The Next $50k Sustainability Case Competition Doubles Number of Participating Schools
The Questrom $50k Sustainability Case Competition is getting modded just in time for its Fall 2023 launch, and second anniversary. Among many new developments, the program is now opening applications to the entire Northeast corner of the US, instead of just the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. That means twice as many applications, and twice as many schools are expected to participate this year. The number of applications is expected to round off at about 240, and the number of participating schools will cap out at 24.
WHAT IS THE QUESTROM $50K SUSTAINABILITY CASE COMPETITION?
This sustainability-themed competition prompts student teams to solve real-world problems for client sponsors. There are two client case studies, the first of which is a general sustainability challenge, and the second, a broader sustainability action prompt which calls for a business-oriented solution. The mix allows students from any background and level of expertise to participate, not just those advanced in different fields of business. The winning team receives $50,000 in cash, and is required to honor a 10% donation to an (approved) 501(c)(3) organization of their choosing, focused on sustainability.
Last year, Babson College, Northeastern University, Tufts University, and UMASS Boston were among the competitors. But there can only be one winner, and that was “Team 14” from Suffolk University. The competition’s theme changes every year and 2022’s general sustainability challenge focused on the changes to the Massachusetts’ composting law while the action prompt around improving congestion in the City of Boston during the popular move out period of September 1 for publicly traded Casella Waste Systems.
Dean Susan Fournier says in the 2022 Competition Recap, “the idea is built on the mission of the Questrom which is to use business leadership to create value for the world… The prize is big because the challenge is big. What’s also bringing people here is a personal commitment to sustainability goals and problems that we have to solve if we’re going to have a healthy thriving world.”
What other changes will manifest for the Fall 2023 launch?
The program is introducing changes that will foster a deeper connection and experience between the student team and the client, strengthen diversity goals, and simulate even more realistic business scenarios. Unlike last year, in 2023 the winning team will prepare a deck with at least 30 slides for the prospect of being invited to pitch it on-site to the client. The addition of this assignment reinforces the concept of the program, which is to connect theory and practice through the act of solving of real-world business sustainability problems including implementation. The opportunity to go on-site and forge a deep connection with the client is the real ticket.
Another innovation in 2023 will include flying in a diverse set of judges from across the US, whose identities will be announced during the semifinals on November 18th. There is a long-held practice of complete anonymity from the application process through to revealing the identity of the schools only, when the last set of schools has presented in the Finals. The last major initiative will be the addition of a two plot twists which will be announced between the quarterfinals and semifinals, and between semifinals and finals. The purpose is to simulate a realistic business environment where threats and opportunities are constantly emerging.
“The $50k Sustainability Case Competition was initially a strong part of the Graduate program’s DNA at Questrom,” says Director of the $50k Sustainability Case Competition, Greg Stoller, “and it’s evolving so that undergrads and grads can work together, and individuals in any degree seeking program may enter.”
We can’t wait to announce the 2023 theme and the name of the first client, when the general sustainability challenge is released in mid-September!”
Key dates:
- The application portal will open on August 15, 2023.
- There will be an online information session at 5 PM (EST) on September 14.
- The application deadline will be at 5 PM (EST) on September 16.
- Fully registered teams will receive their first case study on September 18.
To learn more, please visit the Questrom $50k Sustainability Case Competition website. For any questions, please reach out to Greg Stoller at gstoller@bu.edu.
