Construction Industry Leaders to Judge COINS Grand Challenge
Leading figures from the construction industry have agreed to be part of the judging panel for a global competition which aims to boost innovation across the construction sector.
The COINS Grand Challenge 2021 is an exciting platform for people whose ideas could improve construction or the built environment, from improving efficiency, sustainability or safety, utilizing new technologies or reducing waste.
The first judges announced for the construction innovation competition, which is currently open for entries, are:
Mark Beard
CHAIRMAN & CHIEF EXECUTIVE
E W BEARD (HOLDINGS) LTD
Mark is President of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and a judge for the 2021 COINS Grand Challenge. He is a Chartered Environmentalist and has been Chairman and Chief Executive of Beard since 1999.
“The COINS Grand Challenge is an opportunity for people to come forward and demonstrate their knowledge and ideas. The construction industry has traditionally been slow to update, modernise and improve its productivity so this is a step in the right direction.
It’s important that there is a link between the ideas and how they could be introduced into the construction industry on a day-today basis.
The COINS Grand Challenge is a chance for people to turn their initial idea into something that is significant, something that could change the way the construction industry works in the future.
Being involved in the COINS Grand Challenge is also a learning opportunity for myself, being exposed to new ideas stretches my thoughts on what is possible in our industry.”
Mark Beard, EW Beard (Holdings) Ltd
Susan Jackson
JOINT MANAGING DIRECTOR
CAMPION HOMES LTD
Susan is Joint Managing Director of Scottish housebuilder, Campion Homes, where she is leading a change program across the business. A judge for the 2021 COINS Grand Challenge she is also a Non-Executive Director for Commonwealth Games Scotland.
“I think the COINS Grand Challenge is an incredible opportunity for innovators from around the world to showcase what the future of construction could look like. The competition provides a fantastic platform to present exciting ideas for change in this sector."
"Historically the construction industry has been slow to adapt to new technology. In house building, in particular, our customers demand innovation and creativity in their homes and the issue of carbon reduction is now at the forefront of all of our designs. It’s imperative that we can respond to customer demands so we need new ideas coming forward all of the time.
I’m delighted to be involved in the COINS Grand Challenge as it provides an opportunity for new ideas and for change to be presented, considered, discussed and ultimately rewarded.
When looking at ideas I will be considering, is it really new, is it a new use of technology, does it solve a problem. I am interested in the potential commercial impact although I appreciate that not all of the ideas presented will be at the commercial stage of their development, and also whether there is a social or environmental impact. As well as this I am very interested in the individuals presenting their ideas, are they committed towards making their idea a reality and do they have the focus and determination to succeed.”
Susan Jackson, Campion Homes Ltd
Stuart Binstock
PRESIDENT AND CEO
CONSTRUCTION FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
Stuart Binstock is President and CEO of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). He has extensive experience in management issues, including strategic planning, government affairs, educational programming and delivery, financial management, membership development, non-dues revenue growth, program development, and process improvements. Since Stuart became President and CEO of CFMA, the association’s membership has grown from 6,400 to over 8,500 today. He has served in executive positions for such trade and professional associations as the National Electrical Contractors Association, Associated General Contractors of America, and American Institute of Architects.
The 2021 COINS Grand Challenge is open to anyone whose idea could improve construction for the better - from increasing efficiency to improving sustainability and safety, with a focus on new or emerging technology.
This global competition has two entry categories, an Open competition and an Undergraduate competition.
This year’s prizes include:
COINS Investment Prize: Up to £100,000*
Open Competition Winner: £5,000*
Open Competition Runner Up: £2,000*
Undergraduate Competition Winner: £2,500*
Undergraduate Competition Runner Up: £1,000*
COINS Software Innovation Prize Paid Internship at COINS
(* or local equivalent)
Organized by Construction Industry Solutions (COINS) and supported by the COINS Foundation the COINS Grand Challenge aims to inspire innovation within the construction industry.
The 2021 COINS Grand Challenge is now open for entries, with the deadline for entry being 28 June 2021 - for full entry details visit coins-grandchallenge.com
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