Application

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.