MEC stands as the quintessential entrepreneurship competition. It connects Columbia Business School’s MBA program teachings to aspiring entrepreneurs. It challenges students to tackle real-world business problems by crafting detailed business plans, including product analysis, market research, marketing strategies, financial planning, and risk management. Additionally, participants create promotional videos and deliver compelling presentations to the judging panel. This immersive experience equips students with practical skills and invaluable exposure to the world of entrepreneurship and business.
Location(s)
- Hitotsubashi University, Tokyo, Japan
Schedule
- July 28th - July 31st, 2025
Cost/Compensation
- MEC offers 3 registration packages, which range from coverage of basic competition costs to full transportation. See the registration page for more information on each package.
- Basic Plan: $999
- Signature Plan: $1,699
- Premium Plan: $4,999
Eligibility Requirements
- Participants must be students currently enrolled in grades 9-12.
- Each team should consist of 2-6 members.
- Teams must pass the qualification review conducted by the MEC committee.
- Registration and payment must be completed by the specified deadline.
Deadline
- January 15th, 2025
Application or Entry Requirements
- A completed online registration form
- Email the following qualification materials:
- A 1.5 - 2 minute team introduction video
- The completed online question set
- Supporting documentation to show the team meets one of the following criteria:
- Attend a school listed here.
- Submit a recommendation letter in English from a relevant club advisor, school teacher, or a past MEC award winner.
- Submit your school grades or English proficiency test scores.
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
- April 7th, 2025: Business proposal first draft submission deadline
- May 30th, 2025: Commercial video submission deadline
- July 14th, 2025: Business proposal final draft submission deadline
Have other questions?
Columbia Business School (CBS) is the business school of Columbia University, a private research university in New York City. Established in 1916, Columbia Business School is one of six Ivy League Business Schools and is one of the oldest business schools in the world. Consistently ranked in the top 10 business schools in the country, CBS enrolls around 1,500 graduate students in six academic units: Accounting, Decision, Risk and Operations, Finance, Management, Economics, and Marketing.
