Global Student Challenge
Launched in 2014, Global Student Challenge is an annual competition run by the Chartered Institute of Building that gives the opportunity to implement creative thinking, test analytical & technical skills whilst developing effective teamwork.
The Prize
The finalists will present their bids to a live panel of industry expert judges online. The winning team receive an all-expenses paid trip to CIOB Members Forum to present their bid and test their ideas in the real world with global industry experts giving feedback on the winning submission. On top of that, the winning team will also receive a £2000 cash prize, with second place receiving £800 and third place £400.
Competition Format
We have developed a competition for students from around the world using an interactive and engaging software platform. The competition asks students to create a virtual organisation and test team skills on a unique and challenging construction project.
The Competition
The world’s population is witnessing substantial interrelated challenges including climate change, increasing numbers of natural disasters, pollution, war, conflict and the resultant famine, poverty, large-scale involuntary migration and human rights abuses. As a result, a global Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has approached your University to assist it in its work in providing ‘rapid response disaster relief’ to those impacted by such global events.Â
Their initial vision is a cost-effective flat-pack type of building using components that fit into standard-sized shipping unit(s), can be airlifted by helicopter to the site, be readily and quickly assembled by local unskilled labour using simple tools ready for ‘fit-out’ which again needs to be provided within a shipping unit(s). Finalists of the Global Student Challenge will present their bid to a live panel of industry expert judges online. The winning team receive an all-expenses paid trip to CIOB Members Forum to present their bid and test their ideas in the real world with global industry experts giving feedback on the winning submission. On top of that, the winning team also will receive a £2000 cash prize!
 Download and print our leaflet
SimVenture Validate
SimVenture Validate is a platform that allows you to ideate, plan, test and share entrepreneurial and innovative ideas. It enables you to:
• Ideate your ideas by considering real-world problems and potential solutions
• Think through your project by completing a comprehensive Business Model Canvas which includes an added focus on sustainability
• Validate your assumptions by using a range of testing techniques and tools
• Produce an interactive and unique visual portfolio that can be easily shared on-screen
Members' Forum
 The winning team receive an all-paid-for trip to CIOB Members’ Forum. This face-to-face event brings together leading construction professionals from around the world and will allow you to participate in many activities alongside the delegates including site visits, industry workshops, networking and CIOB strategy development sessions.
The delegates of this event are representatives from each of our Local Hub Committees across the globe; the CIOB Board of Trustees and Officers; and the CIOB Leadership Team and key members of staff.
Join this dynamic group, present your winning submission and network with industry global leaders
How to Enter
Join this dynamic group, present your winning submission and network with industry global leaders
Information for tutors on learning outcomes
The Global Student Challenge provides assesses a team’s understanding of the key aspects in the procurement, design and delivery of a challenging construction project.
The following document outlines these outcomes in more detail so tutors are able to determine whether they could accept their students’ submission as a course assignment.
Universitas Indonesia win Global Student Challenge
A team from Universitas Indonesia have won the CIOB’s coveted Global Student Challenge
Competition Timeline
1 September 2023
Teams register to enter
31 January 2024
Registration closes
1 February 2024
Competition opens
16 March 2024
Competition closes
2 April 2024
Finalists announced
11-17 April 2024
Online interviews
18 April 2024
Winning team announced
June 2024
Members’ Forum (UK)