Bridge Between Theor and Practice: What the Mannheim Case Competition Means for Corvinus
The recent victory of a Corvinus Consulting Club team at the University of Mannheim’s AKB Business Champions international case study competition has positioned Hungary’s business school on the global map. This achievement, covered extensively in news articles across Europe, showcases the practical caliber of Corvinus University students and underlines the institution’s commitment to fostering real‑world business acumen.
Understanding the Mannheim Competition Landscape
Held over two days, the competition is an annual platform that gathers the best student teams from leading Western European universities. Teams face structured case studies—each lasting only a few hours—requiring quick critical analysis, cohesive teamwork, and innovative solutions. The event’s prestige is matched by its rigorous judging criteria, which focus on logical reasoning, creativity, and the ability to translate ideas into actionable strategies.
Key Case Themes Covered in 2025
- Innovation – ISTARI.AI, a forward‑looking AI enterprise
- Sustainability – Deloitte’s global green initiative
- Strategy – Oliver Wyman’s multinational consulting challenge
- Financial – BNP Paribas’s banking optimization problem
Each case tests a distinct facet of business decision‑making, from long‑term vision to short‑term metrics.
Corvinus Team Performance: A Closer Look
Six Corvinus students—Máté György, Gergely Bogáti, Máté Kovács, Orsolya Röthler, János Urbancsek, and Szonja Daoda—delivered a series of award‑winning solutions. Their results were:
- 1st place in the Innovation case (ISTARI.AI)
- 2nd place in the Sustainability case (Deloitte)
- 2nd place in the Strategy case (Oliver Wyman)
- 2nd place in the Financial case (BNP Paribas)
Across all four categories, the team earned the highest overall score among ten top universities, securing a second‑place ranking overall. This marks Corvinus’s best performance ever in this prestigious international competition.
What the Results Mean for Hungary’s Business Education
As the leading Hungarian business school, Corvinus must be proud that its students are capable of matching the European elite. The results demonstrate:
- Strong analytical training embedded into the curriculum
- Robust mentorship programs that prepare students for high‑pressure environments
- A culture of collaboration that mirrors corporate boardroom dynamics
These factors contribute to a growing reputation for Hungary as a fertile ground for business talent.
Impact on Current and Prospective Students
For existing students, the competition offers a tangible benchmark of success and a clear model of what to aspire to. It opens pathways into internships and full‑time roles at multinational firms that scout during such events. For those considering Corvinus University, the news articles confirm that the institution produces graduates who are technically sound and strategically savvy.
How to Leverage This Momentum in Your Career Portfolio
- Include the competition results in your CV under a dedicated “Achievements” section.
- Detail the specific case worked on, highlighting your analytical process and solution impact.
- Use the experience as a talking point during interviews, illustrating your ability to perform under time constraints.
Getting Involved: Joining the Corvinus Consulting Club
Students interested in sharpening consulting skills can apply to the Corvinus Consulting Club. The club offers:
- Regular case study workshops
- Seminars by industry experts
- Opportunities to represent the university at international competitions
Participation is open to all undergraduate and graduate students who meet the academic criteria. Pelunorming experience is not required—only a strong willingness to learn and collaborate.
Steps to Apply
- Visit the Corvinus application portal and create a profile.
- Fill out the club interest form, noting any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities.
- Complete a short written exercise based on a business case (sample available on the portal).
- Attend the orientation session scheduled each semester.
Beyond the Classroom: How the Competition Enhances Academic Learning
Integrating case competitions into research projects has proven to improve problem‑solving skills. Corvinus faculty, collaborating with the Consulting Club, incorporate breaking‑down methods used in the Mannheim competition into lecture modules. This cross‑disciplinary approach ensures students are not just theory experts but also practice professionals.
Research Opportunities Post‑Competition
The team’s successes have already spurred proposals for further research into AI innovation, sustainability practices, and financial modeling. Students may partner with the Neuro‑and Digital Marketing Research Center (NEDIMARC) or the Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research to explore these themes.
Practical Advice for Students Aspiring to Compete
- Start Early: Begin case practice months before the competition to develop efficient time management.
- Form Diverse Teams: Combine strengths from different majors to cover a broad range of skills.
- Use Feedback: Review feedback from previous participants and integrate suggestions into your approach.
- Leverage Corvinus courses that cover strategic management, innovation, or sustainability.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for Corvinus and its Students?
With a proven track record, Corvinus University of Budapest is set to expand its participation in international competitions. The university is already recruiting consulting club members for the 2026 edition of the Mannheim challenge, and it is investing in mentor relationships that span academia and industry.
Students who take advantage of these opportunities will find themselves positioned at the forefront of business innovation, ready to contribute meaningfully in both local and global markets.
Ready to Take the Leap?
- Submit your application today and start the journey toward a dynamic business career.
- Schedule a free consultation to discuss how the University’s programs align with your aspirations.
- Have questions? Write to us and we’ll reply personally.
- Share your own experiences with case competitions in the comments section below.
- Explore related articles on University news for more insights.
