Ireland first as Uber connects with Manna for first European launch of drone delivery service

Uber Technologies and Manna have announced a partnership that will see Uber’s first European launch of drone deliveries.

Going live first in Ireland, the service integrates Manna’s autonomous drone delivery system with Uber’s platform and logistics experience. The pair are aiming to expand this into more European cities going forward.

“Autonomous technology is shaping the future of delivery, whether it’s on the streets or in the skies. By combining Uber’s scale with Manna’s proven aerial expertise, we’re bringing fast, efficient and sustainable delivery to consumers and merchants alike. We’re proud to launch in Europe and excited to introduce this technology to more Uber Eats customers over time,” says an Uber spokesperson.

“This partnership with Uber marks a defining moment for drone delivery,” says Eoghan Huston, Chief Operating Officer at Manna Air Delivery.

“Over the past seven years, we’ve proven that autonomous aerial logistics can operate safely, reliably and at scale in real communities. Integrating with Uber’s global platform allows us to bring that capability to more consumers, merchants and independent retailers, accelerating the shift toward faster, cleaner last mile delivery. Our focus remains simple: build the safest, fastest and most sustainable delivery infrastructure in the world.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Autonomous delivery will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 15th October.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.