Announcing the Winners of the AI.Edge Build Competition: Driving AI Innovation in Commercial Real Estate
AI for commercial real estate is no longer just a future idea. It’s here now, and the professionals who are experimenting, building, and applying it in the real world are already seeing the benefits.
That’s why we launched the first-ever AI.Edge Build Competition, to spotlight those at the forefront, building practical tools that save time and make CRE work more efficiently. A huge thank you to everyone who submitted builds. The creativity and contributions made this competition incredibly inspiring and made choosing the winners no easy task.
We couldn’t be more excited to share the winners!
First Place: Sara Smarr
Project: CRE Geospatial Project Intelligence GPT
Sara created a custom GPT that solves one of the most frustrating tasks in CRE: tracking nearby development activity. Her tool scans for major projects within a tight radius, filtered by asset class, and presents verified, accurate results that analysts can actually use.
By simplifying what is typically a time-consuming, manual process, this build makes underwriting and market analysis smarter and faster.
Runner-Up: Dan Johnston
Project: AI Analysis with Lease Comp Database
Dan tackled the challenge of fragmented market data. His platform standardizes lease comp information and makes it usable for visual analysis, AI workflows, and internal decision-making.
This kind of smart data structuring is what helps turn AI from theory into real productivity. His tool is now an active part of his daily work and is already in use by consulting clients.
Why We Built AI.Edge: Supporting AI Innovation in CRE
At A.CRE, we’ve always focused on helping professionals build better models and make better decisions. Our Accelerator program has helped thousands learn real estate financial modeling in depth.
But AI is shifting the way work happens. CRE professionals don’t just need training, they need an environment where they can learn, build, and stay ahead as the tools evolve.
That’s what led us to create AI.Edge, our membership platform focused on AI for commercial real estate professionals.
Inside AI.Edge, members get:
- Timely skill drops and hands-on tutorials
- Exclusive tools, apps, and prompts that multiply output
- Curated industry insights that keep the noise out
- A Build Showcase to see what others are creating
- Live challenges like this competition
The goal is simple: to support the CRE pros who are becoming leaders in this next era of work using AI. Whether you’re an analyst, developer, broker, or investor, AI is already transforming how we work. We want to help you lead that transformation.
What’s Next?
This competition was just the beginning. More showcases, build challenges, and tools are on the way.
Want to be one of the next winners?
