EY/University of Kansas National Business Challenge
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 competeMore 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
Prompt release: 9 a.m. March 3 (distributed via email)
Registration, Kickoff Meeting and Welcome Dinner
4:30-6:45 p.m. March 4
Maceli's, 1031 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS 66044
Mentoring Sessions
7-9 p.m. March 4
University of Kansas School of Business
Capitol Federal Hall, 1654 Naismith Drive, Lawrence, KS 66045
Competition
11 a.m.-5 p.m. March 5
University of Kansas School of Business
Capitol Federal Hall, 1654 Naismith Drive, Lawrence, KS 66045
Team requirements
- Open to undergraduate students from all majors
- Teams of four students preferred
- Maximum of two teams per university
Accommodations
A room block has been reserved at The Eldridge Hotel for competition participants.
Room rate: $159 per night
Dates: March 4-5, 2027 (checkout March 6)
Available room types:
- Double queen room
- Deluxe king room with sofa bed
Reservation deadline: February 5, 2027
- Visit The Eldridge Hotel.
- Select Reservations.
- Choose Special Code.
- From the dropdown menu, select Group Attendee Code.
- Enter the code: 2703KUNATI.
If you experience any issues making your reservation, call 785-749-5011 ext. 2100 and request a room in the KU National Conference block for March 4-6.
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
Three to 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.
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
Three to 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.