Following the successful introduction of the programme, which spotlighted 15 rising professionals in 2024 and 16 in 2025, MIPIM will welcome up to 40 Challengers in 2026, marking the programme’s largest cohort to date. This expansion reflects MIPIM’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a more diverse and globally representative industry.
This year’s programme features a simplified and more accessible application process, enabling companies to nominate their most promising talent. These rising stars will act as visible ambassadors for their organisations at MIPIM. Self-nominations are also encouraged.
Selected Challengers will receive a complimentary delegate pass to attend MIPIM, along with exclusive benefits, including preferential accommodation rates. Participants will take part in MIPIM conference roundtables and contribute to a thought leadership paper alongside senior executives from the world’s most influential property companies. They will also attend a dedicated networking cocktail event, an opportunity to build meaningful industry connections and friendships.
In addition, Challengers will participate in a bespoke leadership development course designed to prepare them for future opportunities. This includes three personalised coaching webinars and an on-site training session on AI implementation.
Following MIPIM, selected Challengers will be invited to produce exclusive insights, which will be published across MIPIM’s global network, giving them a powerful opportunity to showcase their thought leadership and influence the international real estate community.
Nicolas Boffi, MIPIM Director, said:
"MIPIM has long been a gathering place for seasoned professionals in real estate, but if we want the industry to evolve and stay relevant, we need to make space for fresh thinking and the next generation of leaders. That is why the Challengers programme matters. It brings in bold, young voices who challenge the status quo and offer new perspectives.
Since launching in 2025, we have seen immediate impact: some of our first Challengers returned the following year not just as attendees, but as experts, joining panels and mentoring the next cohort. In 2026, we are expanding the programme to welcome even more rising talent. I’m excited to see how they’ll shape the conversations at MIPIM and help drive the industry forward.”
Eligibility criteria
This year, MIPIM is placing strategic focus on initiatives related to residential development, data centres, equality of opportunity, healthcare, and artificial intelligence. The MIPIM Challengers programme is open to young professionals under the age of 31 (as of 31 March 2026) who are passionate about shaping the future of the built environment and have not previously attended MIPIM.
A new element of the programme requires Challengers to nominate two senior executives from their organisation as part of the application. If selected, the Challenger will take part in a pre-MIPIM interview with one of their nominated executives, discussing the future of real estate. These interviews will be shared across MIPIM’s channels.
Full eligibility criteria and the submission form are available HERE.
The winners will be announced in December 2025.