Collaboration, Sustainability, and Healthy Buildings
Insights from Nordic PropTech Awards jury member Jacob Kjeldgaard Olsen, Head of Venture Engagement, Group Strategy and M&A at VELUX, in conversation with PropTech Denmark’s Communications Lead, Stine Grønnegaard.
As we count down to the Nordic PropTech Awards 2025, set to take place on March 6th in Copenhagen, we spoke with jury member Jacob Kjeldgaard Olsen, Head of Venture Engagement at VELUX, to learn more about his perspectives on the evolving role of proptech – both today and in the future – and the opportunities that excite him most.
Looking to the Future
Thank you for joining the jury. From reviewing the solutions and final pitches, I’d love to zoom out and take a broader view. What role do you see proptech playing in the real estate industry today – and how do you envision it evolving over the next 10 years?
Proptech is increasingly becoming a reality of the modern built environment. Today, it’s already changing how we design and manage buildings.
We’re seeing buildings become smarter, more efficient, and more responsive to the needs of occupants. Looking ahead 10 years, I envision a future where proptech is more integrated – where AI, IoT, and sustainable building practices converge to create buildings that are not only energy efficient but also healthy.
Fostering a Collaborative Mindset
On behalf of the Nordic proptech associations, we’re delighted to have VELUX partnering with the Nordic PropTech Awards 2025. What is the value of supporting the wider Nordic proptech community through this partnership – and why is it important to you?
We are pleased to partner with the Nordic PropTech Awards because I believe that celebrating innovation is the key to driving even more progress in our industry.
By recognising the work of the Nordic proptech community, we’re not just shining a spotlight on brilliant ideas – we’re also fostering a collaborative ecosystem where best practices and visionary thinking are shared openly. This kind of recognition not only motivates startups and innovators but also reinforces our collective commitment to transforming real estate into a more dynamic, efficient, and sustainable industry. It’s all about creating a future where innovation is celebrated and continuously nurtured.
For People & Planet
Looking again to the future, what opportunities within proptech and real estate innovation are you most excited about?
I’m especially excited about the intersection of smart building technologies with sustainable practices. Imagine buildings that not only adjust to the needs of their occupants but also actively contribute to reducing energy consumption and improving environmental sustainability, while being healthy for the wellbeing of their occupants.
Innovation is Transforming Our Spaces
The convergence of smart and sustainable solutions is truly exciting. What other emerging areas of commercial proptech are you keeping an eye on?
There are several exciting areas of commercial proptech, including:
Construction technology is changing—sustainable materials and digital design platforms that really streamline building processes.
Sustainable and healthy building tech is transforming our spaces with smart sensors, energy management, and real-time data to create environments that are both efficient and comfortable.
Innovative business models are redefining the customer journey by making complex design and construction processes much more seamless.
We are exploring solutions all the time. Living Places is a new way of thinking about buildings. We are also actively exploring collaborations with innovative startups and tech providers to integrate these solutions into our organisation or projects.
Collaboration is Key
It sounds like there are some exciting projects and partnerships ahead. VELUX has been highly successful in leveraging innovation with a clear strategic vision. Finally, what advice would you give companies in the real estate industry looking to digitise and explore proptech solutions further?
Embrace digital transformation with curiosity and an open mind. Start by identifying areas where digital solutions can make an immediate impact, and then experiment – even if it means learning from a few missteps along the way.
Collaboration is key. Build relationships with tech innovators and other industry peers who can share insights and best practices. Stay informed about emerging trends and be ready to adapt; the world of proptech is evolving fast, and agility is essential.
Digital transformation isn’t a one-off project – it’s an ongoing journey that, when approached with enthusiasm and resilience, can unlock tremendous growth and innovation for your business.
Thank you for sharing your insights, Jacob. We look forward to seeing you at the finals on 6 March!
