EY/University of Kansas National Business Challenge

Aerial view of Capitol Federal Hall with Fraser Hall in the background

Bring your best to KU.

Thanks to generous support from EY, the KU School of Business will host a two-day event designed to challenge and showcase top undergraduate talent from across the U.S. Join us March 4–5, 2027, in Lawrence, Kansas.

Apply to compete

More than a case competition

The EY/KU National Business Challenge brings together undergraduate students from across the country to tackle real-world business challenges, compete for cash prizes and gain valuable professional experience.

Unlike many case competitions, this event is open to students from all academic disciplines. Teams are encouraged to bring together cross-disciplinary perspectives and approaches to problem-solving.

Participants will:

  • Tackle real-world business case challenges
  • Compete in a double-elimination tournament format
  • Develop presentation and strategic-thinking skills
  • Network with students, faculty and industry professionals
  • Gain professional experience that strengthens resumes and interview readiness

2027 event details

March 4–5
Capitol Federal Hall
University of Kansas School of Business
Lawrence, Kansas

Team requirements

  • Open to undergraduate students from all majors
  • Teams of four students preferred
  • Maximum of two teams per university
Accommodations

The KU School of Business will provide:

  • Two hotel rooms (double occupancy) for one night during the competition
  • Meals during the competition

More than $8,000 in prize money will be awarded.

  • First place: $2,000
  • Second place: $1,600
  • Third place: $1,200 
  • Fourth place: $800
  • Fifth place: $600
Additional awards

Five additional $400 awards will recognize outstanding achievement, including:

  • Most Innovative Solution
  • Best Presentation
  • Judge's Choice

Previous competitors have represented universities across the U.S., including Boston College, Washington University in St. Louis, Indiana University, the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Creighton University, the University of Nevada, the University of Minnesota, the University of Tennessee, the University of Missouri, the University of Cincinnati, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the University of Nebraska–Omaha and Kansas State University, among others.

Key dates

  • Sept. 15: Application opens

  • Dec. 1: Early sign-up deadline

  • Dec. 15: Early selection announcement

  • Feb. 1, 2027: Final application deadline

  • Feb. 5, 2027: Final teams announced

  • March 4–5, 2027: Competition

About the EY partnership

  • Generous support from EY helps the EY/KU National Business Challenge continue to grow as a high-impact experiential learning opportunity for students from across the country.

Interested in learning more? Contact:

2026 competition

Bring your best team

Compete against top students
Applications received by Dec. 1 receive first-round consideration.
Apply to compete

Frequently asked questions

The competition is open to undergraduate students from all academic disciplines.

Teams of four students are preferred. Each university may enter up to two teams.

Teams compete in a double-elimination tournament and present solutions to real-world business case challenges.

The University of Kansas provides hotel accommodations and meals during the competition.

The competition takes place at Capitol Federal Hall, the home of the School of Business on the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence, Kansas.