News

Got an innovative retail idea? Walmart wants to hear about it

April 29, 2016

Innovators aiming to reshape and reinvent retail experience have an opportunity to pitch ideas and technologies to the world's biggest retailer.

Walmart is holding a Technology Innovation Open Call in October. The company describes the event as an opportunity where its leaders will meet with companies creating the latest technology for retail, logistics, big data, security and social media. 

The open call event is connected to Walmart’s Lab 415-C, its program for identifying technology that has the potential to change the way people shop.

"But not just change that part of their lives — make it better," according to the company blog.

The Lab researches between 700 and 750 technologies a year.

"From augmented reality to robotics, our team discovers and tests emerging technology that powers the shopping experience our customers want," noted the blog, adding the Lab was named after an early innovation in Walmart's heritage: Sam Walton's 415-C airplane, which he used to scout real estate.

"We look at everything from technology that helps associates run stores more efficiently to capabilities in the internet of things (connected devices that communicate without human interaction, such as a smart thermostat)."

According to the blog more than 5,000 people come through Lab 415-C each year and the experience helps plan discussions, brainstorms and events within Walmart and the greater entrepreneurial and academic community.

The submission deadline for potential selection in the Technology Innovation Open Call is July 22, or the first 250 submissions.