Tech’s time is now and so is yours

It is in tough times that we realise what’s most important. Family, friends, health and happiness all top the list and as we all adapt to a different way of life in the midst of the coronavirus crisis. Beyond that there are the other things we all want to protect too; jobs, businesses, growth, innovation and a world that can continue to operate when we come out of the other side of this, the strangest of times. Technology and innovation are playing a huge role in the response to Covid-19. Apart from the medtech being applied to crucial scientific research, we are all relying heavily on digital aids to keep us connected. Technology is helping people to stave of loneliness and it is making sure swathes of us are able to continue working. What better time then, to celebrate digital transformation? The crucial role technology plays in society has never been more clear and that applies to real estate tech too. So take a look at the below and put yourself in the ring for one of our EG Tech Awards. Now in its third year, these look to celebrate the very best in innovative thought. Now has never been a better time to be recognised for what you do so go on, enter. You know you want to. Construction Award The winner of this award will have demonstrated that they have made the best use of technology to facilitate, create or improve a construction project or process. This award is open to UK-based companies and projects using technology to provide tangible benefits to projects from supply chain management to delivery. Infrastructure Award The winner of this award will have demonstrated that they have made the best use of technology to facilitate, create or improve an infrastructure project, whether that be traditional/existing infrastructure, social infrastructure or future infrastructure. This award is open to UK-based companies and projects using technology to provide tangible benefits to infrastructure schemes. Investment Award This award recognises the best use of technology to support property investment, either to raise funds, reduce risk, identify an opportunity or speed up transactions. Open to UK-based entrants, judges will want to see evidence of new technology – or new ways of using existing technology – being used to improve the investment process. Entries must include demonstrable, tangible benefits. Placemaking Award This award will celebrate a technology or solution that elevates wider building portfolios and larger schemes to new heights by focusing on place and spacemaking. Open to UK-based companies and projects, judges will be looking for an example of an innovation that looks beyond an individual building and focuses on making the most of the bigger picture – the space in and around a larger area or scheme. Productivity Award An award for the best use of technology to improve productivity in buildings. Open to UK-based companies or projects, judges will want to see evidence of the use of technology to improve productivity. Entries must include demonstrable, tangible benefits of improved productivity of an office – such as fewer sick days, increased use of space (eg reduction of person/sq ft), or increased productivity of a building through the use of robots. Sustainability Award This award recognises the best use of technology to improve the sustainability of a building or more widely across the sector. Open to UK-based companies and projects, judges will want to see effective use of technology to achieve reductions in carbon and energy or other measurable sustainability factors. The Big Picture Award As tech in real estate becomes ever more crucial, the involvement and support of major players on a wider scale is paramount. The winner of this award will be an influential body, organisation or government scheme/department demonstrating support for tech and real estate on a grand scale, whether through digital transformation, focused engagement with the real estate and/or tech sectors or backed schemes. Bridging The Gap Award This award will celebrate leadership in the sector, someone who is known for expanding the awareness and adoption of technology. Entrants should have a proven track record of bringing together the worlds of real estate and tech. That person could work in the public or private sectors and in real estate or tech. Innovation Award This award is for a company or building which has delivered a truly innovative outcome, specifically focusing on a different business model and/or way of thinking. Success of the idea is important, but creativity and originality is the most important consideration. See also: Last year’s winners Real estate digital legal adviser of the year Innovation does not come without regulation. This new award is for any law firm, department or individual advising a technology or real estate company (or both) to help them navigate the complicated world of digital transformation. Real estate digital outstanding achievement Another new award, this is designed to celebrate a property company, organisation, team or individual that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to technology within the sector. Whether it’s a programme, a deal, an example of digital transformation or a bold move, change or hire, we want to find the people and companies making a real, committed and prolonged difference. Real estate digital rising star Fresh out of university? Just started out in real estate? Or perhaps you are a property professional or veteran who has changed direction or innovated either within a larger organisation or by braving the start-up world? Whatever stage you are at in your career, if you have embarked on or started something fresh, we want to hear from you. Open to anyone who can demonstrate Rising Star status between January 2019 and February 2020, anything goes as long as it proves innovation and success. Wellbeing technology of the year Sometimes the best way to do good is to feel good. Or at least help others feel good. This award will celebrate the best wellbeing innovations in property. We want to know how the technology is implemented, how it works and how the wellbeing impact is measured. Open to anyone in proptech, from the real estate companies employing technologies to the tech companies developing and creating them. Tech investment of the year A new award to celebrate the people putting their money where their mouths are. From real estate companies to VCs and institutional investors, this award is open to anyone who made a significant investment (either in terms of capital or impact) in the tech space between January 2019 and February 2020. Click here to enter any of the EG Tech Awards. To send feedback, e-mail emily.wright@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmilyW_9 or @estatesgazette