Case Competitions
Penn State Social Impact Pitch Competition 2024
Take the first step and figure out if you have identified a social impact problem worth solving. We are seeking ventures devoted to creating positive change in their communities with a sustainable business model. These ventures should address pressing social or environmental issues that have been overlooked or neglected by traditional business models.
Application and Program Timeline:
- Applications Open: February 1
- Applications Close: February 14th at midnight
- Participants Announced: February 21
- Group Coaching Session: February 28, from 12-1pm
- Individual Team Coaching Sessions: March 1-15 (scheduled with the coach at their convenience)
- Final Pitch: March 20, 7-9 pm @ the Innovation Hub at University Park
Click here to learn more or to apply.
The Mont Alto LION Tank™ Competition
- The Mont Alto LaunchBox Pitch Competition: LION Tank™ will be held March 19, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. on our campus, and via Zoom.
- This year marks the seventh annual LION Tank™ Pitch Competition. A chance to compete with fellow entrepreneurs for prize money to help fund your start up.
- First prize: $1,250/Second prize: $1,000/Third prize: $750
- Who can apply? Penn State students (any campus/any major), Mont Alto faculty/staff, and PA community members. No affiliation with Penn State required.
- How to apply? Complete the application located here: Apply Now! (note: there is a short 2-3 minute video required as part of the application)
Abington LaunchBox Startup Case Competition
The Abington LaunchBox is developing a new case competition for the Spring 2024 semester. The soon to be announced team-based competition will provide an opportunity for Penn State Abington students in their first or second year of study to engage with real businesses, entrepreneurs, innovators, and founders to develop and present their recommendations for action.
Competition details and key dates will be coming soon.
Council for Retail and Sales Case Competition at DeSales University
This year’s Spring 2024 CRS Collegiate Competition is powered by The Theory of 5. The competition culminates in a regional competition to be held on March 21, 2024 at DeSales University. The top team will receive $1,200 to be divided by team members and the second place team will be awarded $400 to be divided by the team.
Each school may submit up to 2 teams and each team must consist of 3-4 students plus one faculty advisor. Registration is now open and the deadline to register is February 16, 2024. Written work for the competition is due on March 13.
Please complete this form with information on your team of PSU Abington students.
Click here to view the competition rules and key dates.
Penn State Arts Business Idea Competition 2024
This competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students from any major and any Penn State campus. The only requirement is that the business idea/concept is arts-based. Free-lance, non-profit, for profit, hybrid, and small or large-scale ideas are welcome.
How to Enter the Competition: Semi-Final Round
Inform Dr. Gangi of your intent to apply as soon as you decide to enter the competition by sending an email to jjg27@psu.edu. Submit a pdf document of your business plan to Dr. Gangi via email by 11:59pm March 1, 2024. Finalists will be announced via email by March 11, 2024.
Spring Outstanding Student Video Essay Competition Powered by Sherwin Williams
The Video Essay Competition, powered by Sherwin-Williams, was created to defray the cost of higher education for students. Award money can be used toward textbooks, study materials, or any expense related to the cost of achieving higher education. Students who are currently attending any 2-year or 4-year college or university may apply.
First place: $100 – $150 (depending on available funds)
Second place: $50 – $75 (depending on available funds)
Application Process
Spring ’24 Submission Topic: Trends in Supply Chain Management
There are many challenges for retailers in 2024. This case will focus on an important challenge/opportunity: Discuss two trends in Supply Chain Management and the impact of these trends on companies along the supply chain as well as for the end consumer.
Applicants must apply online and submit the following:
- A completed application
- 1 page executive summary (document any sources used)
- 3 – 5 minute video (you may use any technology to record; student’s face must be shown in the video presenting)
Application must be submitted by Apr 1 for the spring semester.
launchU 2024
The Hershey Company in association with the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harrisburg University (HU) invites your students to compete in our upcoming launchU 2024 competition!
The next generation of entrepreneurship starts with you launchU is an annual “shark tank” style startup challenge and is open to anyone with a startup idea! The next launchU competition will be held on May 16, 2024.
Application & registration OPENS – JANUARY 2ND, 2024
Application & registration CLOSES – MARCH 8TH, 2024
The launchU 2024 competition BEGINS – MAY 17TH, 2024
Inc.U Competition
Six undergraduate teams from across the commonwealth compete for a $30,000 cash investment pool. Finalist teams receive other support specially designed to help their startups gain traction including business mentors, professionally designed marketing videos, and showcase opportunities. The winners will be announced during Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC in March.
Applications for the 2024 Inc.U Competition are close on 1/19/2024. Learn more.
Smeal Undergraduate Sustainability Case Competition
The Center for the Business of Sustainability is organizing the second annual Undergraduate Sustainability Case Competition, the competition allows you to work on a cross-disciplinary team, to use business and markets to solve real-world social justice and environmental conservation challenges.
The competition is a hands-on opportunity to work on a cross-disciplinary team, to use business and markets to solve real-world social justice and environmental conservation challenges. Student teams who make it to the finals will have the opportunity to present in front of some of today’s leading sustainability and social impact executives.
Registration for this year’s case competition opens on November 6 and closes on December 8, 2023. Case information will be released on January 19, 2024 Learn more and register here.
