Join the RIN Ecosystem Startup of the Year competition!

Your chance to join the National Retail Federation's Innovators Showcase at the NRF 2027 Big Show in NYC.

This year, we are excited to launch a new competition in collaboration with the NRF Innovators Showcase. We are inviting emerging innovators to compete for the opportunity to present their technology live on stage at our event to an audience of more than 200 senior leaders across retail, CPGs, enterprise technology leaders, strategic investors, and pioneering startups.

WHAT THE WINNING STARTUP WILL RECEIVE

01 NRF SHOWCASE

Automatic entry to the invite-only NRF Innovators Showcase, plus a $1,000 discount on the participation rate.

See the2026 Showcase featured here

02 NRF 2027, NEW YORK

A place among a select group of innovators featured at NRF 2027: Retail's Big Show in New York, where more than 45,000 retail industry professionals gather each year.

03 CAPITAL + PARTNERSHIP

In addition, the winner will received accelerated consideration for strategic funding and partnership from dunnhumby ventures and its investors network

TRACK RECORD

Previous NRF Innovators Showcase participants have generated hundreds of qualified leads, established valuable fundraising connections, secured commercial partnerships with leading retailers, and gained coverage in top‑tier media.

JUDGING PANEL

Shortlisted startups pitch live on September 10. Panel includes Leo Nagdas, NRF Innovation Advisory Committee, who will decide the title.

Who can apply?

This competition is designed for early-to growth‑stage startups that:

Operate in retail or CPG‑focused technology
Feature a technology introduced to market within the last 3 years
Have technology live in a retail environment or in a paid pilot (concept‑stage solutions will not be considered)

Startups must:

Submit an application outlining their solution and traction
Provide a pitch deck
Confirm the ability to pitch live in Bentonville on September 10, 2026
Be able to travel to New York in January to exhibit at NRF 2027: Retail’s Big Show (January 10–12, 2027) if selected as the winner

When you submit this form, it will not automatically collect your details like name and email address unless you provide it yourself.