What is the MBA challenge?

The FT MBA Challenge is an opportunity for the next generation of business leaders to make a difference. It is comprised of two stages. In stage one, registered teams submit a short proposal of their recommendations. In stage two, shortlisted teams are partnered with a mentor and asked to create a 12-page business plan based on their proposal. The top three teams are invited to an FT event in October 2016, where the winner is announced.

Is there a specific problem that the participants help solve?

Yes, each year our partner charity/group decides on a problem specific to their organisation that they would like solved. This year our partner is Stop the Traffik - an organisation that seeks to raise awareness about human trafficking. It is asking teams of business school students to help the movement build bridges with the business world in order to tackle the issue.

As part of its campaign, Stop the Traffik is launching the “STOP app”, a smartphone application that will enable people to report the signs of human trafficking and forced labour that they see in their day-to-day lives.

Teams are being asked to convince corporate partners to promote the organisation’s STOP app for collecting grassroots data and then develop the wherewithal to analyse it. If the app is widely adopted, analysts will be able to establish real-time trends on the activities of traffickers and equip those working to prevent trafficking with timely actionable data.

How many people can take part?

The MBA challenge is open to teams of three to eight members.

Do all team members have to be studying an MBA?

At least one member of the team must be studying for an MBA. The rest can be students or graduates of any discipline, but at least one must be at a university or business school in Europe, a second in the Americas and a third in Asia or Africa.

How do I apply?

Email mba.challenge@ft.com and we will send you a team registration form.

What if I want to take part but do not have a team?

We are running a matching service for individuals seeking to join a team. Just email us to register your interest and we will introduce you to other participants.

When is the deadline for submitting the business plans?

Teams must submit their business plans by Monday, 22nd of August 2016 at 23:59 BST. Beforehand, teams must submit a short proposal by early June 2016.

Who will judge the challenge?

A panel of judges will assess all business plans in September. The panel will be announced before then.

Who are the mentors?

The panel of mentors will be announced in May 2016.

What is the prize?

The winning team will be invited to a meeting with Stop the Traffik to discuss how their business plan may be used. The team will also be profiled in the FT.

When is the deadline for registration?

The closing date to register your interest or team is April 29th, 2016.

How can I get in touch?

For more information, visit the MBA Challenge homepage or email mba.challenge@ft.com

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