The day-long contest, held on the show’s second and final date, will showcase the latest innovative applications of artificial intelligence transforming the world of work, featuring solutions from prominent exhibitors at the show.
The competition is the first of its kind for the trade show, now in its third edition. It will provide a platform for leading exhibitors to demonstrate their AI-powered solutions that are designed to revolutionise HR practices. This year's competition features a range of applications, highlighting the impact of AI on the HR function. The competition will be held within the HR Innovation Hub, a section of the show floor dedicated to highlighting the advancements within the HR technology industry.
The entrants and their AI solutions include:
- Teamtailor: “Co-pilot,” a generative AI assistant available in their ATS.
- Remote: “Recruit,” a set of AI-powered tools and hiring insights to find applicants and manage applications effortlessly.
- Lexonis: “TalentScape,” an AI-enabled learning-to-skill mapping service that links relevant learning solutions to desired skills.
- TraqCheck: AI-powered background checks.
- Sunday: “Merch Metrics,” tracking performance of employee merchandising campaigns.
- Cruit: AI employee referral software that engages current employees to get them to participate in referral programmes.
- Zellis: “ELLA,” a 24/7 HR assistant working across the full range of the HR function.
- StaffCircle: “The world’s first 1-Click Skills & Competency Framework Builder” for SMEs.
- Welliba: “EXcelerate,” an Agentic AI solution that uses publicly available, non-personal passive data to deliver insights into employee performance.
- HiBob: “Analyse my Report with AI,” allowing HR teams to use natural language to explore, understand, and visualise their data.
The Innovation & AI Competition will be evaluated by a panel of judges, comprising leading figures from the HR and technology sectors. These industry experts bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the judging process, ensuring a thorough assessment of each entrant's innovation and potential impact. The panel includes seasoned advisors, talent acquisition specialists, HR technology consultants, and business leaders, all with a proven track record of identifying and fostering innovation within the world of work.
Broken up into three “heats” across the day, entrants will have 10 minutes to present their solutions in a “Dragon’s Den”-style format. The winner of the competition will receive a Branding Boost and a 30-minute seminar speaking session at the 2026 edition of HR Technologies UK.
Leading the panel is Bill Boorman, a renowned advisor to talent technology companies, keynote speaker, host, researcher, and commentator. Alongside Bill, the panel features individuals such as James Mayes (Principal, Exolite Ltd), Hend Halim (People & Talent Manager), Sam Berthoud (VP of Talent Solutions, Hackajob), Clair Bush (Fractional CMO, NED & Mentor, AM-Bush), and Jennifer Johansson (Founder & CEO, Placed), among other professionals. Their collective expertise spans across talent management, HR strategy, technology implementation, and business growth, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the competing AI solutions.
Commenting on the launch of the competition, Nicki Morris, Group Event Director, HR Technologies UK, said: “The launch of the Innovation & AI Competition gives our exhibitors an opportunity to shine a spotlight on their latest AI-powered HR technologies. It’s important to us that we provide a forum where innovation is celebrated and where the HR community can engage with the solutions shaping the future of work. HR Technologies UK has grown significantly over the years, becoming the leading event for HR professionals seeking to understand and adopt the latest technologies. This competition is a testament to that growth and to our commitment to showcasing the most dynamic and forward-thinking solutions in the HR tech space.”
HR Technologies UK will be co-located with Learning Technologies, an established event held by CloserStill Media. In 2024, it welcomed over 11,000 visitors, 200 international exhibitors and 200 speakers. The events are interlinked, with visitors at HR Technologies UK gaining direct access to Learning Technologies, and vice versa.
