Introduction

The RAAD Urban Innovation Challenge 2026 was organized with the aim of identifying, supporting, and introducing ideas and projects that provide innovative, practical, and inspiring responses to the current and future challenges of Iranian cities.

In the evaluation process, the jury considered criteria such as urban resilience, food security, water security, job creation, local development, energy self-sufficiency, environmental sustainability, and feasibility, in addition to design quality, creativity, and presentation.

Evaluation Process

Submitted works were reviewed by the jury in several stages. The evaluation process was based on the quality of idea and concept, degree of innovation, social and environmental impact, feasibility, responsiveness to urban challenges, and quality of presentation. After expert deliberations, eight projects were selected as finalists, and thematic awards were determined based on the most prominent features and achievements of each project.

Jury Perspective Summary

The jury concluded that the future of Iranian cities will not be built with a single solution. Each of the finalist projects has addressed the country’s challenges from a different angle, and together they provide a comprehensive picture of possible paths for sustainable, resilient, and human-centered development.

These works demonstrate that urban innovation is not just about technology or form, but rather the ability to create a link between the environment, economy, society, and quality of life.