Cornell EMI Corning Case Competition 2025 for MBA and Graduate Students – $10,000 in prizes

Cornell EMI Corning Case Competition 2025 – Win up to $10K

The Cornell EMI Corning Case Competition 2025 is now accepting registrations. MBA and graduate students worldwide are invited to tackle real-world emerging markets challenges, with a total of $10,000 in prizes up for grabs. Teams have until September 8, 2025 to register, so assemble your best minds and present innovative, research-backed solutions.

About the Competition

Hosted by Cornell University’s Emerging Markets Institute (EMI), this annual case competition is a flagship event of the EMI Conference. Centered on the theme “New Rules, New Opportunities: Leveraging Uncertainty for Growth,” the competition asks student teams to deliver win-win strategic solutions for businesses navigating emerging markets.

Schedule & Key Dates You Must Know

Registration Opens: August 18, 2025
Registration Closes: September 8, 2025
Case Released: September 10, 2025
Submission Deadline: September 17, 2025
Final Presentations: November 6, 2025
Winners Announced: November 7, 2025

Who Can Participate? Eligibility & Team Composition

Teams must consist of 4–5 students from MBA, other master’s, or undergraduate programs globally. Each school may register up to three teams; additional submissions may require an internal selection or application essay.
At least one MBA student per team is highly recommended, with a preference for inclusion of first-year or one-year MBA participants. Undergraduates may also join teams.
Each team must assign a faculty sponsor (also allowed to serve as an advisor), whose details are required during registration.

Competition Format & Judging Criteria

Round 1 – Written Submission

Teams receive the case on September 10, then have seven days to analyze and submit:
- A PowerPoint presentation (max 12 slides + up to 5 appendix slides).
- A Zoom-recorded audio presentation (6 minutes max).
- Label must include team name; avoid university branding.

Evaluation Rubric (Round 1)

Content (80%):
- Analysis quality (40%)
- Recommendation quality (20%)
- Implementation and action plan (20%)
- Creativity (20%)
Form (20%):
- Handling of questions (40%)
- Presentation style (60%)

Round 2 – Live Finals

Top five finalist teams will present in person at the EMI Conference, Cornell Tech, NYC, on November 6, 2025. Presentations last 12 minutes, followed by Q&A.

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Prizes & Additional Perks

1st Place: $6,000
2nd Place: $3,000
3rd Place: $1,000
Awards are subject to U.S. tax withholdings.
Finalists may be eligible for travel compensation, and all finalist teams receive accommodation in New York for the final round.

How to Register: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Visit the Cornell EMI Corning Case Competition page via the EMI site.
Complete the online team registration by September 8, 2025.
Provide team details: team lead and members, MBA classes, contact info, and faculty sponsor’s name.
After submission, await confirmation, then receive the case on September 10.

Why Top MBA & Graduate Teams Should Apply

Tackle real-world emerging markets challenges and develop actionable strategies.
Showcase your team’s analytical, creative, and presentation skills on an international stage.
Gain exposure to industry leaders, faculty, and global peers.
Compete for $10,000 in cash prizes, along with in-person presentation experience at Cornell and network recognition.

The 2025 Cornell EMI Corning Case Competition offers an outstanding platform for MBA and graduate students to elevate their strategic thinking, teamwork, and global business acumen. If you’re ready to challenge uncertainty and drive impactful solutions in emerging markets, gather your team and register by September 8, 2025. This could be the breakthrough experience of your academic career.