As the deadline approaches for the 2025 RTIH Retail Technology Awards, the excitement within the industry is palpable. Set to recognize and reward innovation across the retail technology sector, these awards play a crucial role in highlighting groundbreaking projects and initiatives that have set new standards and shaped the future of retail.
Key Dates and Timeline
The entry submission deadline for the awards is Friday, September 19, 2025. This is the last day for companies and individuals to submit their entries for consideration. Following the deadline, the timeline unfolds as follows:
- Tuesday, September 23, 2025: Finalists will be announced, setting the stage for the upcoming judging rounds.
- Wednesday, September 24 – Wednesday, October 8, 2025: Judging days, during which an esteemed panel of judges will evaluate all entries based on innovation, effectiveness, and relevance within the retail technology landscape.
- Thursday, October 16, 2025: The winners will be unveiled at an awards ceremony held at The HAC in Central London, an occasion that promises to be both celebratory and enlightening.
The Judging Panel
The quality and integrity of the RTIH Innovation Awards are upheld by a diverse and knowledgeable judging panel. Esteemed experts across various sectors within the retail industry have come together to provide their insights and assessments. Notable members of the panel include:
- Rob Smith, Technology Officer at East of England Co-op
- Suhas Grama, Senior Software Development Engineer at Amazon Just Walk Out
- Vineta Bajaj, Group CFO at Holland & Barrett
- Nadine Neatrour, Chief Marketing Officer at Gordon Ramsay Restaurants
- Jack Dowling, Transformation Director specializing in Strategy, Product, Operations & AI
- Nina Mimica, Board Advisor and former executive at Studenac
- James Pepper, CEO of Vista Technology Support, among others.
Their extensive experience and expertise ensure that the judging process is thorough and fair, focusing on rewarding true innovation and success within the retail technology sphere.
Submission Guidelines
The process to enter these awards is straightforward, with a few key details to keep in mind:
- No Entry Fee: Companies can submit entries free of charge, making it accessible for all.
- Multiple Categories: Entrants may enter across various categories, allowing them to showcase different aspects of their offerings.
- Entry Form Details: While it isn’t necessary to complete all sections of the entry form, providing comprehensive information significantly enhances the likelihood of a successful submission.
- Project Timeframe: Nominated projects must have been completed or substantially completed within the last 12 months, ensuring that the evaluations reflect recent advancements and innovations.
- Global Participation: Entries are accepted from worldwide contenders, opening opportunities for recognition on an international stage.
Privacy and Visibility
A common concern for competitors is the visibility of submitted information. Only the awards editor and the judging panel will have access to the completed entry forms, assuring entrants of confidentiality. However, the summary information, particularly for those who win or are shortlisted, will become public, potentially benefiting the companies through promotional opportunities.
Summary of the Shortlist Process
Shortlisted entries will be announced in August 2025. These will be sent to the independent judging panel for final evaluations. Companies that make it to the shortlist will receive an invitation to the awards ceremony at The HAC in London, which will include a drinks reception, a three-course meal, and the award presentations.
Benefits for Winners and Highly Commended Entries
Winning or being highly commended at the RTIH Innovation Awards carries significant benefits. Recipients will gain post-event coverage through articles on the RTIH website and an in-depth awards review in the printed magazine. There are also opportunities for in-depth company profile features, further elevating the visibility of winning entries.
Looking Back at 2024 Winners
For those looking to understand the competitive landscape, previous winners offer insight into the caliber of submissions and innovations recognized at the RTIH Innovation Awards. Reviewing the 2024 winners can provide inspiration and a benchmark for potential competitors as they consider their entries for the 2025 awards.
Conclusion
The 2025 RTIH Retail Technology Awards promise to be a landmark event in showcasing the best and brightest innovations in the retail technology sector. With the deadline for entries fast approaching on September 19, 2025, companies should ensure they are prepared to submit their best projects. The awards not only recognize achievements but also serve as a platform to inspire future innovations in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.
With a commitment to celebrating excellence in retail technology, the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards stands out as an event that gathers experts, innovators, and industry leaders to acknowledge and reward transformative ideas that advance retail capabilities. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something transformative in the retail world. Start preparing your entries now, and make your mark on the future of retail technology!
