PropTech Innovation Challenge (PIC)

The ULI PIC Awards is a Young Leaders initiative to identify a group of game-changing low and high-tech innovations – each with the potential to enhance how we live, work, and play across our urban environment.

Entries can be submitted by innovators serving the real estate, construction, energy, transport, materials, manufacturing, consumer, health, education, and agriculture sectors.

Winners must provide a novel, tangible, scalable, and competitive solution to address the PIC 2025 Challenge. This challenge has the ULI Mission Priorities and C Change Pillars, notably C Change for Housing, as foundations. It is defined through participatory engagement with the ULI European Sustainability, Technology, Affordable Living Councils, as well as the broader ULI Europe community.

The ULI Europe PIC Awards Ceremony will take place at the C Change Summit on the 27th of November in Paris.

The PropTech Innovation Challenge 2025: 

How can we substantially reduce carbon emissions in affordable housing in a financially viable way?

From construction to operation, decarbonizing affordable housing* presents both challenges and opportunities. This year’s PIC calls for innovative, scalable solutions that address key barriers to decarbonisation, while ensuring affordability.

Proposed solutions should address at least one of the following key Use Cases identified by the ULI community:

  • Low-Carbon Construction – Unlocking cost-effective, scalable pathways to integrating low-carbon materials and methods in affordable housing development, while incorporating circular economy principles where possible.
  • Operational Efficiency – Enhancing cost-efficient operations and amenities for tenants and operators through hard- and/or software solutions that optimize energy and utility use.
  • Innovative Financing – Developing new financing structures and/or financial incentives that make affordable housing and carbon reduction solutions attractive for developers, investors, homeowners, and policymakers.

*Affordable housing refers to housing that is considered affordable to individuals or families with incomes at or below the median income, as defined by national or local governments. A common standard used to determine affordability is that housing costs, including utilities, should not exceed 30% of a household’s gross income. This threshold is intended to ensure that households have sufficient income remaining for other essential expenses, such as food, transportation, and healthcare. Households spending more than this percentage are often considered “cost-burdened,” indicating potential financial strain.

To apply, you will need to create or log in to your ULI account and complete the online application form. No ULI membership is required to create this account and apply.

Apply Here

What are the benefits for the PIC Finalists?

  • Be recognised as a ULI PIC Pioneer, a leading innovator with a product or service capable of driving change in our industry.
  • Pitch in front of leading international industry experts, and receive feedback and gain connections.
  • Join the prestigious group of PIC alumni.
  • Appear in ULI Europe public reports, research, podcasts, and videos.
  • Various tailored marketing opportunities.
  • Receive a one-year ULI Membership, allowing you to join the ULI network of real estate experts, potential clients and investors. As well as, access to the ULI Online Resource Repository and a multitude of pan-European events.

If you have any questions about the PropTech Innovation Challenge please contact Helena Brown.

View the complete Prize Package here
The Challenge 2024

“How do we substantially reduce carbon emissions in the built environment? Scope 3 emissions for real estate investors: an asset life-cycle approach.”

Solutions will have to impact at least one of the below Use Cases voiced by the ULI Community:

  • Retrofitting at Scale
  • Operational Circularity Made Easy
  • Gamification as a tool to strengthen collaboration between asset stakeholders
  • ESG Platforms Integration: Data Collection, Presentation, and Asset Optimization
  • New and More Sustainable Materials

Do you have any additional key Use Cases you would like to propose? Share them here.

Why?

Scope 3 emissions represent a critical yet often overlooked component of a company’s carbon footprint, encompassing indirect emissions that occur throughout its value chain. While Scope 1 emissions arise from direct sources like fuel combustion, and Scope 2 emissions stem from purchased electricity, Scope 3 emissions emerge from activities such as transportation, procurement, and product use.

In the real estate and construction sectors, where vast amounts of materials are utilized and transported, Scope 3 emissions from a real estate investor perspective play a pivotal role, as it focuses on the rest of the value chain, from Design/Construction to Operation.

Construction projects involve a complex network of suppliers, contractors, and stakeholders, each contributing to emissions. Furthermore, the operational phase of buildings, including heating, cooling, and maintenance, also generates substantial indirect emissions.

Moreover, the relevance of Scope 3 emissions extends beyond environmental stewardship. Companies that proactively manage their carbon footprint and integrate sustainability into their operations gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. Investors, consumers, and regulatory bodies increasingly prioritize environmentally responsible practices, driving demand for green buildings and sustainable construction methods.

ULI Europe PropTech Innovation Challenge in the News