MIPIM - The Global Urban Festival
11-14 March 2025
Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France

MIPIM Challengers

Lending a voice to the next generation

The MIPIM Challengers initiative promises to inspire, invigorate, and encourage a commitment to building sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive urban environments for generations to come.

15 professionals, under the age of 30, were carefully selected to participate at MIPIM 2024 as MIPIM Challengers. By empowering these young visionaries and providing them with a platform to influence decision-makers and industry leaders, MIPIM advocates for diversity and inclusion and embraces the power of youth-driven change.

I am proud to support the MIPIM Challengers, a vibrant force of young visionaries shaping the future of urban development with their innovative ideas and boundless determination."

Guila Clara Kessous

Unesco Ambassador

MIPIM Challengers Patron

The MIPIM Challengers Jury


Nicolas Kozubek

MIPIM Director

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."

Annette Kröger

CEO Europe, PIMCO Prime Real Estate

This is a very exciting initiative from MIPIM that allows our future industry leaders to come together and address the challenges we are currently facing. I am looking forward to reading the solutions proposed in their essays and meeting the 15 Challengers at MIPIM 2024."

Muyiwa Oki

RIBA President 

MIPIM Challengers is a hugely important opportunity to give the leaders of tomorrow the chance to drive genuine change today. I am proud to be part of this initiative and supporting the next generation in having their voices heard and improving the diversity and strengths of the built environment sector."

First cohort announced for MIPIM 2024

After an inspiring essay competition addressing global urban development challenges, with over 150 entries from 20 countries submitted, we proudly present our 15 Challengers!

They'll be diving into a full programme of events, panels, and networking at MIPIM. Following a workshop hosted by UNESCO Ambassador, Guila Clara Kessous, they will pitch the best ideas to an expert panel of senior leaders in property development and investment.

Congratulations to all!

Camille Boutemy

Architect & PhD Candidate

Barthélémy Griño Architectes

Daniel Duncan

Architect

EdenCoast Limited

Nangamso Fortune

Property Development Analyst

Heri Prop Co

James Lenton

Investment Analyst

Thriving Investments

Jessie Leung

Estates Surveyor

South Gloucestershire Council

Elijah Lewis

Research Consultant

Remit Consulting

Ffion Middleton

Planner

Turley

Rachel Munro

Senior Associate

Shoosmiths LLP

Olasumbo Olaniyi

Doctoral Scholar and Spatial Researcher

University of Plymouth

Alexandre Olivier

Consultant Capital Markets

Knight Frank

Ziyaad Oozeer

Associate Architect

VISIO Architecture

Harry Quinton

Managing Director

Base Tactical Disaster Recovery

Rania Saddiqe

Real Estate Valuer

Knight Frank

Federica Sanchez

Architect and Neuroscience Researcher

Lombardini22

Lauren Shaw

Structural Engineer

Symmetrys

A dedicated programme at MIPIM


Challengers Workshop
 

A collaborative two-hour closed-door session to identify the most pressing challenges and brainstorm innovative solutions. A platform for creative thinking, enabling young leaders to shape the future of urban development.
 


Tuesday, 12th March
16:20 - 18:50
Verrière Californie (P5)

See session details 〉

Equality of opportunities in Real Estate

A two-hour collaborative session dedicated to accelerating diversity and inclusion in real estate with a special focus on women empowerment. Be inspired by top leaders sharing their commitment and expertise, exchange best practices, and identify next steps.


Wednesday, 13th March
14:10 - 16:10
Debussy Room (P3)

See session details 〉

Challengers Conference
   

A one-hour conference, open to all, for the challengers to present their findings and solutions, offering a glimpse into the future through the eyes of those who will shape it and the views of experienced industry leaders.


Thursday, 14th March
14:10 - 15:10
The Leaders' Perspective Stage (P5)

See session details 〉


Included for MIPIM Challengers



Dedicated communications and webinars before and during MIPIM


A complimentary pass for MIPIM, access to conferences and events


A dedicated programme at MIPIM


Stay for 3 nights at a hotel close to Cannes with free shuttle service 

Ask us anything


To be eligible, applicants must work in the built environment sector, be under the age of 30 years as of March 14, 2024, and have not previously attended MIPIM. Essay answers must be in English.

Furthermore, entrants must secure permission from their employer to attend MIPIM in 2024. It is essential to note that all events during the program will be conducted in English.

We ask you to please read the MIPIM Challengers' Terms & Conditions prior to submission.

The jury will look for essays that exhibit:

  • clear understanding of the problem
  • originality
  • critical thinking
  • a global perspective
  • a call to action

  • Applications must be submitted by November 15, 2023.
  • The 16 challengers will be announced on December 4, 2023.
  • Participants are required to attend 3 informative webinars scheduled between January and March
  • Participants will attend MIPIM, in Cannes (France), from March 12 to March 15, 2024.

Every MIPIM Challenger will receive a complimentary MIPIM pass, granting access to all the events, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.

We will also provide accommodation near Cannes from Tuesday to Friday, along with a convenient shuttle service to the Palais des Festivals.

Participants are required to attend 3 informative webinars scheduled between January and March. Each webinar, lasting between 30 to 45 minutes, will provide crucial insights, key information, and relevant content to empower and prepare our Challengers for their impactful journey at MIPIM.

Please send an email to [email protected].