Innovations for Affordable Housing Take Center Stage
Ivory Innovations opens its doors for organizations eager to propose groundbreaking solutions aimed at enhancing housing affordability in America. As the nonprofit academic center affiliated with the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business, Ivory Innovations is committed to identifying and amplifying innovative models that can change the housing landscape.
The 2026 Ivory Prize: A Call for Nominations
The nominations are officially open for the 2026 Ivory Prize, which celebrates its eighth anniversary this year. Innovators from all sectors including startups, public agencies, and non-profits are urged to apply. The prize is designed to spotlight practical and scalable solutions to the longstanding challenges in housing accessibility and affordability.
Prize Details and Judging Criteria
Participants have the opportunity to claim a total of $300,000 in awarded funds, distributed across three key areas: Construction & Design, Policy & Regulatory Reform, and Finance. Winning nominees will not only receive financial support but also gain access to valuable operational resources from the Ivory Innovations staff, along with a network of funders, strategic partners, and peer innovators dedicated to creating effective housing solutions.
Insights from Industry Experts
Kimberly Burnett, Executive Director of Ivory Innovations, emphasized the importance of the prize in recognizing transformational ideas tackling the housing crisis. "The Ivory Prize highlights innovative solutions that often go unnoticed. Past winners have implemented remarkable changes, such as micro-factories that build homes efficiently and policy reforms that encourage local governments to streamline zoning laws. We look forward to this year's nominations being even more inspiring," she stated.
Track Record of the Ivory Prize
Since it began, the Ivory Prize has distributed over $1.5 million to pioneers committed to advancing housing innovation. The winners are carefully selected by an Advisory Board composed of housing industry specialists from various fields, including academia, government, and the private sector. This approach ensures that the most compelling and impactful ideas rise to the top.
Support Programs by Ivory Innovations
In addition to the Ivory Prize, Ivory Innovations hosts a variety of programs aimed at creating a ripple effect of innovation in housing affordability. One such initiative is Hack-A-House, a dynamic 24-hour virtual hackathon that invites students to brainstorm and propose new solutions to the housing crisis. This year's event is set for late September.
Another notable program is Fieldworks, which bridges the gap for innovators beyond the pilot stage. This initiative connects developers and technology firms with live projects within Ivory Innovations' extensive development pipeline for affordable housing.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
The 2025 Ivory Prize Summit is on the horizon, bringing together winners and finalists for a collaborative think-tank experience dedicated to advancing housing solutions. This event will feature influential innovators and decision-makers exchanging ideas to foster sustainable changes in the housing sector.
How to Get Involved
Organizations looking to engage in reshaping the future of housing affordability are encouraged to take part by submitting their nominations through the designated portal. Further details regarding the 2026 Ivory Prize and its eligibility criteria can be found on the official website.
About Ivory Innovations
Ivory Innovations serves as a pioneering academic center at the University of Utah, devoted to driving innovations that enhance housing affordability. Through collaborations with students, entrepreneurs, and experts, the organization sources, supports, and scales the most promising housing solutions across the nation. Its commitment not only reflects in advocacy but also manifests through the management of over 1,500 units of affordable housing under development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ivory Prize?
The Ivory Prize is an award that recognizes innovative solutions to improve housing affordability and accessibility in the U.S.
Who can nominate for the Ivory Prize?
Any individual or organization, including startups, public entities, and nonprofits, can submit nominations.
When is the deadline for the 2026 nominations?
Nominations for the 2026 Ivory Prize are open until October 31, 2025.
How much prize money is awarded to winners?
Winners can receive a total of $300,000, divided across three focus areas related to housing innovation.
What support do finalists receive?
Finalists benefit from operational support and access to a network of funders, partners, and industry peers.
