The Global Case Competition at Harvard 2026
The Global Case Competition at Harvard brings together the best and the brightest minds around the world to solve a business case problem. The competition has attracted 1000+ teams (4100+ students) across the world to compete for a chance to win $10,000.
Teams are given 3 weeks to prepare and submit a solution. The top 10 teams will be invited to pitch their solutions and be evaluated by a panel of judges comprising of distinguished business executives and Harvard Business School professors.
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Participants will also have access to a series of online networking events and panels discussions featuring representatives from top Consulting firms, Private Equity firms, and Investment Banks, amongst others.
​Join now for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to receive a world-class learning experience through a hands-on business case, and to build a unique network with students from all over the world and with executives from the world’s leading institutions!
The Case
We bring together students with finance and business backgrounds from across the world to compete at Harvard on a finance case.
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Receive a world-class learning experience through a hands-on business case.
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Network and connect with leading firms and business executives.
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Enhance your business, communication, and teamwork skills through a challenging workshop series.
A three week long case competition with a grand final in the presence of experienced business executives.
The teams will have to perform the following tasks:
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Industry Analysis
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Company Analysis
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Financial Analysis & Valuation
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The case is related to the investment banking and private equity world. It focuses on a major finance event which students will have to study and analyse.
Just like in a real world situation, teams will have to create a pitch book. The teams in the top ten receive an invitation to present their work, and be evaluated by a panel of judges. All participants are invited to join the on-campus weekend at Harvard University.
Meet the future leaders and get a chance to network with world leading institutions and business executives during our in-person event weekend on campus.
Build a unique network during our social events, gala, lectures, workshops, and spend an unforgettable time with the global elite. Showcase your intelligence to the world, develop new skills and compete with the very best.
The Competition Structure
Round 1- Case Submission (All Teams)
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Case released to all registered teams
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Work period: up to 3 weeks from case drop
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Deliverable: written deck
Late registrations: work period equals remaining days until the Round 1 deadline
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Round 2- Video Pitch (Top 10 teams)
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Deliverable: 5-10 min recorded video presenting your solution
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Purpose: assess clarity, synthesis, and presentation quality
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Round 3- Finale with Judge Panel (Top 10 teams)
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Format: live Q&A with judges (approx. 20 minutes per team)
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Focus: the case, your submitted deck, general M&A knowledge ​​​​​
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The winning team receiving $10,000 is picked by the Judges - taking into consideration the case solution deck, the video pitch, as well as the team performance during the finale with the Judge panel.
Who can participate?
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Teams of 2-5 students from the same university (required - you may not compete as an individual)
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Undergraduate, master’s, etc. students are welcome as long as they are enrolled at a university for the current academic year
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Interdisciplinary teams welcome (finance background not mandatory)
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One person may only appear on one team
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To participate in this competition - you MUST provide some form of documentation (e.g., matriculation card, transcript, letter from the dean, or equivalent) to prove that you are enrolled at a university for the current academic year. Without valid documentation, your participation is not confirmed.
2026 Timeline
Registration Open: November 14th, 2025
Case Release: February 2nd, 2026
Round 1 Deck Submission Deadline: February 22nd, 2026 at 23:59 ET (6:00 CET, Feb 23rd)
Round 1 Case Grading: February 23rd, 2026 to March 11th, 2026
Top 10 Teams Announcement: March 12th, 2026
Round 2 Video Pitch Deadline: March 18th, 2026
Round 3 Finale with Judge Panel and Winning Team Announcement: TBD - March 21st or 22nd, 2026
In-Person Events held at Harvard University: TBD
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Late submissions will not be accepted.