RX France, the organiser of MAPIC, has announced the launch of the MAPIC Academy Challenge, a new retail brand incubator created in an exclusive partnership with Nhood. As part of this start-up incubator competition, MAPIC will support the development of five new retail brands looking to open their first physical stores, offering a pop-up space and a presence at the 2023 event.
This new project serves as the cornerstone of MAPIC’s drive to assist innovative retail businesses, through the provision of resources and advice. The winner of the challenge will be announced at the MAPIC Awards Gala Dinner and will also get a pop-up store from MAPIC’s property partner, Nhood, in addition to a monetary prize from MAPIC for use in their development.
Mentoring and support
Plus, a network of leaders from the sector will provide mentoring and assistance to the top five submissions chosen as finalists. The same companies will also be supported at MAPIC with a presence, which includes a business desk during the conference and visibility throughout all communication channels.
Francesco Pupillo, MAPIC Markets Director, says: “As the leading meeting place or brands and property players, we are committed to identifying and pioneering truly unique, new brands that break new ground in their respective retail landscapes. MAPIC Academy provides the best new concepts and projects access to expertise, visibility, and development support to fulfil their extraordinary potential.”
The MAPIC Academy Challenge offers emerging brands a platform to present their retail, leisure, or F&B concept to the largest property businesses in the world—as well as an opportunity for those same industry giants to identify retail’s most promising breakout stars.
Applications now open
Concepts and brands can apply through the microsite for the MAPIC Academy Challenge’s first phase between 6 June and 4 August 2023. There are five categories: retail concept, leisure concept, F&B concept, online retailer, and sustainable and socially conscious new retail brand.
For a brand to be eligible for the MAPIC Academy, it must be less than five years old with no physical locations but with plans to develop one, or a maximum of one physical location and plans to expand into commercial spaces such as shopping centres, retail parks or department stores. The company must already be operational and have its corporate headquarters in a European nation.
On Day 1 of MAPIC 2023 (November 28), the MAPIC Academy Challenge will culminate in a public pitch to a panel of experts, comprised of Nhood board members.
The pool of retail experts that will select and mentor the brands includes Pierre Combet, vice president of real estate EMEA at Foot Locker; Chris Igwe, founder at Chris Igwe International Conseil; Philippe Lauga, owner at Kusmi Tea -Belgium & Luxembourg; Vincent Mourre, CEO of WhiteSpace Partners LTD; Cecile Peskine, partner lawyer at Linkea; and Mathieu Hercberg, expert witness in commercial real estate to the Court of Appeal.
The challenge was developed in collaboration with Agorize, a platform for collective intelligence that helps businesses identify concepts, start-ups, students, and internal talent to drive transformation at scale.
To learn more and to enter, please click here.
Earlier this month, RX France announced details for MAPIC 2023, the world’s leading event for the retail, leisure, food, and tech real estate sectors. This year the topic will be The Age of Responsible Growth: Committing to a better future. The event will be held at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, over three days – from Tuesday 28 November until Thursday 30 November 2023.
