About the HSG Innovation Trophy
Get first-hand insights into the challenge, meet the Innovation Trophy team and KPMG representatives, and ask your questions in person.
Join our Kick-Off
Meet the Innovation Trophy team and KPMG representatives, ask your questions, and get excited about the challenge — with apéro included.
- 📅7 October 2026, 17:00–19:00
- 📍Square | Discovery Grid, University of St. Gallen
- 🥂Including apéro
- 🎓Open to all students
17:00–19:00
Square | Discovery Grid, University of St. Gallen
Apéro includedOur Partner: KPMG
The HSG Innovation Trophy is an independent, student-led innovation competition at the University of St. Gallen. Teams work on real business challenges and develop innovative ideas in close collaboration with selected corporate partners.
In Fall Semester 2026, the Innovation Trophy is run in collaboration with KPMG, one of the world's leading audit, tax, and advisory firms with a presence in over 140 countries. KPMG gives students the opportunity to work on real strategic challenges, gain insights from KPMG experts, and compete on an international stage.
Throughout the competition, participating teams receive early feedback and coaching from KPMG experts, and the best teams earn the opportunity to pitch their final solutions directly at KPMG's offices in Zurich.
The Innovation Trophy is the event — teams leave with well-developed concepts, strong pitching experience, and recognition from one of the world's leading professional services firms.
The Challenge
As part of the HSG Innovation Trophy x KPMG, you will work in teams of three on the official case:
Future Positioning of a Big 4 Tax Advisory Practice in an AI-Accelerated Environment
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?
- Analyze market trends and client needs in the tax advisory landscape
- Develop a creative, innovative, and scalable positioning concept
- Pitch your solution to KPMG professionals and industry experts
- Selected teams will receive sparring and feedback from KPMG representatives
- Further strengthen your concept and pitch for the final presentation