Meet 15 Game-Changing Start-Ups at MURTEC
The Restaurant Technology Network (RTN) has announced the Top 15 finalists for RTN Start-Up Alley at MURTEC 2025, setting the stage for groundbreaking innovation and next-generation solutions.
RTN’s Start-Up Alley is proudly sponsored by SageNet.
Meet the Game-Changers
These 15 startups represent the cutting edge of restaurant technology, bringing fresh ideas to enhance operations, improve guest experiences, and redefine the way restaurants run. The finalists heading to MURTEC 2025 include:
- All-Day – A solution to accommodate the growing number of guests with dietary restrictions and preferences.
- foreva.ai – AI-powered voice agent that integrates directly with existing POS systems.
- ForteSG, Inc – Automates back-office processes including operations, payroll and finance.
- FranchiseSEE – Franchise operations management platform.
- Incept AI – Voice AI order taking for phone and drive-thru that’s integrated with POS and KDS systems.
- Livelytics – Real-time sales and operations analytics.
- OfOne (YC W23) – AI-powered ordering and upselling solutions.
- Pickpad – Smart order pickup system.
- Realytics – Customer behavior analytics using AI.
- SignalFlare.ai – A decision science framework that transforms complex data into relevant insights.
- Table Touch – Table management system that optimizes table occupancy and server activity.
- Khumbu Systems – Universal API that simplifies integrations and connects disparate systems.
- Vox AI – AI-powered voice automation for restaurant operations.
- Xenia – Workforce management and team collaboration tools.
- Xina AI: Voice Ordering Software for Hospitality – AI-powered voice ordering for restaurants.
A Legacy of Innovation
RTN's Start-Up Alley made its debut at MURTEC 2020 in Las Vegas. Previous winners include:
- PathSpot (2020)
- Hellometer (2022)
- Landed (2023)
- Expo (2024)
Why It Matters
From AI-driven automation to data analytics, franchise optimization, and enhanced guest engagement tools, each company brings something unique to the table. Their innovations have the potential to solve some of the biggest challenges operators face today.
Tammy Hanson, RTN’s Membership Experience Manager, shared her excitement about this year’s finalists: "This year’s RTN StartUp Alley finalists embody the spirit of innovation that drives our industry forward. Their passion and creativity are truly inspiring, and we are thrilled to provide them with a platform to showcase their groundbreaking solutions at MURTEC 2025. We can’t wait to see the impact they will have on the future of restaurant technology."
What to Expect at RTN's Start-Up Alley
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with these forward-thinking entrepreneurs, explore their solutions firsthand, and gain insight into the future of restaurant operations.
Meet the Judges
- Cacy Bedoka, Product/Program Strategist, Jack in the Box
- Susan Lucas, CIO, Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
- Stephanie Nardini, SVP of IT, Jersey Mike's
At MURTEC, the judges will rank the 15 solutions based on the following criteria:
- Level of Innovation
- Practical Application
- Ease of Implementation
- Lifecycle
- Wildcard (judges’ discretionary points)The judges will narrow the field to the top three, who will then take to the MURTEC stage to pitch their tech solutions. MURTEC attendees will cast their votes in real-time to determine the winner. This high energy session is not to be missed!
For those attending MURTEC 2025, this is a must-see event! Qualified restaurant attendees are invited to register for MURTEC at MURTEC.com
