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FROM CAMPUS TO GLOBAL CHAMPIONS: OUR BITSoM JOURNEY AT THE CORNELL CASE COMPETITION

Feb 17th, 2026

OUR JOURNEY TO WINNING THE CORNELL CASE COMPETITION

As BITSoM students, we, Team “Ambassadors of Quan” (Kartik Sharma, Ria Jha, Sanklan Chandak, Sreelakshmi M K, and Vedang Poddar), are thrilled to share the incredible journey our team went through at the recent 2025 Cornell Emerging Markets Institute (EMI) Corning Case Competition, where we represented our school on a global stage and emerged as champions. This experience was not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for BITSoM as a young B-school competing with the best in the world.

FORMING THE TEAM

Our journey started with building the right team. Each of us brought complementary skills to the table: finance, strategy, research, and storytelling. Equally important was our mindset. We were motivated, cooperative, and ready to resolve conflicts quickly. This combination of skills and attitude allowed us to work effectively under pressure and make critical decisions as a team.

UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGE

We were tasked with advising VaccineCo, a company aiming to become one of Africa’s largest vaccine manufacturers. The challenge was to help Africa achieve its vision of producing 60% of vaccines locally, addressing the continent’s limited capacity in drug-substance manufacturing. Over several days of research, we identified the key hurdles and developed a strategy combining technology adoption, talent development, and a blended financing approach.

TURNING STRATEGY INTO A STORY

One of the highlights of our approach was how we presented our solution. We drew inspiration from the Baobab tree, sacred in African culture, and used it as a framework for our strategy. Each pillar of the tree represented a key part of our solution, transforming our research into a story that was both memorable and impactful. The judges remembered this framework, which helped make our presentation stand out.

LEVERAGING BITSoM RESOURCES

Our preparation was supported by BITSoM’s excellent resources. From global databases like Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal to mentorship from faculty, alumni, and our advisor Professor Shehzala, Assistant Professor of Marketing, we had access to everything we needed. The administration, including our Dean and Professor of Operations Saravanan Kesavan, also helped us with logistical support, making the experience smoother and allowing us to focus entirely on the competition.

LESSONS FROM THE CLASSROOM

Several BITSoM courses proved invaluable during this journey:

  • International Marketing: Helped us understand macroeconomic challenges in Africa.
  • Entrepreneurship Foundation: Guided our approach to building new business units.
  • Corporate Finance: Enabled us to create realistic, investor-ready strategies.
  • Design Thinking: Helped us structure our research and solutions.
  • Presentation Skills: Allowed us to communicate our ideas compellingly.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Of course, the journey was not without hiccups. From last-minute technical issues during our video submission to tough questions from judges about feasibility and strategy, we had to stay calm and adapt quickly. It was a test of both our preparation and our teamwork.

TAKEAWAYS

If there is one lesson we would pass on to future BITSoM students aiming for global competitions, it is this: research thoroughly, collaborate effectively, present a clear and compelling story, and always go the extra mile.

Winning this competition was surreal, but it showed us that BITSoM students can compete at the highest level. More importantly, it taught us the value of preparation, teamwork, and persistence, lessons we will carry forward into our careers.

We hope our journey inspires other BITSoM students to aim high, push boundaries, and make their mark on the global stage.

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