VenHub Global shines bright at RTIH AI in Retail Awards as company bags five nominations

VenHub Global is in the running for five trophies at the RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, which will take place in London later this month: AI and Physical Stores, Best Use of AI in Customer Service, AI and Payments, Digital Transformation Project of the Year, and Most Innovative Retailer.

The US-based company is focusing on bricks and mortar retail with the fully autonomous Smart Store, designed for 24/7 operation, zero on-site staff, and maximum efficiency.

Its modular units combine AI, robotics, and robotics arms to eliminate labour costs, reduce shrinkage, and operate in high traffic or underserved areas where traditional retail fails. Four Initial deployments across California include a landmark store at LAX Airport/Metro Transit Center and one at the Hollywood Bowl.

VenHub is more than innovation - it’s a blueprint for the future of retail. By solving the biggest challenges facing physical retail, it enables a sustainable, scalable model that empowers entrepreneurs and redefines what’s possible in convenience commerce.

And the winner is…

RTIH proudly presents the first edition of its AI in Retail Awards.

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 Thursday, 29th January. 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.

2025 RTIH Innovation Awards

VenHub Global was also named Startup of the Year at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony in London during October. It was also recognised as a finalist in two additional categories: Payments Innovation and Most Innovative Retailer (Rest of World).

"We're honoured to be recognised as Startup of the Year by RTIH," said Shahan Ohanessian, Founder and CEO at VenHub. "This award reflects the commitment and innovation of the entire VenHub team as well as the continued belief in our mission from all our partners and supporters.”

“Our Smart Stores are demonstrating what is possible for retail operators and their customers as we are introducing a retail solution that meets people where they are - with speed, accuracy, and purpose."

Ohanessian added: "We also congratulate all the other RTIH Innovation Awards nominees and winners. Innovation does not happen in isolation. It happens when people across the world pursue bold ideas and deliver real results. We are proud to be part of this community." 

Learn more about VenHub’s smart retail solutions: venhub.com