Opportunity brief
Overview
ECOGEN 2026 is a nationwide B-school case competition designed to challenge students with authentic business challenges viewed through an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. Organised at IMT Nagpur, the competition brings together participants to demonstrate strategic foresight, analytical depth, and effective communication. The journey begins with an online assessment of foundational ESG knowledge, moves to the analysis of a short business case, and culminates in a live presentation of strategic solutions before an industry professional.
Why Participate?
- Solve realistic ESG dilemmas faced by Indian and global companies.
- Build skills in strategy, sustainability, and stakeholder analysis.
- Present your recommendations before industry professionals at the grand finale.
- Compete for cash prizes and certificates.
- Strengthen your profile through participation in a national-level B-school competition.
Eligibility
- Open to all MBA/PGDM students across India.
- Team size: 2–3 members.
- Intra-college and cross-specialisation teams are allowed; teams must be from the same college.
- A valid college ID is required for verification.
- One participant may be part of only one team.
Competition Structure
The competition consists of three rounds. Teams will first complete an online ESG quiz. Shortlisted teams will then analyse a mini case and submit a concise recommendation deck. Finalists will present their strategic solutions before an industry jury at the grand finale.
Round Details
Round 1 – ESG Quiz (Online)
- An objective quiz covering ESG concepts, frameworks, regulations, and current business-sustainability news.
- Topics may include GRI, SASB, TCFD, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
- The quiz will contain 45 questions to be completed in 30 minutes.
- There is no negative marking.
Round 2 – Mini Case Challenge (Online)
- Shortlisted teams will receive a 1–2 page ESG case with data exhibits.
- Teams must submit a recommendation in a deck of no more than 5 slides, in PDF format, within 36 hours.
- Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges.
- Teams should identify the core problem, analyse stakeholders, compare options and trade-offs, recommend a course of action, and outline risks and implementation steps.
Round 3 – Grand Finale (Offline/Online at IMT Nagpur)
- Finalists will present their solutions live before an industry jury.
- A new case will be released one day before the competition.
- Each team will have 10 minutes to present, followed by 5 minutes of Q&A.
- Travel and accommodation will not be provided.
Guidelines
Round 1: Quiz Guidelines
- The quiz will be hosted on Unstop. Attempt limit: one attempt per team, or per member as decided by the organisers.
- Use only one device per participant and keep the quiz tab in focus. Tab switching may lead to disqualification.
- In the event of a tie, the time taken will be used as the tiebreaker.
- External assistance and AI tools are prohibited during the quiz.
Round 2: Mini Case Submission Guidelines
- Submit a maximum 5-slide deck in PDF format.
- The deck should cover problem identification; key stakeholders and their interests; options considered and trade-offs; the final recommendation; and risks with an implementation plan.
- Use relevant ESG frameworks and quantify your analysis wherever possible.
- Plagiarism or AI-copied content will lead to disqualification.
Round 3: Grand Finale Guidelines
- Finalists must carry a valid college ID for the campus event.
- Travel and accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of participants.
Timeline
Event
Date
Registrations Open
24/10/2026 (11:00 AM)
Registrations Close
15/11/2026 (11:59 PM)
Round 1: Online Quiz
17/11/2026 (09:00 AM-11:59 PM)
Round 1 Results
18/11/2026 (06:00 PM)
Round 2: Case-Based Round
20/11/2026 (09:00 AM)
Round 2: Submission Deadline
21/11/2026 (11:59 PM)
Announcement of Finalists
24/11/2026 (06:00 PM)
Round 3: Case Release
27/11/2026 (09:00 AM)
Round 3: Final Presentation (Online/Offline)
28/11/2026 (02:00 PM)
Rewards and Prizes
- Winner: ₹12,000 and certificates.
- Runner-up: ₹8,000 and certificates.
- All participants will receive participation e-certificates.
Rules and Regulations
- Registration must be completed through Unstop only.
- Finalists must carry a valid college ID for the campus event.
- The decisions of the organising committee and judges are final.
- The organisers may modify the schedule with prior notice.
- Teams must not contact judges or organisers with the intention of influencing competition results.
Contact Us
- Shreyansh Bhargava: +91 6388303571 | Anuj Goyal: +91 9407140470
- Email: cc.csgd.imtn@gmail.com