Global MBA Breakthrough Innovation Challenge September 2026

This innovation challenge invites candidates to tackle a real-world business or societal problem through unconventional, high-impact innovation. Applicants are expected to identify a current limitation, inefficiency, or unmet need within an industry, organization, or market they know well, and propose a bold, non-traditional solution that challenges existing assumptions and creates new value.

Submissions should demonstrate:

• Original thinking beyond standard frameworks
• Willingness to challenge industry norms
• Ability to connect ideas across disciplines
• Clear potential for real-world impact

How to Participate?

Candidates may send their ideas to their Admissions Advisor when they submit their application. They can do it via a PowerPoint presentation (maximum 15 slides) or a 5-minute video pitch. Candidate applying for the Global MBA Executive Spanish Edition are welcome to submit their presentation in Spanish or English. This event is purely informational, and there will be no pitch presentations. Ideas will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee after the June 8 deadline.

Awards

3 awards: 25% tuition awards for the top Global MBA and the Global MBA Executive Spanish Edition candidates.

Timeline

• Invitation to participate: May 8th
• Submission deadline: June 8th (must also be admitted to the program to be evaluated by the Admissions Committee)
• Evaluation: Conducted by the Admissions Committee
• Announcement: Two weeks after June 8th

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be assessed based on:

• Originality – Degree of unconventional thinking and challenge to norms
• Innovative Thinking – Creativity and cross-disciplinary insight
• Impact Potential – Potential to create meaningful business or societal change
• Feasibility – Practicality and testability of the idea
• Scalability – Ability to expand across markets or contexts
• Execution Logic – Clarity of implementation approach
• Communication – Structure, clarity, and persuasiveness

Suggested Areas (Optional)

Candidates are encouraged, but not limited, to explore:

• Future of work and human-AI collaboration
• New business models (platforms, ecosystems, circular systems)
• Digital transformation beyond automation
• Behavioral innovation and habit change at scale
• Emerging markets or underserved populations
• Cross-industry innovation  

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your Admissions Advisor or the program specialist from our Global Recruitment department if you have further questions. We look forward to receiving your ideas!