MIPIM - The Global Urban Festival
9-13 March 2026
Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France

MIPIM Challengers

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.

Since 2024, MIPIM has seen 31 Challengers on stage in Cannes from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and other countries, selected through essay submission. For MIPIM 2026, the initiative is scaling up, with even more Challengers joining to build a stronger and more connected community of trailblazers.

Meet the 2026 cohort

After introducing a new application format for MIPIM 2026, allowing companies to nominate their most promising talents, we are thrilled to present the third cohort of MIPIM Challengers — rising stars who are shaping the future of real estate and will act as visible ambassadors at MIPIM.

Ella Cheung
 Analyst
CapitaLand Investment

Lucy Torr
Property and Construction Public Relations Manager
Cartwright

Jonathan Heron
Senior Structural Engineer
Symmetrys

Katie Beard
Head of Nottingham Partners
Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire

Gianluca Martinelli
Director Real Estate Finance
Airbus Bank GmbH

Tim de Goede
Analyst Asset Management Residential
CBRE Investment Management

George Hooton
Director
Hootons

Matthew Waterworth
Asset Manager
Elite UK Reit

Hugo Smith
Apprentice Asset Management
JLL

Abiola Ogunsami
Graduate Development Manager
Muse Places Limited

Maximilien Schmitz
Analyst - Fund Management
AEW

Daniel Sponheimer
Real Estate Sustainability Manager
Catella Investment Management GmbH

Alexandra Prendiville
Associate Global Client Group
Redevco BV

William Hartley
Transaction Analyst
Redevco BV

Ruslan Hajduk
Transactions Manager
ATP Properties

Diogo Germano Cardoso
Finance & Business Analyst
Vizta

Jack Hyland-Knight
Principal Mechanical Engineer
Cundall

Esther Oyewole
Investment Specialist
Legal & General

Christopher Mizen
Associate
Newmark

Katharina Heinzler
Portfoliomanager Value Investment
BEOS AG

Marlene Furthner
Project Management Urban Development
Hand GmbH

Charlie Bolam
Consultant
Remit Consulting LLP

Henrietta King
Junior consultant
Remit Consulting LLP

Susanne Sekkesæter
Founder
Mase Home

Axel Chartrel
Actuarial data engineer
Quanthome

Darcy Edwards
Executive officer to the Chairman
Rolton

Benjamin Hobbs
Graduate Regeneration Officer
Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Maheer Khan
Researcher
Futurecity

Stéphane Thophilos
Responsable de projets immobiliers
Atelier Alya

Sergio Storino
ESG Analyst
Atenor SA

Jakiat Jitu
Major Projects Support Officer
Southampton City Council

Paul-Edouard Granoux
Associate
Flying Point Real Estate

Georgia Turner
Assistant Project Manager
AtkinsRéalis

Sarah Aldag
Senior Key Account ManagerIn
Syte GmbH

Max Keeler
Surveyor
Colliers

Cristina Mock
Architectural Designer
KPF

Isabel Erben
Project Manager
MOMENI Group

Olivia Sutcliffe
Associate Director
Savills Limited

Dariya Chornomidze
Lawyer
Advant Altana

Lydia McGuinness
Site Manager
Wates Construction

Alizée Dhorbait
Chargée de développement
GSE

Meryem Ben Dhiaf
Climate Change and Sustainability Services
EY

Arnaud Bourgery
Valudation Manager
EY

What's planned for MIPIM Challengers in 2026?

An invitation to MIPIM

An all-access pass to the unmissable Global Urban Festival. Challengers will be able to access MIPIM's full exhibition space, network through the online database, and attend inspiring sessions.

C-Level interview

Ready for a spotlight moment? Before MIPIM, an interview will be planned between with the company's top exec and their Challenger about real estate's future. We'll share the conversation across MIPIM's channels.

Webinars to prepare

Before MIPIM, three webinars will guide Challengers through everything they need to make the most of MIPIM—from networking tips to showcasing their ideas confidently.

Hotel Deals

Score sweet deals on your MIPIM stay! We've secured special rates at hotels for all Challengers. Less budget stress, and more networking success – we've got your back!

Roundtable seats

At MIPIM, most Challengers will have reserved seats at key MIPIM conference roundtables, allowing them to contribute insights and connect with industry leaders in live discussions.

Exclusive course

At MIPIM, every Challenger will participate in a dedicated course designed to strengthen their skills, broaden their perspective, and prepare them for future leadership opportunities.

Thursday, March 12, from 2pm to 2:45

Networking cocktail

At MIPIM, Challengers will be invited to a dedicated networking cocktail, providing a relaxed space to build valuable industry connections and friendships.

Thursday, March 12, from 4:30pm to 5:30

Published insights

After MIPIM, a few Challengers will produce exclusive insights to be shared across MIPIM’s global network. Challengers get a platform to showcase their thought leadership and influence the wider real estate community.

2024 cohort

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

Meet our 2024 cohort

2025 cohort

Following a thought-provoking essay competition on overlooked disruptive ideas to improve urbanisation, which attracted entries from across the globe, the second cohort took centre stage at MIPIM in March 2025.

Meet our 2025 cohort

Ask us anything

To join the MIPIM Challengers programme, applicants must work in the built environment sector, be under 31 years old as of March 31, 2026, and must not have attended MIPIM in the past three years (except as a student). Applications and nominations can be submitted in English or French.

If you are applying on your own behalf, please ensure you have your employer’s approval to attend MIPIM 2026. While accommodation and travel costs are not covered, we offer special rates through partner hotels to make your stay more accessible. Most activities will be conducted in English, and each Challenger will be required to interview a C-level executive from their company as part of the programme.

All nominations and applications are carefully reviewed by the MIPIM team on a first-come, first-served basis. The selection takes into account the quality and seriousness of each application, while ensuring gender balance and a fair representation of the many industries shaping the built environment.

  • Applications are now open and will close on November 30, 2025 (midnight CET)
  • The Challengers will be announced by December 10, 2025
  • Participants are required to attend 3 informative webinars scheduled between January and March.
  • Participants are required to interview a C-Level executive from their company between January and March.
  • MIPIM will be held in Cannes (France), from March 9 to March 13, 2026

Every MIPIM Challenger will receive a complimentary MIPIM pass, giving full access to all events, exhibitions, and networking opportunities — including our online networking directory connecting 20,000 participants.

Before the event, Challengers will be invited to take part in 3 dedicated webinars to help them prepare for MIPIM. They will also join the exclusive Challengers community, receive guidance to draft their interviews, and benefit from personalised support onsite.

The programme also includes a dedicated learning session on a topic to be revealed soon, a unique networking event, and the opportunity to either take part in a roundtable discussion with industry leaders or contribute to an official MIPIM paper.

Yes, self-applications are allowed. Simply leave the first section of the form blank. Please note that travel and accommodation expenses remain at the applicant or his company’s own cost.

Please send an email to [email protected].