STUDENT CHALLENGE TOOLKITThe Collaborative Global Student Challenge involves a feasibility analysis of a new business concept that addresses one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Challenge is completed in two phases: a local competition at each participating member institution to determine winning teams, followed by a global competition among the top teams from each institution. There is a separate Bachelor’s and Master's Challenge, but all guidelines and deadlines apply to both.
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2026 STUDENT CHALLENGE TOOLKIT
ADVISORS & JUDGES RESOURCES
Mark Your Calendar
Here’s a quick overview of what’s coming up. From registering your school to submitting local challenge details and semi-final materials, these dates will help you stay organized and prepared throughout the 2026 Global Student Challenge journey.
November 18: Submit the 2026 Collaborative Local Student Challenge InfoProvide details about your local challenge event, including participants, schedule, and outcomes. This helps the Babson Collaborative team coordinate your local round effectively.
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Challenge Primary Advisor will receive instructions and invitation via email.
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Mark Your Calendar
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up for our judges. From signing up to support the semi-final round to submitting your evaluations, these dates outline everything you need to stay prepared and contribute to the success of our global student competitors.
TOOLKIT RESOURCES
In addition to the Student Challenge overview document (above), these resources may be use freely by member schools to prepare students and administer the Student Challenge. All materials may be shared with your student teams.
Judging Rubric
This is the rubric which will be used for the GLOBAL Phase of the Student Challenge (Semi-finals and Finals rounds). Schools are encouraged to use the same rubric for their LOCAL Challenge.
| Global Student Challenge Judging Rubric (Word doc) |
Schools are encouraged to provide each student who participated in the LOCAL PHASE of the Challenge a certificate of participation. In the past, members sent an excel list to Babson and we sent back the certificates. Going forward, the template is available for you to create and give directly to your students who engaged in the LOCAL CHALLENGE.
- NOTE: Babson will issue a certificate to teams who participate in the GLOBAL phase of the Challenge.
LOCAL CHALLENGE Certificate Template
| Certificate Template for Local Challenge (Word doc) |
Tips for PitchingTips from Babson professor, Heidi Neck
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Improving Your Video VoiceCLICK HERE to watch a brief video by Babson professor, Beth Wynstra.
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Coaching Guide
Tips on the right (and wrong) way to coach student teams
| Coaching Guide (Word doc) |
Webinar: Customer Value Proposition
March 26, 2025
with Vik Murty (UDD, Chile)
with Vik Murty (UDD, Chile)
Unleash Your Product’s Superpower Value Proposition with Superhero Storytelling
Every great product has a superpower—the unique strength that sets it apart and makes it indispensable.
In this engaging and interactive session, you will:
Every great product has a superpower—the unique strength that sets it apart and makes it indispensable.
In this engaging and interactive session, you will:
- Discover your product’s hidden superpowers that drive customer value.
- Learn the Superhero Storytelling Method to craft compelling value propositions.
- Frame your product’s impact through a narrative structure featuring the hero, the villain, and the battle.
- Simplify complex ideas and communicate value with clarity and emotional resonance.
Webinar: Business Models for Social Impact
November 21, 2024
with Phil Kim (Babson, USA)
with Phil Kim (Babson, USA)
Launching and running social impact ventures requires a business model that delivers value, generates returns, and achieves social impact goals.
In this session, you will:
In this session, you will:
- Discover fundamental elements of social impact business models.
- Learn strategies for creating sustainable operations.
- Explore how to balance financial returns with social objectives.
- Understand how a well-designed business model can support long-term impact and operational success.
Branding guidelines
Access the following:
- Student Challenge logo and supplemental graphic
- Editorial language and branding guidelines.
- Collaborative member badges
SPECIAL STUDENT EVENTS
Student programs that schools could connect to the 2026 Challenge
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Babson Prototyping Challenge
November 18, 2025 Virtual program led by Alisa Jno-Charles (Babson, USA) View the recording here 
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Business Models for Social Impact
February 10, 2026 Virtual program led by Phil Kim (Babson, USA) Open to 5 students at all Collaborative schools Registration: Institutional champion has the registration link 
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