COINS Construction Industry Grand Challenge deadline approaches
Working with leading construction companies, private investors, venture capitalists and academia, the COINS Construction Industry Grand Challenge provides an opportunity for people to present their ideas and track record, and potentially gain support and funding to pursue their construction industry ideas with some of the world’s most prestigious organisations.
The deadline for submission is midnight on Friday 30th October and applications can be submitted via http://coins-grandchallenge.com/apply. All entries will be reviewed by a judging panel formed of leaders in the fields of construction, technology, engineering and academia. Shortlisted finalists will be announced on Friday 13th November, with the grand final taking place on Tuesday 8th December.
Four prizes are being offered:
1. A place on a part time executive postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s leading universities, so winners will be joining a centuries old learning establishment and have the opportunity to hear cutting edge research in order to make a positive impact and accelerate their career.
2. A place on Singularity University’s 7 day Executive Programme. Singularity University synthesises Silicon Valley's 'make it happen' culture with NASA level technological discipline and success, where you will interact with some of Silicon Valley’s leaders and learn about exponential technologies and how they could impact the construction industry.
3. Two 3-month paid internships with Bouygues UK, one of the UK’s leading construction companies and part of the global Bouygues Group, which operates in over 100 countries around the world.
4. Bouygues UK is also offering a discretionary award, with the most promising idea being taken forward as part of its in-house R&D programme.
The Challenge is suitable for construction industry managers, technologists and professionals with the drive and ambition to succeed, as well as recent graduates who are looking to get a kick start on the career ladder.
Ideas do not have to be at a particular stage of development to be submitted. Judging criteria are based on the calibre of the applicant, the “grandness” of the idea (does it solve a problem? Will it have a positive impact on millions of people?) and the feasibility of it being implemented.
Robert Brown Chairman of the COINS Grand Challenge committee, commented, “We’ve had a great response so far, but we know there are so many more great ideas out there. We’re keen to showcase the very best talent in the construction, building, architecture and building design industries. We want to see and support innovation and entrepreneurship and how this impacts on the built environment, for the benefit of society and the global construction industry. The two challenges aim not only to uncover the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs who have the ambition and determination to make a difference, but to make sure that their ideas get heard and receive the support and acclamation that they deserve. As the deadline closes in, we’re looking forward to seeing more outstanding ideas that can shape the future of innovation and sustainability in construction.”
On the judging panel are Larry Sullivan, Derek Leaver and Robert Brown of COINS, Aleksandra (Sasha) Njagulj (Bouygues UK), Ian Heasman (Taylor Wimpey), Thomas Lau (Laing O’Rourke), Christopher Dyson (Carillion), Dr Deborah Morecroft (NanoFab Tools), Mike Halsall (Singularity University), Catherine Tilley and Louise Driffill (University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership), and Ben Haldin (Fulcro Engineering).
The CCIGC offers two challenges, each with a unique package of prizes, which can be tailored to suit the situation of the winners. The finalists for each Challenge will get the opportunity to present and discuss their ideas with leaders in the fields of construction technology, engineering and academia who will judge and select the winners from each category.
The first challenge - “New and Emerging Technologies” - relates to uncovering a big but viable technology-based idea that will significantly reduce energy consumption at any or all stages in the lifecycle of built assets. This could relate to any stage or process in the construction lifecycle, from component design and manufacture, through build and on-going usage, or with an impact throughout the whole construction lifecycle.
The second challenge - “Leadership 35” - is for people under 35 who have the vision and personal qualities to bring a new approach to sustainability leadership within the construction industry.
The Challenge is sponsored by COINS, in support of COINS Foundation and in partnership with some of the world’s leading construction companies along with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and Singularity University at NASA Research Park in Silicon Valley, California.
Visit the competition website for more information: http://coins-grandchallenge.com/
Kimber England
COINS
01753 501 000
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