EDI Business Challenge
Sponsored by Microsoft EMBRACE Network
Register for the EDI Business Challenge

What is the EDI Business Challenge Sponsored by Microsoft EMBRACE Network 2023/24?

It’s a competition based on a live business challenge set by Microsoft EMBRACE ERG. Students will work in teams of five to develop solutions, with an opportunity to apply their learning to a real world challenge. It’s a skills focused competition, for diverse talent and has been designed by Microsoft EMBRACE ERG in partnership with Everything D&I (EDI). Each student will be recognised for their contribution .The challenge will comprise of 3 rounds (an initial round, semi-finals and a final) and all finalists will have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of professionals from Microsoft. The benefits of joining the competition include:

  • Gain experience by working on real business challenges
  • Developing a competitive edge
  • Collaboration skills
  • Develop decision making skills
  • Network with leaders in industry
  • Presentation skills

When will it take place?

  • Round 1 – Launch Tuesday 31st October 2023 there will be a live presentation from Microsoft outlining the challenge.
  • Students will have the opportunity to join a series of workshops delivered virtually. Dates to be confirmed
  • Round 2 – Semi Finals – Semester 2 2024
  • Round 3 – Semi Finals – Semester 2 2024 teams will compete where one team will be announced as the winners with two teams receiving bronze and silver place.
Register Your Institution

Who is the competition open to?

The competition will be open to students from Black, Asian and Mixed Heritage.
All levels of undergraduate study, and all disciplines. We encourage multidiscipline teams.

How will the challenge work?

Each student will work within a team of up to 5 members. The competition will be comprised of three levels:

  • Round 1 – Initial Team Submissions – each team will be required to submit a short video (4 minutes in duration), in response to a brief set by Microsoft in the live launch
  • Round 2 – Semi-Finals – The top teams from the initial round will be invited to join a virtual (possibly face to face) regional semi-final
  • Round 3 – Finals – the final will be hosted online (possibly face to face), and the teams will present their ideas to professionals from Microsoft

What are the competition prizes?

  • 1st place – £500 cash prize 
  • 2nd place – £250 cash prize  
  • 3rd place – £150 Cash Prize
  • All Entrants – Certificates of Participation will be awarded to all students participating in the competition, to highlight the invaluable experience gained.

How to enter:

  • A representative from the University is responsible for registering the team(s) of students from their institution.
  • To enter a team or multiple teams from your university, simply complete the registration form
  • A member of the EDI team will then be in touch by email to confirm your entry
  • Once you have selected your team, all team member names should be submitted to EDI

DEADLINE FOR TEAM ENTRY: FRIDAY 27th OCTOBER 2023

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