ETIH Innovation Awards 2026: spotlight on Campus Retail Innovation
This category recognizes retail technologies that improve on-campus shopping experiences for students and staff.
We’re continuing our series exploring each category in the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026, taking a closer look at what the judges expect and what makes a strong submission.
This edition focuses on Campus Retail Innovation, a category highlighting technology deployments that enable retail experiences to thrive on educational campuses, even as online shopping continues to grow. Entries should demonstrate how technology reduces friction and meets the needs of time-pressed, tech-savvy students and staff.
What this category covers
This category celebrates retail technologies designed specifically for use within educational environments, including universities, colleges, and large school campuses. Eligible entries include solutions that improve convenience, speed, accessibility, or operational efficiency for on-campus retail.
Entries may include solutions for:
checkout-free or frictionless store formats
contactless and mobile payment technologies
smart vending, micro-markets, or unattended retail
autonomous delivery or campus logistics solutions
AI-driven inventory management or demand forecasting
loyalty, personalization, or digital engagement tools
sustainability-focused retail technology
integration with campus apps, ID systems, or access controls
Solutions must demonstrate real-world deployment on education campuses.
What judges will look for
Judges will assess whether the technology meaningfully improves the on-campus retail experience while supporting operational efficiency.
Entries should address:
the retail or operational challenge the technology is designed to solve
how friction is reduced across the customer journey
evidence of adoption and usage by students and staff
measurable outcomes such as increased footfall, speed of service, or satisfaction
scalability across multiple campus locations or institutions
feedback from users or campus operators
Strong submissions will show that technology enhances convenience without compromising reliability or user trust.
How to strengthen your submission
Entrants are encouraged to explain how student and staff behaviors, campus constraints, or retail trends informed the solution’s design. Judges value clarity on why the technology is suited to campus environments.
Submissions will be strengthened by:
data demonstrating improved efficiency or customer experience
examples of real-world deployment and operational performance
insights into system reliability, security, and maintenance
evidence of scalability or replication across campuses
Clear articulation of outcomes for both users and operators will strengthen the submission.
Why enter this category
Campus Retail Innovation offers organizations an opportunity to showcase technology at the intersection of education, retail, and digital experience. Shortlisted entries will be featured on edtechinnovationhub.com and across ETIH channels, reaching education leaders, retail operators, and technology providers.
Entries are reviewed by an independent judging panel with expertise across EdTech, retail technology, and digital infrastructure. Many entrants use the submission process to clarify impact and demonstrate the value of campus-focused innovation.
How to enter
To enter, download an entry form or submit via the link below. The entry deadline is Friday, 27 March 2026. The shortlist will be announced on Tuesday, 2 April 2026, and winners will be revealed on Monday, 27 April 2026.
Entry costs £80 per submission, or £150 for two or more entries. Payment can be made via our website. Once your entry form and payment have been received, confirmation will be sent by email.
For questions or further information, please contact Director of Content Emma Thompson.
