2026 CoMIS Competition

We had a great time hosting CoMIS 2026! We were so excited to welcome our competitors to the Carlson School of Management from March 29 - April 3. This year we hosted 9 teams from around the world to share ideas, network, and explore the Twin Cities!

8-Hour & 24-Hour Cases

CoMIS 2026 was comprised of two cases:

• The 8-Hour Case: On the first day, the teams were divided into different waves. The first case featured Second Harvest Heartland, a non-profit hunger relief organization that focuses on addressing food insecurity in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. This fast-paced case challenged teams to collaborate efficiently and solve a complex business problem while competing within their respective divisions. Competitors got 15 minute to present followed by a 10 minute Q&A. After this round, competitors are given face-to-face feedback from the judges that they can  This case accounted for one-third of the overall score. 
• The 24-Hour Case: Following the 8-hour challenge, the divisions were shuffled and the teams tackled a second case that required them to develop an sustainable solution for Cemstone, a ready-mix concrete supplier based in Minnesota. Because this is the ultimate test of endurance and strategy, placement in this case carried double the weight, accounting for the remaining two-thirds 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 competitor performed amazing in the two cases, but three teams made it out on top:

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

First place teams immediately advanced to the last round. Second-place teams from each group got the opportunity to compete in a Lightning Round, where judges select one team to join the final.

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. The Lightning Round proceeds as follows:

• Four questions are asked by the moderator
• After each question, teams are given 2 minutes to deliberate and provide an answer
• Teams are given up to 1 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 claimed the final spot in the final!
 

Final Round

In the final round of the competition, the remaining finalist teams present once more to determine the ultimate winners of CoMIS 2026. 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 3 teams are selected and awarded for their outstanding performance.

CoMIS 2026 Winners!

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

We extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude for all our competitors, coaches, judges, speakers, volunteers, and sponsors for their gracious contributions to CoMIS 2026. We can't wait to see how our competition continues to grow next year; we hope to see you all again!