Searching for BIM Leaders in 2026

The construction industry is gearing up for an exciting event as buildingSMART Germany announces the BIM Champions 2026 competition. This competition aims to showcase innovative and forward-thinking applications of Building Information Modeling (BIM) across various sectors, including residential, infrastructure, and civil engineering construction.

The competition is divided into two phases, with the deadline for the first phase set for September 30, 2025. Submissions for the first phase can be made digitally via the application platform, which is now open and available here. Only the best submissions from the first phase will proceed to the final round.

In the first phase, participants are required to provide basic information about their project or work and the organizations involved. The competition honours projects and work in BIM across six categories: Design, Construction, Operation/Maintenance, Technology/Innovation/Solutions, Work by Apprentices and Students, and Sustainability.

The Sustainability category focuses on resource conservation and environmental protection, a crucial aspect in today's world. The award for Work by Apprentices and Students includes 2,000 euros in prize money and inclusion in the buildingSMART Campus.

Clients are invited to participate, ideally in cooperation with designers, executors, operators, or suppliers. An independent jury of renowned experts will select the best submissions for the final round. Prof. Dr. Christian Clemen from HTW Dresden, a jury expert for the BIM and Georeferencing use case in related BIM competitions, will be one of the jury members.

The final round requires the submission of a promotional film, approximately 10 to a maximum of 12 minutes long, which should clearly present the key aspects of the submission. The deadline for the final round is yet to be specified.

buildingSMART Germany is seeking BIM Champions for 2026, and this is an excellent opportunity for individuals and organisations to showcase their innovative work in BIM and potentially win recognition and prize money. Don't miss out on this chance to make a difference in the construction industry. Submit your entries today!