Future Positioning of a Big 4 Tax Advisory Practice in an AI-Accelerated Environment
Join the premier innovation competition for young talents. Address real strategic challenges and shape the future of tax advisory in an AI-driven era.
ABOUT THE CHALLENGE
As part of the HSG Innovation Trophy x KPMG, you will work in teams on the official case addressing a real strategic challenge faced by KPMG.
How are client behaviours, expectations, and decision criteria for tax advisory services changing in an AI-accelerated environment, and what market positioning and service portfolio will enable a Big 4 tax consultancy to maximize client value and establish sustainable competitive advantage?
Develop your idea together with KPMG experts, pitch your concept at KPMG's Headquarters, and compete for the HSG Innovation Trophy.
WHY PARTICIPATE?
Real-World Experience
Work on a real business case addressing a genuine strategic challenge faced by our corporate partner.
Networking
Connect with industry experts, fellow students, and representatives of our corporate partner.
Career Opportunities
Get visibility with our corporate partner and access to exclusive career opportunities.
Certification
Receive an official certificate to strengthen your CV.
COMPETITION TIMELINE
7. Oct 2026
Kick-Off
Launch event with all participating teams and KPMG mentors — including apéro.
18. Oct 2026
Exposé submission
Deadline for submitting team exposés (23:59 CET).
21. Oct 2026
Selection
Feedback and final selection by KPMG.
23. Nov 2026
Finals
Final presentations and award ceremony at KPMG Headquarters in Zurich.
ELIGIBILITY
- ✓Open to all students of the University of St. Gallen (Assessment Year, Bachelor's and Master's students)
- ✓All fields of study are eligible
- ✓Participation in teams of 1-5 students
- ✓Teams must register via the HSG Innovation Trophy website
- ✓Teams must submit a group exposé
Exposé Criteria
To apply for the HSG Innovation Trophy x KPMG, teams are required to submit a short exposé outlining their initial approach to the case.
Download Case Outline (PDF)FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The HSG Innovation Trophy is open to all students currently enrolled at a university. Teams can consist of 1 to 5 members. Students from every study field are welcome — whether you study business, law, computer science, or any other discipline. There is no GPA or prior experience requirement.
Yes. During sign-up, simply select "No, we are still looking for team members." We will be notified and will actively look to match incomplete teams and make recommendations throughout the application phase so that every interested student can find a team.
No, the Kick-Off is the official start of the challenge and we highly encourage your whole team to attend, since all information about the case will be presented there and it is a great opportunity to connect with the corporate partner. However, you can still apply without having attended the Kick-Off event beforehand.
Yes. All Kick-Off slides will be uploaded to our website under the "About" section shortly after the Kick-Off event, so you can access all the relevant information even if you could not attend.
Your exposé should present your team's approach and initial ideas to the case in a structured 3-slide format. Focus on clarity, a compelling narrative, and the feasibility of your ideas. Think of it as a first pitch that shows the jury your thinking and direction.
No. The content of the exposé must fit the 3-slide format. Cover slides are permitted and do not count towards the 3-slide limit. Submissions that exceed this will not be considered.
After the submission deadline, the organising team and the corporate partner will review all submissions. Selected teams will be notified by email and invited to the final event. Non-selected teams will also receive a notification once decisions have been made.
Yes. All teams selected for the final round will be able to schedule a coaching session with a representative from the corporate partner. The session gives your team the opportunity to ask questions and get guidance on whether your ideas are feasible. Coaching sessions will take place online and all details will be communicated to finalists after selection.
It can occasionally happen that not all team members are available for the finals. However, since this is an in-person event, you should ensure that the majority of your team can be present on the day of the final.
All teams selected for the final round of the Innovation Trophy will receive a personalised certificate signed by the corporate partner and our university. Winner teams will receive special recognition for their placing on their certificate.
No. Each student may only participate as a member of one team. This ensures fair competition and allows every team member to contribute fully to the project.
No. Participation in the HSG Innovation Trophy is completely free of charge for all students.
Teams are evaluated on the quality and creativity of their ideas, the clarity and structure of their presentation, the feasibility of the proposed solution, and their ability to respond to questions from the jury. A detailed rubric will be shared with all finalists.