The CBRE Community Event, organized in partnership with TechyKids, was designed to connect corporate innovation with youth creativity. Hosted at CBRE’s Silicon Valley headquarters, the event brought together students, parents, and CBRE employees for a full day of hands-on technology, robotics, and entrepreneurship challenges.
Event Summary
Over 100 students (ages 10–17) participated in the one-day program focused on sustainability, smart cities, and technology-driven community solutions.
Guided by mentors from CBRE’s innovation and ESG teams along with TechyKids instructors, students formed small teams to identify real problems in urban living — such as energy efficiency, recycling, and accessibility — and developed prototype solutions using robotics kits and AI-powered design tools.
The event encouraged collaboration between corporate professionals and students, showing how industry leaders and the next generation can co-create solutions for a better, more sustainable world.
“This event opened my daughter’s eyes to how technology can actually make cities better. She worked side by side with CBRE engineers and mentors, and came home saying she finally understands how robotics and sustainability can work together. The experience gave her a new sense of purpose — and something truly impressive to share in her school projects and future college applications.”
Emily Rivera, Parent of 13-year-old participant
Highlights
- Real-World Focus: Students explored how technology can improve communities, from smart recycling systems to energy-efficient buildings.
- Intergenerational Collaboration: CBRE professionals mentored student teams, sharing insights into project management, innovation, and sustainability.
- Hands-On Learning: Participants built working prototypes, created business models, and presented their ideas to a panel of CBRE and TechyKids judges.
- Showcase & Awards: Winning teams were recognized for Best Sustainable Innovation, Most Practical Solution, and Community Impact Award.
The CBRE Community Innovation Event successfully bridged corporate social responsibility and youth entrepreneurship, empowering students to reimagine tomorrow’s cities while connecting CBRE’s mission of building better communities with the next generation of innovators.
Results
The event inspired young participants to think beyond technology — to understand how innovation shapes real-world environments.
Students gained new confidence in public speaking and teamwork, while CBRE employees expressed renewed motivation seeing how youth creativity could influence the future of sustainable development.
For many students, this event became a meaningful highlight on their college and scholarship applications, demonstrating leadership and community engagement.