MBS students set to compete in worlds largest competition

Four bright minds from Melbourne Business School’s Full Time MBA program have made it to the regional finals in the world’s largest student competition – the HULT prize.

The prize aims to create and launch the most compelling social business idea that tackles grave issues faced by millions of people. Winners receive $1 Million in seed capital, as well as mentorship and advice from the international business community.

From a record 25,000 entries from students in universities across the globe, Abhi Acharya, Smit Dave, Amy Zhu and Alexander Block have been chosen to compete against 50 teams in the regional finals of the competition in San Francisco in March.

“The Hult Prize is a great initiative and we are really excited to have the opportunity to put our ideas forward and contribute to solving the difficult global problem of crowded urban spaces on the world stage", said Alex and Amy.

Equally excited by the opportunity is Abhi Acharya, who enjoyed applying his skills to a real-world problem.

“I always wanted to make a social impact and help people who genuinely need it. I am excited as this will give me opportunity to meet like-minded people who shares the same vision of creating a better world for the socially and economically excluded segment,” Abhi said.

Fellow finalist Smit Dave said his time with Melbourne Business School had helped him to prepare for the competition.

“Case competitions are a great part of the learning experience and Melbourne Business School goes all out to support the students achieve success. It is a great reminder that business school is the time to explore and take theory out of classroom and apply it to real-world challenges,” he said.

The team will present their innovative start-up idea to an executive jury made up of CEOs, non-profit leaders and social entrepreneurs.

Melbourne Business School Associate Professor Strategic Management Kwanghui Lim said the group's success in being named as finalists reflected the School's focus on developing future leaders.

“We have some of the most talented minds in Australia in our MBA programs and the fact that our students have made it this far into the competition is an enormous achievement and speaks to the world class experience we provide here at MBS," he said.

From now until March it’s all about preparation and working together to present a million dollar idea.