AI, computer vision, automation solve fundamental problems as inaugural Retail Tech Hot 100 List goes live
AI, automation, robotics, computer vision, inventory intelligence, digital infrastructure are no longer "future" technologies. They're becoming the foundations of modern retail. So says Dan McGrath, JD Group Customer Operations, JD Sports.
McGrath made the observation as RTIH launched its first ever Retail Technology Hot 100 List.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: “As one of the judges for the inaugural Retail Technology Hot 100, I'd like to congratulate everyone who made the list and thank Retail Technology Innovation Hub for inviting me to be part of the judging panel. What struck me wasn't simply who made the list, but the themes that emerged. One thing became increasingly clear throughout the judging process: the companies creating the biggest impact aren't necessarily building the flashiest demonstrations of AI, they're solving fundamental retail problems. Better data. Better visibility. Better decisions.”
He added: “As we move towards an era of agentic commerce, that becomes even more important. AI agents can only make intelligent decisions if they're operating from trusted, real-time, deterministic data. Without that foundation, they're simply making faster guesses. It was fascinating to see how many of this year's companies are quietly building the infrastructure that will underpin the next decade of retail.”
McGrath concluded: “Congratulations to everyone recognised, and thanks again to RTIH and my fellow judges for the opportunity. It was a privilege to be involved. I'm already looking forward to seeing how this list evolves over the next few years.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
AI 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 Wednesday, 4th November.
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.
