IEEE TEMS Annual Global Student Case Competition 2026, 2nd Edition
The IEEE TEMS Annual Global Student Case Competition 2026 returns for its second edition, building on the strong global momentum of its inaugural year. This flagship initiative of the IEEE Technology & Engineering Management Society (TEMS) offers students from around the world a unique opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, apply strategic thinking, and tackle real-world challenges in Technology and Engineering Management (TEMS).
Through a multi-round, globally structured competition, student teams engage with an industry-inspired case study, develop practical recommendations, and present their ideas to academic and industry experts. Cash prizes, global recognition, and certificates of participation are awarded.
Competition Announcement & Key Dates (2026)
Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 20 February 2026 | Competition Announcement |
| 20 March 2026 | Round 1 – Applications & Registration Deadline |
| April – May 2026 | University & Regional Rounds |
| June – July 2026 | Semi-Finals (Virtual) |
| August 2026 | Final Round |
The competition runs from February through August 2026, offering teams a structured yet immersive journey from initial submission to the global final. Register now.
About the Case Study (2026)
For the 2026 edition, student teams will once again step into the role of consultants advising an early-career engineering manager who is tasked with building a high-performing, scalable engineering workforce in a rapidly evolving environment.
The case challenges teams to critically examine how strategic investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Emotional Intelligence (EI), or an integrated approach combining both can strengthen engineering teams and management systems.
The objective is to present a balanced, future-ready solution that addresses both the technical and human dimensions of engineering management.
A detailed case brief, background context, and evaluation criteria will be made available to registered teams. Faculty advisors will have access to all referenced materials for free download.
Criteria & Rules
Section | Details |
|---|---|
| A. Competition Structure (Multi-Round Format) |
|
| B. Participation & Eligibility | Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students worldwide. Interdisciplinary teams encouraged. Teams must consist of 3–5 students with one faculty advisor. IEEE or TEMS membership is not required to participate. Team-based competition; individual submissions are not accepted. |
| C. Awards & Recognition | Monetary prizes for the top teams. Certificates of participation for all competing teams. Global exposure through IEEE TEMS platforms and events. |
Inaugural Edition Highlights (2024-25)
The inaugural IEEE TEMS Global Student Case Competition saw strong global participation, with:
- 73 active teams registered
- Participation from 18 countries
- Representation across 5 IEEE Regions (R1, R4, R8, R9, R10)
Winners – Inaugural Edition
🥇 Winner: Japan
🥈 Runner-up: United States of America
🥉 Third Place: Nigeria
The diversity, quality of ideas, and depth of analysis in the first edition set a strong benchmark, inspiring the expanded and extended 2026 competition format.
Why Participate?
- Solve a real-world engineering management challenge
- Gain experience in consulting-style problem solving
- Collaborate with peers from across the globe
- Receive feedback from academic and industry experts
- Build skills at the intersection of technology, leadership, and strategy
