Join the RIN Ecosystem Startup of the Year Competition!

Winning startups will earn the opportunity to showcase their innovations at the National Retail Federation's Innovators Showcase during NRF 2027 in New York City.

Submit an application

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 in New York, plus a $1,000 discount on the participation rate.

2026 Showcase featured here

02 CAPITAL + PARTNERSHIP

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 by August 21, 2026.
Provide a pitch deck.
Confirm the ability to pitch live in Bentonville on September 10, 2026.
Be able to travel to New York on January 10–12, 2027 to exhibit at NRF 2027: Retail’s Big Show, if selected as the winner.

Submit an application

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