The PROVADA Inspiration Award puts innovators in the spotlight — people who not only talk about change, but actually set it in motion. The jury assessed nominees on innovative vision, entrepreneurship, inspirational power, impact and collaboration.
According to the jury, Michel Baars stands out as a true system disruptor. Over the past years, he has been at the foundation of multiple ventures that challenge the construction and real estate sector to think and act differently. With New Horizon Urban Mining, he demonstrated that circular demolition is not only possible, but can also be economically attractive. He then co-developed MOOS, which creates fully demountable and modular housing, and co-founded the Material Impact Fund — a new financing model for circular raw materials and sustainable building materials.
The jury describes Baars as "not a one-company man, but a man of movements." His strength, in the jury's view, lies not in calling from the sidelines, but in founding new companies himself that drive the market forward and challenge existing systems. In doing so, he demonstrates that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive, but can in fact reinforce one another.
His personal style also made an impression. The jury praised his rawness, humour and outspoken views, but above all his ability to follow through on his ambitions. "Michel gives direction to our entire construction and real estate sector," the jury concluded.
In its closing remarks, the jury described the winner as someone who does not build companies, but ecosystems — someone who does not wait for the market, but rewrites it. By repeatedly launching ventures that contribute to the circular transition, Michel Baars demonstrates how entrepreneurship can drive structural change in the built environment.
With the PROVADA Inspiration Award 2026, the jury recognises his exceptional contribution to accelerating the circular economy and his ability to inspire others to do the same.
