Canadian Retail Innovation Challenge launches

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Dec 22, 2016

Four Canadian retail players have teamed up to launch a contest baptized the Canadian Retail Innovation Challenge.

Launched by Dx3 Canada, in conjunction with Oxford Properties Group, Retail Prophetand the Retail Council of Canada (RCC), the national contest aims to discover and promote the best and brightest retail and technology entrepreneurs that Canada has to offer.

The application process is now open to all Canadian start-ups in two categories: Retail Merchants that provide consumers with a different product, service or shopping experience; and Retail Technology, offering innovation that could change or influence the consumer shopping experience.

Six innovative Canadian start-ups will be chosen to showcase and pitch their business concepts to industry leaders, including Oxford Properties Group and Retail Prophet. Two winners will get the chance to debut their concepts in Canada's premier mall – Yorkdale Shopping Centre, or another premium Oxford Shopping Centre. Winners will also receive the opportunity to meet and pitch to the RCC Board of Directors, representing some of the largest retailers in Canada. Winners will be featured in Canadian Retailer and will also be invited to participate in the Store 2017 conference.

"Dx3 has always been about celebrating Canada's digital marketing, advertising and retailing communities, and our hope is that we will encourage innovation in these categories across the country," says Duncan Payne, Dx3 co-founder, in a news statement. "Our mission is to help develop and grow Canada's start-up community, and we're hopeful that this initiative is seen as us putting that commitment into practice."

The application process is open until January 27, 2017 and the selected participants will be notified during the first week of February 2017. All six will have the opportunity to participate in Dx3.