Paris, 14 September 2023 - MIPIM, the renowned global urban festival, has introduced the MIPIM Challengers initiative, offering young professionals in the built environment sector under the age of 30 from around the world a platform to present fresh solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the real estate industry at MIPIM in Cannes.
Prospective candidates for the MIPIM Challengers program are invited to submit a 600-word essay in English addressing the question: "What is the most critical challenge confronting global urban development, and how can young professionals contribute to its solution?"
A panel of real estate experts will evaluate the essays based on the following criteria:
- Clear Understanding of the Problem
- Originality
- Critical Thinking
- Global Perspective
- A Call to Action
The top 16 essays will be selected as the inaugural MIPIM Challengers cohort and will be invited to attend the full conference and events program at MIPIM, scheduled for 12-15 March 2024 in Cannes, France.
MIPIM, the world's premier real estate event, brings together influential figures from all facets of the global property industry. The 2023 edition saw participation from over 22,500 delegates representing 90 countries, including 6,500 investors from 76 of the world's top 100 investment management firms, collectively advising on €4 trillion of assets.
Nicolas Kozubek, MIPIM Director, commented:
"If we are serious about transforming real estate, we must hear from those at the forefront of the conversation. The MIPIM Challengers initiative empowers young innovators with solutions for the most critical issues in global urban development and encourages the industry to shape a better urban landscape for future generations.
I am eager to facilitate meaningful connections between the next generation of professionals in the built environment and influential global property experts at MIPIM, providing Challengers with an opportunity to learn from political leaders, investors, and the broader real estate community. I look forward to hearing fresh and innovative ideas from the best and brightest in our industry."
About MIPIM Challengers
To be eligible for the Challengers initiative, participants must work in the built environment sector, be under 30 years old as of March 14, 2024, and have not previously attended any editions of MIPIM.
MIPIM will provide delegate passes and accommodations for all selected Challengers.
During the three-day event in Cannes, the selected MIPIM Challengers will participate in a high-level roundtable discussion moderated by MIPIM Challengers patron UNESCO Ambassador Guila Clara Kessous. Additionally, there will be a diversity workshop and an exclusive pitching session where Challengers can present their ideas directly to leaders from the largest property companies.
MIPIM Challengers will become an annual event, with the 2024 cohort serving as the inaugural MIPIM Challengers Network, offering an ongoing platform for Challengers to stay connected, forge valuable long-term relationships, and support future generations of Challengers.
Submissions are open on the MIPIM website until 15 November 2023, with winners to be announced in December.