On October 16, 2025, HqO and MIT’s Center for Real Estate hosted STRATA, uniting leaders shaping the future of cities, technology, and real estate.
October 16, 2025, marked a landmark moment for real estate innovation at STRATA, as leaders from property, technology, capital, and civic sectors convened to explore the future of the built world. The event, co-hosted by the MIT Centre for Real Estate and HqO, brought a full‐day agenda of insight, connection, and conversation.
Opening sessions: from transition to quantum cities
Following breakfast and registrations, we kicked off with the “Welcome & The Built Environment Transition” session, framing the structural shifts affecting how we live, work, and play. Next up was “Quantum Cities: A Strategy for Urban Strength,” where speakers from HqO and MIT underscored how the convergence of technology, urban design and talent is redefining city strategy.
Morning deep dives
In “City Retrofits: Legacy Infrastructure, Future Vision,” we confronted the challenge of existing stock and explored how retrofit, repurpose, and reposition strategies can unlock value. Then, “The Great Real Estate Reset: New Rules for a New Era” turned our gaze even further ahead, considering how entire cities, investment models, and urban paradigms are being re-engineered for a post-traditional future.
Afternoon sessions & networking
After a productive lunch and networking break, the “Turning Experiences Into Real Outcomes” session reminded us that building great places is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about delivering meaningful experiences. A fireside chat followed by key industry voices discussing how experience-led strategy drives real estate value. The “Money Reimagined: New Capital for New Real Estate” panel then addressed how funding models are evolving to support transformational projects. The day concluded with “Cities at the Speed of Change,” an exploration of how urban systems must adapt at the pace of technology—not just infrastructure.
Closing & cocktail hour
We wrapped the formal agenda with a lively drinks reception where attendees, speakers, and panellists continued their conversations in relaxed form—networking, exchange of ideas, and forging new relationships that will carry the momentum forward.
Thank you
Our sincere thanks go to all the panellists and speakers who shared their insights so generously, to the attendees whose engagement and questions elevated each session, and to Picnic, whose delicious lunch was an appreciated highlight for everyone. It was truly a great day—and we’re already looking ahead to the next one!
STRATA — Where the Built World Meets What’s Next
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