Embracing the Spirit of Case Competitions at MBAICC 2025
From January 5th to January 9th, 2025, our team had the incredible opportunity to attend the prestigious MBA International Case Competition (MBAICC). This annual event brings together some of the brightest minds in the business world, and we are proud to have played an active role, sending multiple judges to contribute to its success.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to encouraging students to participate in case competitions. These dynamic and immersive experiences provide invaluable learning opportunities, equipping future leaders with critical thinking, collaboration, and strategic problem-solving skills. As avid case-solving enthusiasts, we understand the transformative power of this learning tool and are dedicated to promoting it as a cornerstone of business education.
The Power of Collaboration
Our involvement with MBAICC is made possible through the unwavering support and collaboration of its organizers and stakeholders. Together, we strive to create an environment where students can test their skills against global peers, gain real-world insights, and build lasting connections. The competition serves not only as a platform for academic excellence but also as a catalyst for innovation and teamwork.
Memorable Highlights from MBAICC 2025
This year, 30 MBA teams participated and presented in-person at the Hotel Bonaventure, tackling five grueling cases. The competition was structured to challenge the participants’ skills and endurance, with the top nine teams advancing to the semi-finals and the final three competing in the grand finals.
The live case this year featured Air Canada alongside other prominent companies such as Lego, Peloton, and Nike. Each team had three hours to solve a written closed case and presented their solutions to a panel of judges in a 25-minute presentation, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. These presentations were evaluated by five judges from the industry, who rigorously questioned the teams’ analysis, recommendations, and implementation plans.
A special mention goes to case briefer Sylvain Matte, an experienced coach who played a pivotal role in mediating the case-solving process. His insightful questioning of the students’ ideas took place in front of hundreds of industry experts and international coaches, who meticulously observed and noted every detail.
The event also featured coaches from across the globe, including seasoned experts like Milena Head from DeGroote School of Business, Mats Urde from Lund University, Akshay Rugulagedda from Nanyang Technological University, Zach Mok from Simon Fraser University, and Aoran Zhang from Toronto Metropolitan University. Many participants have risen through the ranks of Level 1 and Level 2 competitions to compete at this high-level MBA competition. Notable competitors included Anna Jun, Patrick Cameron, and Anna Thai—winner of the cross-continental cohort and a finalist at the World XP.
The event, aptly themed “The Pinnacle of MBA Case Competitions,” truly lived up to its name.
Honoring Collaboration and Sponsorship
It has been a tremendous honor to be among the nine sponsors of this prestigious event, alongside Air Canada, Scotiabank, KPMG, Pratt & Whitney, CAE, Yardi, Peak, and Bombardier. This annual encounter showcases to corporations the exceptional capabilities of young minds and future leaders, who will drive technology-driven modernization in the near future.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the organizing committee—Devarsh Sheth, Shivangi Srivastava, Ravi Sangwan, Jyoti Shrivastava Gaur, Ahmed Ragab, Kashish Jain, Navdeep Singh, Simy Apte, and Rohit Yadav—who supported us throughout the week and in the lead-up to the event.
We also wish to acknowledge the contributions of board members Serge Helou, Bill Meder, Li Yao, Theodora Stavropoulos, and Sam Watts, whose incredible energy inspired us as we solved cases together. A special moment was meeting Annette Wilde, the creator of this incredible competition 43 years ago, and Nora Kelly, who initiated this journey during their MBA studies in 1981. Their visionary leadership continues to propel the mission of case learning methods globally.
A Call to Action
We encourage students everywhere to embrace the challenge of case competitions. They are not just about winning—they are about growth, learning, and becoming the best version of yourself. To those who have never participated, let MBAICC 2025 serve as your inspiration.
A Visual Journey
Our judges contributing to meaningful discussions.
Future leaders in action during the case challenge.
Celebrating excellence and innovation.
Here’s to another successful year at MBAICC and to the many more competitions ahead. Let’s keep inspiring, learning, and growing!
