What is a case competition?

A case competition is an academic event where students work in teams to solve a real-world business or organizational problem, known as a "case." These competitions simulate the kind of strategic thinking and problem-solving professionals do in the workplace.

    • Teams are given a scenario or challenge (e.g., how a company can grow its market share).
    • They analyze the problem, develop a solution, and present their recommendations to a panel of judges.
    • Judges often include industry professionals, educators, or business leaders.

    It’s a great way for students to develop skills in critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and leadership—and it’s also a lot of fun!

  • Two students talking.

Event details

Asper invites students to team up, solve real Winnipeg business cases, and present their ideas to a panel of judges. No previous experience needed! Whether you're new to business or have some background, this high-energy event is all about learning, collaboration, and fun. Join with a team or register solo and be matched with peers from across Manitoba. It’s a great way to meet new people, think creatively, and build valuable skills. 

Location

Drake Centre
Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba
181 Freedman Crescent (Drake Centre)
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Important dates   

  • Oct. 15
    Last day to register
  • Oct. 24
    Orientation (Zoom)
  • Nov. 7
    Case competition kick-off, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m., Room 122 Drake
  • Nov. 21
    Mentor meeting, 1 - 3 p.m., Room 530 Drake
  • Nov. 29
    *Optional: 24-hour case watch
  • Dec. 5
    Competition day! 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., meet in Room 530 Drake

Tentative agendas (PDF)

 

Notice: There will be a University of Manitoba staff member capturing photos and video throughout the event.

 

What can students expect?

An Asper case competition is more than just a challenge, it’s a chance to think strategically, collaborate with peers, and gain real-world business insight. Whether it’s your first competition or you're looking to sharpen your skills, you’ll develop critical thinking and confidence in presenting.  

Mentorship

Each team is paired with an Asper undergraduate student who has experience in case competitions. They will guide and support you every step of the way.

Prizes and recognition

Teams will compete for exciting prizes awarded to third, second, and first place finishers. Bonus: Case competitions are a huge resume booster, helping you land your next job or enhance your university application.

Benefits

Why participate?

  • Students working together at High School Pitch Workshop

    Level up your resume

    Participating in a case competition is a fun way to boost your resume while exploring the world of business. You’ll work in teams to solve real challenges, learn how to think like a consultant, and present your ideas with confidence.

  • Group of high school students sitting at a table collaborating.

    Hands-on learning

    High school case competitions are one of the best ways to explore your interest in business through hands-on learning. Instead of just hearing about business, you’ll live it: solve real challenges, make decisions, and present your ideas just like a consultant would.

  • Woman on stage presenting with a screen behind her.

    Crack real-world problems

    You'll work closely with your team to tackle a real business challenge and develop practical, creative solutions. This is your chance to receive expert feedback from industry professionals, helping you improve your ideas and gain valuable insights.

  • Students working together at High School Pitch Workshop

    Find what fuels you

    Along the way, you’ll learn more about yourself, what excites you, how you work in a team, and whether a future in business feels right. It’s a low-pressure, high-energy way to gain experience, build confidence, and see if the business world is where you want to be.

Eligibility

It’s important to check the specific eligibility criteria of the high school case competition before registering to ensure that you meet all the requirements. 

Registration

Students can register as a team or individually and paired with other Manitoba high school students. If students are registering as a team, there must be four team members.  

Rules and guidelines

It’s important to check the specific eligibility criteria of the high school case competition before registering to ensure that you meet all the requirements.

  1. Eligibility: The competition is open to Manitoba high school students in grade 11 and 12 only. 

  2. Teams: Students must sign up as a team of 4 or individually but would then be placed in a team. 

  3. Competition format: Presentations must be delivered in person and more detail will be provided leading up to the competition date. 

  4. Content: The case will be presented to participants on November 7th.

  5. Judging criteria: Presentations will be evaluated based on the team's analysis of the problem, strength of their recommendations, creativity and innovation, and overall teamwork and collaboration.

  6. Code of conduct: All participants must abide by a code of conduct, which includes being respectful to other participants, judges, and competition organizers. Any behaviour that is deemed inappropriate, including harassment, will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification.

 

Privacy disclaimers

Privacy Notice: This event will be recorded for documentation and promotional purposes. By attending the event, you acknowledge that you may appear in such recordings, and grant permission for them to be used by the event organizers. 

 

Contact us

Verna Kroeker
181 Freedman Cres.
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V4

431-323-0397