In an atmosphere charged with enthusiasm and creativity, the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) became the epicenter of innovation during the Proptech Entrepreneurship Hackathon (PHEK), organized by the Sustainable Buildings, Cities, and Communities (BCC) community of EELISA. This exciting event brought together more than fifty international students, educators, and prominent companies in the sector with a common purpose: to find innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of our buildings and cities, thus fostering entrepreneurship through the creation of start-ups.
Ignacio González, Deputy Vice-Rector for the European University EELISA, did not miss the opportunity to highlight the significance of the event, where the commitment and enthusiasm of the members and institutions involved were seen as the greatest assets to change the world. During the closing ceremony, influential companies such as ARUP, VERISURE, ESA-ESAC, ACCIONA, Sacyr, Veltis, and Sika, among others, showed their support and recognition for the potential of the projects presented by the students.
Throughout PHEK, the participating teams presented eight projects focused on key areas such as energy efficiency, sustainability, and the digitalization of homes and cities. These ideas were meticulously evaluated in search of those that were feasible and would have a positive impact on society. The winning projects received a total of ten awards, including the prestigious FMHOUSE Award, which was granted to Hybrid Bee, declared the absolute winner of the hackathon.
As an essential sponsor of networking and the award, FMHOUSE once again demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and innovation in property management. This participation highlights the relevance of collaboration between the private sector and academia in promoting innovative and sustainable projects, thus driving a more prosperous future for all.
PHEK not only provided a platform for the development of business ideas but also immersed the teams in an exciting proptech entrepreneurship program, involving the application of new technologies in the real estate sector. In addition to workshops to enhance their business skills, the participants visited prominent institutions such as the European Space Agency (ESA-ESAC) campus and the Integral Home Automation Center (CEDINT). These experiences allowed them to stay up-to-date with the latest technological trends and receive guidance and advice from collaborating companies, a valuable contribution to their professional and personal development.
The success of the hackathon represents a significant achievement for the EELISA community, which was born almost three years ago with the dream of building joint solutions to tackle future challenges. Collaboration between universities and companies, such as FMHOUSE, has been crucial in realizing this vision and promoting a positive social impact beyond the university sphere.
The Proptech Entrepreneurship Hackathon is a clear example of EELISA’s spirit of innovation and collaboration, driving creativity, teamwork, and the development of transformative projects to address the most pressing challenges of our cities and societies. FMHOUSE’s active participation as a sponsor highlights its commitment to sustainable development and its constant pursuit of solutions that make a difference in building a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
