TrenDSetter 5.0- Marketing Track

DS Group is known for establishing benchmarks through Innovative Firsts across its businesses. Through TrenDSetter, a one-of-a-kind national-level B-school corporate challenge, DS Group brings students an opportunity to experience real-world business problem-solving, innovation, and strategic thinking.

Building on the success of its previous editions, TrenDSetter 5.0 brings an even more engaging and challenging experience for the next generation of business leaders. Get ready to put your creativity, analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and business acumen to the test.

With the introduction of the Marketing track, participants will get an opportunity to tackle real-world marketing challenges, test their creativity and strategic thinking, and develop innovative solutions that drive brand growth, consumer engagement, and business impact.

From understanding the DS Group and its businesses to solving real-world business challenges and presenting your ideas to industry leaders, TrenDSetter 5.0 is your opportunity to step up and showcase what makes you a TrenDSetter.

Eligibility Criteria

• This competition is open to the following:
• All students pursuing a full-time MBA/PGDM programme.
• Final-year students of a full-time Engineering programme.
• Participants must register in teams of 2 - 4 members from the same institute.
• Participants must fulfil all eligibility requirements specified for the competition.
• Cross-specialisation teams are allowed, but cross-college teams are not permitted.
• A participant can be a member of only one team.
• There is no restriction on the number of teams that can participate from an institute.

Competition Structure:

DScovery – Brand Quiz

• Kickstart your TrenDSetter journey with DScovery, an engaging brand quiz designed to test your knowledge of DS Group, its brands, marketing, innovation, and relevant industry trends.
• Hints for the answers will be shared through DS Group's social media handles. Stay tuned!
• Note: Participation in this round is mandatory to proceed to the subsequent stages; however, it is not an eliminatory round.

MinDScan – Simulation

• Team Leaders will take on MinDScan, a business simulation round designed to test their ability to analyse real-world business situations and develop practical solutions.
• Team Leaders will be presented with a business scenario and will be required to demonstrate their problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• The Marketing Track will focus on challenges and situations relevant to Marketing, enabling participants to apply their understanding of people, processes, and business strategy to a real-world context.
• Based on their performance, shortlisted participants will progress to the next round.

OdDSmaker – Executive Summary Submission

• Shortlisted teams will participate in the OdDSmaker round, where they will be required to develop and submit a 2–3-slide PPT outlining the proposed solution in both PPT/PDF format
• The submission should clearly communicate the problem understanding, proposed approach, and key recommendations.
• Submissions will be evaluated based on the criteria specified for the round, and selected teams will progress to the next stage.

GranDStand – Case Discussion & Presentation

• Shortlisted teams will present their detailed solutions to an esteemed jury panel comprising industry experts and DS Group representatives.
• The teams will have 10 minutes to present their PPT, followed by 5 minutes of jury QnA
• Teams will be evaluated based on the quality of their solution, problem-solving approach, strategic thinking, feasibility, and ability to effectively communicate and defend their recommendations.

Mentorship Session

• Shortlisted finalists will get an opportunity to participate in a mentorship session with senior management and subject matter experts from DS Group.
• The session will provide participants with an opportunity to gain insights from industry leaders and further refine their solutions ahead of the Grand Finale.

EpicDS Clash – Grand Finale

• The finalists will present their final and refined solutions before a distinguished jury comprising DS Group Senior leadership and SMEs.
• The Grand Finale will take place offline at DS Group's headquarters, giving finalists the chance to pitch in person at the Group's home office.
• A fresh case will be released for the Grand Finale, common to participants across all tracks. Finalists will be required to develop and present their solutions within the stipulated timeline.
• The team that emerges as the Champion TrenDSetter will be awarded the coveted title along with the applicable rewards.

Rewards & Recognition

• Champion Team for Epic DS Clash: ₹2,00,000 + Trophies and Certificates
• Runners-Up Team for Epic DS Clash: ₹1,50,000 + Trophies and Certificates
• Cash Prize for Track Winners: ₹1,00,000
• Cash Prize for Track Runners-Up: ₹50,000
• Goodies & Merchandise: Chances to win exclusive goodies & merchandise
• PPI/PPO Opportunities: Role opportunities may be offered to eligible participants, subject to applicable criteria and requirements

Get ready to challenge conventional thinking, solve real-world business problems, and showcase your ideas to some of the brightest minds at DS Group.

Are you ready to become the next TrenDSetter?