MIPIM has launched its second MIPIM Challengers initiative, offering young professionals the opportunity to shape the future of cities.
This year, the programme is seeking innovative ideas from young professionals in the built environment. To qualify, candidates must be 30 or younger and have not attended MIPIM since 2022.
Submissions are open on the MIPIM website until October 25, and the winners will be announced in December.
To apply, individuals must submit a 600-word essay in English addressing the following question: ‘What is one disruptive idea or experiment in your field (e.g., architecture, construction, real estate, urban planning) that could significantly improve urbanization but has been overlooked?’
The panel will choose 16 essays that demonstrate a deep understanding of urban issues, innovative thinking, a global outlook, critical analysis, and well-supported arguments.
The 16 winners will have the chance to present their ideas directly to leaders of property's biggest companies at MIPIM 2025 in Cannes, which takes place on 11-14 March 2025.
Participants will need to attend informative webinars in January and March to prepare for MIPIM.
Nicolas Kozubek, MIPIM director, said: ‘Our first 2024 Challengers program highlighted just how vital young voices are for bringing diversity and fresh perspectives to the real estate conversation. MIPIM Challengers is back in 2025 to empower young disruptors with bold ideas in architecture, construction, urban planning, and beyond—ideas that could reshape urbanization but have been overlooked for too long.’
The MIPIM Challengers program was launched in 2023 and has attracted over 150 submissions from 20 countries including Mauritius, South Africa, and the USA.
The 2024 Challengers cohort formed the foundation of the MIPIM Challengers Network, a community for young professionals in the built environment.
Adina David, founder of Ladies in Real Estate, and UNESCO Ambassador Guila-Clara Kessous, will mentor the 2025 MIPIM Challengers cohort.
