- Largest cohort to date reflects growing focus on diversity, innovation, and cross-generational dialogue in global real estate
MIPIM has announced the 43 emerging professionals selected as its 2026 Challengers, with a record number from the UK. Of the group, 23 individuals are UK-based, more than half of the total cohort, marking the strongest representation by any single country.
The MIPIM Challengers initiative, now in its third year, highlights professionals under 31 from across the built environment sector. Participants will attend the full programme at MIPIM 2026 in Cannes next March, receiving complimentary tickets and access to exclusive events and roundtables.
Challengers were selected from ten countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, and the UK. This year’s group represents the most international and diverse cohort so far.
The UK Challengers come from across the industry, including planning, consultancy, investment, construction, local government, and sustainability. Their organisations range from public bodies like Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Southampton City Council to firms including Legal & General, Savills, JLL, Remit Consulting, CapitaLand Investment, and Wates Construction.
The programme also includes a new element: each Challenger was required to nominate two senior executives from their organisation, one of whom will join them in a filmed discussion on the future of real estate. These interviews will be published on MIPIM channels.
In addition to attending MIPIM, Challengers will participate in leadership development workshops, including AI implementation training and coaching webinars. They will also contribute to a thought leadership paper with senior figures from global property firms.
Nicolas Boffi, MIPIM Director, said: “Congratulations to the 43 MIPIM Challengers who will join us in Cannes next March. This is our biggest and most diverse cohort yet, with passion for topics such as neurodiversity, accessibility and social mobility, and it matters. These young professionals will bring ideas and questions that push us to think differently about how cities evolve... The programme is about creating space for real dialogue, where experience meets fresh thinking.”
MIPIM 2026 is expected to welcome over 20,000 delegates from 90 countries.