Erwin Buckers, founder of Chainels, was nominated as a finalist for the Smart Leader of the Year award for his sector contributions to helping teams stay better connected to residents while reducing the operational noise that often gets in the way.  

By bringing communication, engagement, and operational tools into one place, the Chainels platform allows teams to spot patterns in resident behaviour, such as reduced engagement, while also simplifying everyday processes like maintenance reporting. Features like automated issue handling reduce repetitive tasks, freeing up time for teams to focus on more meaningful interactions with students.

Under his guidance, Chainels has transitioned from a single-market communication tool into a "TenantOS" utilised across 20 countries by major operators such as Greystar. In 2025, Buckers set a bold objective for the firm: to automate 50% of property management tasks to achieve a "self-driving" real estate model. This vision, defined by the mantra "Scale Smart. Stay Human," posits that AI and automation should manage routine administrative work so that on-site teams can focus entirely on student wellbeing and community engagement.  

Looking ahead, Buckers' long-term objective is to establish a new industry standard where student accommodation is defined by its supportive infrastructure rather than just its physical management. He argues that the next frontier in the sector is not just "smarter buildings" but empowered operators who have the headspace to address record levels of student loneliness and mental health challenges. By automating technical and repetitive tasks, the platform aims to meet the foundational needs of students - ranging from safety to a sense of belonging. Ultimately, this leadership approach seeks to build an evidence base that tenant-centric technology creates better outcomes for residents, operational teams, and the wider business.