Bosch and Alibaba Group deepen tie up with focus on AI and cloud powered digital innovation

Bosch and Alibaba Group have announced an expanded partnership to accelerate digital transformation through cloud computing and AI technologies.

By way of example, the pair intend to collaborate on exploring the potential of running Bosch’s intelligent driving environment on Alibaba Cloud’s AI infrastructure. 

Plans are also afoot to drive growth and innovation in e-commerce through expanded product portfolio, enhanced customer engagement, and optimised brand experience. In 2025, Bosch plans to launch new product categories in China with consumer insights from Alibaba’s e-commerce platform. Alibaba will also support Bosch in reaching a broader consumer base in China through omnichannel digital marketing. 

Based on the framework of collaboration in China, Bosch will extend its e-commerce footprint to Southeast Asia, Spain, and Latin America through e-commerce platforms including Lazada, Miravia and AliExpress.

This collaboration began in 2017. Bosch has since established a presence on Alibaba’s Tmall platform, offering a wide range of consumer focused products, including home appliances, power tools, heating systems, and automotive aftermarket parts. Joint efforts across marketing, sales, membership programmes and online-to-offline services have strengthened Bosch’s digital ecosystem and customer engagement in China.

“Our partnership opens up exciting opportunities for both Bosch and Alibaba to expand our offerings in the global market,” says Dr. Tanja Rückert, member of the Bosch board of management and Chief Digital Officer.

“By joining forces, we combine Alibaba’s advanced cloud infrastructure, AI capabilities and e-commerce market reach with Bosch’s deep technological expertise in mobility, industrial technology and consumer goods to drive greater efficiency and innovation worldwide. AI has been an innovation booster for Bosch across all business sectors, and cooperation with strong partners like Alibaba is essential for Bosch realising its full potential and creating greater value.”

“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to empowering global businesses with world class technologies and highlights Alibaba’s strengths in AI and cloud computing,” says Joe Tsai, Chairman at Alibaba Group.

“Bosch’s leading expertise in advanced automotive solutions and household appliances, combined with Alibaba’s innovations in cloud, AI and e-commerce, will enable both our companies to bring compelling value propositions to customers worldwide.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

AI 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.