingual Arabic drive-thru AI order taker for KFC Americana, one of the region's busiest restaurant operators.

This project involved deploying our pioneering conversational AI, optimised on OpenVino and running on Intel Core Ultra processors to drive low latency with on-device processing. The implementation was integrated with KFC's live operational systems and is transforming their operations as well as setting a new standard for AI implementation in the QSR sector.

Zipline and Helzberg Diamonds

Helzberg Diamonds modernised store operations with Zipline, replacing fragmented channels with a single source of truth for associates and leaders. Using a multi-touch “wedding strategy” (save-the-date, invitation, day of launch, thank-you/lessons), teams received clear, sequenced actions tied to clienteling, appointments, and promotions.

Leaders verified work with built-in proof (e.g., photo confirmations) and coached using live compliance views. AI assisted analysis of Zipline surveys turned hundreds of open text comments into decisions within hours. Within months, time to floor accelerated, on-time completion rose, and managers reclaimed hours for customers.