Turning novel ideas into valuable technology solutions at the 2024 Innovation Challenge
Raymond James Technology held the third annual Innovation Challenge, a contest that fosters an innovative culture through partnership and empowerment. Designed to highlight technology associates' novel ideas, the challenge is a testament to our commitment to innovation and to further supporting our associates' growth and development.
About the Innovation Challenge
The Innovation Challenge is a three-month-long process, during which associates work to develop unique ideas and produce well-polished, viable technology solutions. The competition focuses on cultivating an innovative and collaborative culture at Raymond James by showcasing possible opportunities through proof of concepts.
In fact, last year’s presentations led to one patent and two patent-pending concepts – further highlighting the real-world business case for these innovative ideas.
This year's event
This year's challenge showcased our collaboration with a significant focus on innovation and business value on a global scale, while bringing together diverse perspectives and novel ideas.
A record number of ideas were submitted for consideration – 84 in total – doubling our previous years' submissions, and 16 submitters were given the opportunity to join forces to form the top 10 teams and move forward as finalists. Finalists pitched their demos to a panel of distinguished judges, comprised of some of Raymond James’ senior leaders, in a Shark Tank-style event.
Congratulations to this year’s top three winners
First Place: Alex Klatt, Sean Crocker, Tyler Moore and Bobby Baxter (guest presenter); Pictured here with Andy Zolper, IT Chief Operating Officer
Second Place: Stephen Nixon, Shashi Azad, Jon Patterson, Dominic Trottier, Karna Kusukuntla and Srikar Phani Kumar Marti
Third Place: Ted Ryder
Thank you to this year’s esteemed judges:
- Dhiren Shah, Senior Vice President & Chief Architect, IT
- David Allen, Senior Vice President, IT
- Heather Knable, Chief Administrative Officer, Finance & Sustainability
- Bella Allaire, Executive Vice President, Technology and Operations
- Vin Campagnoli, IT Chief Information Officer
- Andy Zolper, IT Chief Operating Officer
- Shannon Reid, President, ICD
- Andrew Elias, Senior 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.