Retail Innovation Forum

London, UK | 21 April, 2026

Join us at dunnhumby ventures' Retail Innovation Forum!

We are bringing together more than 200 senior leaders from across retail and technology, including a carefully selected mix of pioneering startups, established market leaders, strategic investors and innovation partners, for an afternoon of panels, roundtables and curated networking in London, UK.

You’ll have the opportunity to engage with executives from dunnhumby, Tesco, and leaders from market‑leading technology vendors, retailer and brand innovation teams, strategic investors, and other senior decision‑makers.

This closed, invite‑only Forum is complimentary for attendees, offering the chance to participate in open, thought‑provoking discussions on the most critical issues shaping the future of retail, alongside opportunities to explore potential partnerships and collaborative innovation.

If you would like to be considered for the event, please register via the form and we’ll be in touch.

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Join us at dunnhumby ventures' Retail Innovation Forum!

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Numbers will be capped to ensure a high quality of engagement — make sure to register today!

Date
21 April, 2026

Venue
No.10 Union Street,
London, SE1 1SZ

Time
12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Introducing the RIN Ecosystem Startup of the Year competition!

Your chance to join the National Retail Federation's Innovators Showcase at their Retail's Big Show Europe.

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.

The winning startup will receive automatic entry to the invite-only NRF Europe Innovators Showcase, plus a $1,000 discount on the participation rate (see the 2025 Showcase featured here). They will be one of just 30 companies selected to exhibit in Paris this September, where more than 12,000 delegates are expected to attend. In addition, the winner will receive accelerated consideration for strategic funding and partnership from dunnhumby ventures and its investor network.

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.

Those interested will need to apply below and, if shortlisted, be prepared to present on stage on 21 April. A judging panel, including NRF Innovation Advisory Committee member Leo Nagdas, will decide which finalist is awarded the title of Retail Startup of the Year and the opportunity to exhibit at the NRF Innovators Showcase.

Who can apply?

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

Operate in retail or CPG‑focused technology
Are based in, or have significant presence in, EMEA
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 London on 21 April
Be able to travel to Paris in September to exhibit at their Retail's Big Show Europe if selected as the winner

Click to apply: RIN Ecosystem Startup of the Year competition form

Agenda

21 Apr	Time	Session
	12:00 – 1:00 PM	Networking lunch
	1:00 – 1:15 PM	Welcome remarks from dunnhumby ventures
	1:15 – 2:00 PM	*Panel 1: ''Innovation readiness: are you ready to AI?''*
	2:00 – 2:20 PM	Startup Competition: Session 1
	2:20 – 2:45 PM	*Break*
	2:45 – 3:30 PM	Panel 2: Innovation focus - what do consumers want?
	3:30 – 3:50 PM	Startup Competition: Session 2
	3:50 – 4:10 PM	Break
	4:10 – 4:30 PM	Startup Competition: Session 3
	4:30 – 5:15 PM	Panel 3: Collaborative innovation - what makes a great partner?
	5:15 – 5:30 PM	Wrap-up & announcement of the Retail Startup of the Year
	5:30 – 7:00 PM	Networking drinks

Venue

What to Expect

Now in its fourth edition since launching the series in 2024, the Retail Innovation Forum has already brought together 600+ attendees from more than 400 companies across Bentonville, USA, and London, UK. Each event has strengthened the network, bringing sharper conversations, stronger collaboration, and a growing mix of senior leaders shaping the future of retail innovation.

Event Highlights and Key Activities

During previous events we delivered thought-provoking panels and 4+ hours of purpose-driven networking, bringing together key players in the retail innovation ecosystem to establish a new standard for faster and more integrated ecosystem-led problem solving.

Panel discussions have explored a wide range of high-priority topics in retail innovation, including:

Unlocking Unique Data Assets
The Evolution of Retail Media
The Store of the Future
Building Unique Consumer Experiences
The Retail Startup Founder's Journey

We are bringing the Retail Innovation Forum back to EMEA to build on the success of previous years and continue to build our growing Retail Innovation Network. We expect a similar mix of industry leaders, thought-provoking, high-quality content, and exceptional networking opportunities, so register now to avoid missing out!