Tesco is kicking off its annual ‘Global Hackathon’ this week, with colleagues from around the world competing to solve problems in retail technology.
The UK’s largest retailer is hosting the event, which is designed to celebrate tech innovation and collaboration with international teams.
Over a two-day period, teams from the UK, Central Europe and India will come together to look at how coding can help to find a tech solution to a retail problem.
The event has seen a number of of successful ideas come through the pipeline over the years.
Back in 2019, the winning idea of ‘Tesco Magic’ has since been developed, designed and delivered into Tesco Unpacked, the personalised, digital Clubcard summary that captured the nation’s attention last week.
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More than 50 teams, with around 450 colleagues, will be working to transform their idea into a working prototype before showing the judges their solution before two teams are crowned winners.
This year, teams will be asked to focus on where Tesco can enhance its customer service with initiatives such as new health and sustainability schemes and increasing loyalty through new Clubcard offers.
Judges – which include Tesco chief technology officer Guus Dekkers and group strategy and innovation director Claire Lorains – will be looking for ideas that have the potential to make a real difference to the business and customers.
The winning teams will then be able to take their prototype forward, in addition to receiving a small cash prize.
“I love this event because it gives colleagues an opportunity to showcase the wealth of technology talent we have within Tesco,” said Dekkers.
“The ideas, no matter how big or small, are all designed to help Tesco be a better business. For our leadership team, it is an opportunity to challenge our perceptions and think outside the box,” he added.
“I wish every team all the best in the event and look forward to seeing what new ideas we can bring to the table.”
