MIPIM has unveiled the second cohort of 16 MIPIM Challengers who will attend the global urban festival which takes place in Cannes on 10-14 March 2025.
The new team of built environment professionals aged 30 and under were selected based on a short essay addressing the question: ‘What is one disruptive idea or experiment in your field (eg: architecture, construction, real estate, urban planning) that could significantly improve urbanisation but has been overlooked?’
More than 100 essays were submitted, predominantly from professionals based in Europe, North America and Africa, and the final cohort includes entries from Belgium, Germany, Italy, France and the UK.
Essays were judged on their originality, understanding, critical thinking and global perspective by a jury panel comprising Hala El Akl from Oxford Properties, Muyiwa Oki from RIBA, Helena Olin from AP2 and Redevco’s Veronica Gallo-Alvarez. This year, Adina David, founder of Ladies in Real Estate, has become a patron for the 2025 cohort of Challengers.
At MIPIM, the Challengers will take part in a full programme of events, talks and panels and networking. Following a coaching session hosted by UNESCO ambassador Guila Clara Kessous, they will pitch the best ideas to an expert panel of senior real estate leaders.
Nicolas Kozubek, MIPIM director, said: “It has been truly inspiring to read so many entries offering fresh perspectives on the topics of feminist urbanism, sponge cities, the relocation of diverse communities, and many others. The MIPIM Challengers initiative serves as a dynamic platform to empower young disruptors with bold ideas in architecture, construction, investment, urban planning, and beyond, amplifying their young and diverse voices.
“I am thrilled to introduce this second cohort of rising stars to global property leaders at MIPIM, providing them with opportunities to learn from top political figures, investors, and industry experts. The first MIPIM Challengers programme provided a platform for dynamic young voices to share their innovative ideas and excel in their careers, with MIPIM continuing to support their journeys. I’m excited to connect the new generation of Challengers with the previous cohort, fostering a thriving community of young leaders.”
The 2025 cohort of MIPIM Challengers are:
Rebecca Rayner, graduate planner, Savills
Gafar Fashola, assistant development manager, Related Argent
Maximilian Schmidt, consultant industrial agency, Jones Lang LaSalle SE
Kali Dennett, account director, Cartwright Communications
Camille Zell, associate, Jeantet
Sofia Wilson, project consultant, ODGroup
Ioana Orzea, investment analyst, Mitiska REIM
Tom Sells, audit senior, EY
Leonie Müller-Judex, PhD student, University of Regensburg
Justine Noulin, project manager, PCA-STREAM
Bijou D’Arcy Louis Dunn, associate, Shoosmiths
Kate Tinker, EMEA graduate surveyor, Colliers International
Rebecca Peek, assistant relationship manager, Mizrahi Tefahot Bank
Charlotte Leach, graduate planner, Avison Young
Betsy Brady, chartered surveyor, Knight Frank
Cléos Paris, consultant – tenant representation, Colliers France
