The MIPIM Challengers initiative creates space for the next generation of real estate professionals to bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to the industry, while promoting the values of diversity and inclusion.
Through empowering young people and giving them a voice to influence decision-makers and industry leaders, we advocate for youth, growth and equitable change.
Each year, we select 16 professionals aged 30 or under, to fully participate in MIPIM in Cannes, with free entry passes, accommodation and support, plus dedicated sessions and events to platform their views and network with the real estate community.
By building a community of fresh thinkers and future leaders, MIPIM Challengers enriches the sustainability debate while adding value to the wider industry.
MIPIM Challengers
Meet the 2025 cohort of Challengers
Bijou d'Arcy Louise Dunn
Associate
Shoosmiths LLP
Gafar Fashola
Assistant Development Manager
Related Argent
Cléos Paris
Consultant - Tenant Representation
Colliers France
Ioana Orzea
Investment Analyst
Mitiska REIM
Rebecca Rayner
Graduate Planner
Savills
Kali Dennett
Property and construction PR consultant
Cartwright Communications
Rebecca Peek
Assistant Relationship Manager
Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd
Tom Sells
Audit Senior in Real Estate Sector
EY
Maximilian Schmidt
Consultant Industrial Agency
Jones Lang LaSalle SE
Betsy Brady
Chartered Surveyor
Knight Frank LLP
Camille Zell
Real Estate Lawyer (Associate)
Jeantet
Sofia Wilson
Business Development Manager
Mace Construction
Justine Noulin
Project Manager
PCA-STREAM
Kate Tinker
EMEA Graduate Surveyor
Colliers International
Charlotte Leach
Graduate Planner
Avison Young
Léonie Müller-Judex
PhD Student
University of Regensburg
They support the MIPIM Challengers
Adina David
Founder of Ladies in Real Estate
Patron
Adina brings over 15 years of real estate experience to the role, having built a career in brokerage and investment management across two continents. Notably, she is the founder of Ladies in Real Estate (LiRE), one of the largest networks for women in the UK real estate sector, with an expanding international reach.
Guila Clara Kessous
Unesco Ambassador
Training Partner
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."
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."
Meet the Jury
Hala El Akl
VP, Sustainable Investing & Operations
Oxford Properties
Muyiwa Oki
President
RIBA
Helena Olin
Head of Real Assets
AP2
Veronica Gallo-Alvarez
Head of Investment Management
Redevco
What will happen at MIPIM 2025 for Challengers?
Training Workshop
by Guila-Clara Kessous
A collaborative two-hour closed-door session focused on mastering public speaking and captivating your audience. In groups of four, participants will learn from the accomplished Guila-Clara Kessous, gaining valuable skills to enhance their presentation abilities.
Challengers Conference
A one-hour conference, open to all MIPIM attendees, for the Challengers to present their ideas and solutions, offering a glimpse into the future through the eyes of those who will shape it and the views of experienced industry leaders.
Networking event for young professionnals up to 30 years old
Join us for a networking cocktail for industry professionals up to 30. This event provides a unique platform to connect with peers in a relaxed and elegant setting. Expand your network and share insights with the next generation of leaders in the industry.
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 4 nights at a hotel close to Cannes with free shuttle service
2024 cohort of MIPIM Challengers
After an inspiring essay competition addressing global urban development challenges, with over 150 entries from 20 countries submitted, we proudly welcomed our 15 Challengers at MIPIM 2024.
They dived into a full programme of events, panels, and networking at MIPIM. Following a workshop hosted by UNESCO Ambassador, Guila Clara Kessous, they pitched the best ideas to an expert panel of senior leaders in property development and investment.
Ask us anything
The jury will look for essays that exhibit:
- clear understanding of the urbanisation problem
- originality
- global perspective
- critical thinking
- references supporting the argument (e.g. quotes from open sources or industry experts)
- Applications are now open and will close on October 25, 2024 (midnight CET)
- The 16 challengers will be announced by December 19, 2024
- Participants are required to attend 3 informative webinars scheduled between January and March.
- Participants will attend MIPIM, in Cannes (France), from March 11 to March 14, 2025
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.
Participants are also required to attend dedicated sessions at MIPIM, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Please send an email to [email protected].