2025 CoMIS Competition

We had a great time hosting CoMIS 2025! We were so excited to welcome our competitors back to the Carlson School of Management from March 31 – April 4. This year, we hosted 16 teams from around the world to share ideas, network, and explore the Twin Cities.

8-Hour & 24-Hour Cases

For the first time in CoMIS history, the 2025 competition featured two cases:

• The 8-Hour Case: On the first day, the 16 teams were divided into four groups of four teams each. The first case featured The Good Acre, a Minnesota-based non-profit organization that supports farmers and fosters a sustainable, equitable food future in the Twin Cities. This fast-paced case challenged teams to collaborate efficiently and solve a complex business problem while competing within their respective divisions. Competitors received 15 minutes to present, followed by a 10-minute Q&A. This case accounted for 30% of the overall score. 
• The 24-Hour Case: Following the 8-hour challenge, teams tackled a second case that required them to develop an innovative solution for Bauhaus Brew Lab, a family-owned, art-inspired craft brewery and taproom in Minneapolis. Competitors received 15 minutes to present, followed by a 10-minute Q&A. This case accounted for 70% of the overall score.

At the end of the 24-hour case, scores were tallied, and the top team from each group advanced to the Final Round. 

Summary of Results

Preliminary Results

Each competing team performed very well in the two cases, but four teams made it out on top:

• First Round Division Winners: Georgia State University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at Dallas, and Simon Fraser University
• Second Place Teams: University of Arizona, Texas Christian University, Washington University at St. Louis, and Indiana University

First place teams immediately advanced to the Final Round. Second-place teams from each group competed in a Lightning Round, from which the judges selected one winning team to advance to the Final Round.

Lightning Round

The Lightning Round is unique to CoMIS and tests teams on their understanding of the case. Of the four competing teams, one advances to the Final Round. The Lightning Round proceeds as follows:

• The moderator asks four questions.
• After each question, teams are given two minutes in breakout rooms to deliberate and provide an answer.
• Teams are given up to one minute to respond, in turns. 
  • Only one competitor can share their team's response.
  • Each competitor from each team must respond to at least one question.

After intense competition, Washington University at St. Louis won the Lightning Round and claimed the final spot in the Final Round!
 

Final Round

In the Final Round of the competition, the teams present once more to determine the ultimate winners of CoMIS. Each team is given 20 minutes to deliver a polished and compelling presentation that showcases not only their solution, but also the depth of their analysis, creativity, and strategic thinking. After careful evaluation, the top three teams are selected and awarded for their outstanding performance.

CoMIS 2025 Winners!

All five finalist teams gave outstanding presentations. Three teams were honored at the Awards Banquet, and one CoMIS champion was crowned:

We extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to all our competitors, coaches, judges, speakers, volunteers, and sponsors for their gracious contributions to CoMIS 2025. We can't wait to see how our competition continues to grow next year. We hope to see you all again!