MIPIM seeks young Challengers with passionate pitches

MIPIM is looking for passionate pitches from young property professionals. The global urban festival, as it now styles itself, has launched a new initiative called MIPIM Challengers. The annual initiative will provide an opportunity for under-30s from across the world to make their case for new solutions to the biggest challenges facing the real estate industry. Applicants are required to submit a 600-word essay addressing the question: “What is the most crucial challenge confronting global urban development, and how can young professionals contribute to its solution?” The first Challengers cohort will be the authors of the 16 best essays, as judged by a panel of real estate experts. The panel will look for essays that exhibit a clear understanding of the problem, as well as originality, critical thinking and present a global perspective. In addition it must be a clear call to action. Nicolas Kozubek, MIPIM director, said: “If we are serious about transforming real estate, we must hear from those at the cutting edge of the discussion. The MIPIM Challengers initiative empowers young trailblazers with solutions for global urban development’s pressing issues and encourage the industry to create a better urban landscape for future generations.” The final 16 will be invited to join the 22,500 delegates from 90 countries at MIPIM 2024, with all passes and accommodation provided. Next year’s expo takes place between 12 and 15 March in its traditional home in the French Mediterranean town of Cannes. Kozubek added: “MIPIM can provide the Challengers with an opportunity to learn from political figures, investors, and the wider real estate community. I can’t wait to hear fresh and innovative ideas from our industry’s best and brightest.” To qualify, participants must be employed in the built environment sector, be under the age of 30 as of 14 March 2024, and have not previously been to MIPIM. During their stay the Challengers will be invited to a high-level roundtable discussion moderated by MIPIM Challengers patron and Unesco ambassador Guila Clara Kessous. There will also be a diversity workshop and a pitching session where they will be able present ideas directly to leaders of property’s biggest companies. The 2024 cohort will also form the first cadre of the MIPIM Challengers Network, which is intended to act as an ongoing forum for Challengers to stay in touch, build valuable long-term connections and support future generations of Challengers. Submissions can be made on the MIPIM website until 15 November 2023. The winners will be announced in December. To send feedback, e-mail piers.wehner@eg.co.uk or tweet @PiersWehner or @EGPropertyNews