Turning novel ideas into valuable technology solutions

The Raymond James Innovation Team held our annual IT Innovation Challenge. Designed to highlight technology associates' novel ideas, the challenge is another testament to our commitment to innovation and to further supporting our associates' growth and development at Raymond James.

About the Innovation Challenge

Unlike a typical hackathon, this challenge involves a three-month-long cultivation and build of unique technological solutions. Through partnership and empowerment, associates are challenged to conceptualize and bring to life a well-polished technology proof of concept or minimum viable product.

This year’s event

This year's challenge was truly amazing, showcasing collaboration and cross-training effort with a significant focus on innovation and business value. A total of 44 ideas were submitted for consideration, with only 16 selected to form the top 10 teams to move forward. From there, challengers pitched their demos to a panel of distinguished judges, including senior leaders throughout the firm, in a Shark Tank-style event.

“Our technology associates showed incredible dedication and extraordinary skills in the creation of their products and applications,” said Kemal Kvakic, vice president and head of Innovation. “At Raymond James, we are focused on fostering a culture of innovation and being a place where good people grow. It’s events like these that reinforce the caliber of talent we’re lucky to have here at the firm, and the bright future we have ahead.”

Congratulations to this year’s top three winners

1st Place: Raghuvanesh Vasudevan and Brian Fenner

 
2nd Place: Vicky Chandwani, Vairavan Vairavan, Lakshmi Kuve and Sourabh Ghosh

 
3rd Place: Shashi Azad, Megha Maramreddy Venkata, Karnakar Kusukuntla and Rakesh Manepalli
 

Thank you to our esteemed judges this year:

• Dhiren Shah, IT Chief Architect
• Andy Zolper, IT Chief Operating Officer
• Stuart Feld, Senior Vice President, IT
• Kemal Kvakic, Vice President, Head of Innovation, IT
• Margaret Starner, Financial Advisor
• Yaakov Ringler, Financial Advisor
• Kim Jenson, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer – Private Client Group
• Amanda Stevens, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer – Raymond James Bank
• Nate Tuting, Vice President, IT

About Raymond James’ Information Technology department

Information Technology supports the firm through a variety of strategic solutions that offer greater business efficiency, ensure data security and privacy, and support new business opportunities. Positions run the gamut from software engineers to project managers, analysts and more.