Harvard Crimson Business Competition (HCBC)
On-campus Harvard finals
Global business competition by The Harvard Crimson for middle and high school students (Grades 6-12) with an on-campus Harvard final in June.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
$300
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 1 to 8
Duration
Preliminary Round across Winter and Summer cycles; four-day Championship Round at Harvard
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Open to middle and high school students in Grades 6 to 12 worldwide. Participants must be available to attend the on-campus Harvard finals.
- Grade level
- Grade 6 to 12
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Open to middle and high school students enrolled in Grades 6-12 globally, including students from India.
- Prerequisites
- Currently enrolled in Grade 6-12 at a recognised school
- Ability to develop and present an original business plan
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Prizes
Championship awards
Top teams at the Championship Round are recognised through HCBC Championship awards. Specific prize amounts and titles are confirmed at the Championship event.
Certificate
Participation certificate
Participants receive certificates of participation from The Harvard Crimson, valuable as a global academic credential.
Opens doors to
On-campus Harvard finalist status and HCBC participation are recognised globally and strengthen applications to business, economics, and leadership-focused programmes at top universities.
Recognition
Global Harvard-affiliated recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration closed
- 1 Jun 2026
- Competition
- 25 Jun 2026 to 28 Jun 2026
How to apply
- 1Register through the Harvard Crimson Business Competition portal during either the Winter or Summer cycle.
- 2Develop and submit the preliminary business innovation idea following the required slide structure.
- 3Pay the preliminary submission fee per entry.
- 4Selected finalists assemble final teams of three to four members and register for the Championship Round.
- 5Pay the Championship Round fee and attend the four-day on-campus event at Harvard University.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must be enrolled in Grades 6-12 at the time of registration.
- Preliminary teams may have three to eight members; Championship teams must be three to four members.
- Submissions must be original work and follow the required slide structure.
- Late submissions are not accepted within each cycle.
- Decisions of the judges and HCBC organisers are final.
Technology requirements
- Computer with stable internet for registration and slide submission
- Presentation software (Google Slides or Microsoft PowerPoint)
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Preliminary submission fee is USD 50 per entry. Championship Round fee is USD 300 per person. Families should also budget separately for travel, accommodation, and visa for Championship participation at Harvard.
Refund policy
No refund available.
About this opportunity
The Harvard Crimson Business Competition (HCBC) is a global business case challenge organised by The Harvard Crimson, the daily student newspaper of Harvard University, in partnership with ASEEDER. The competition invites middle and high school students from around the world to develop original business innovation ideas, present structured business plans, and pitch their solutions to a global jury, culminating in an on-campus championship round at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Participants in the Preliminary Round may compete individually or in teams of three to eight students. The preliminary is divided into Winter and Summer cycles, allowing students multiple entry windows through the academic year. Teams that advance to the Global Championship Round assemble into final squads of three to four students for the multi-day on-campus event at Harvard.
The Championship Round is a four-day event held at Harvard featuring forums with Harvard alumni, mentorship sessions, presentation workshops, networking opportunities, and the final business pitch. HCBC is distinct from The Harvard Crimson's fully virtual Global Case Competition (HCGCC) — HCBC's defining features are the on-campus Harvard finals, larger preliminary team sizes, and the two-cycle Winter and Summer entry structure.
Rounds and format
Two main rounds: Preliminary Round (Winter or Summer cycle, slide-based submission) and Global Championship Round (four-day in-person event at Harvard University with workshops, mentorship, and the final pitch).
How entries are judged
Evaluations consider depth of analysis, originality of the business idea, feasibility, presentation quality, teamwork, and Q&A performance during the Championship Round.
Selection process
Teams that advance from the Preliminary Round to the Championship are selected based on their preliminary submission quality. Final teams of three to four members compete at Harvard.
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
Original business innovation submissions in the Preliminary Round, followed by intensive on-campus mentorship, presentation workshops, and a live pitch round at Harvard for finalist teams.
Frequently asked questions
How can participants best prepare for the competitive environment of the HCBC?
Effective preparation involves thorough research on global challenges, developing strong analytical skills, and practicing presentation delivery. Teams should focus on creating a unique and feasible business solution, refining their pitch, and anticipating potential questions from judges. Collaboration and clear communication within the team are also crucial for success.
What strategies are effective for developing an innovative business idea for the competition?
Developing an innovative idea requires identifying a real-world problem, brainstorming creative solutions, and conducting market research to ensure feasibility and impact. Participants should think critically about the problem's scope, target audience, and how their solution offers a distinct advantage over existing approaches. Mentorship and feedback can also significantly enhance the idea's development.
How do judges evaluate presentations during the Championship Round?
Judges typically assess presentations based on several criteria, including the originality and feasibility of the business idea, the depth of market analysis, the clarity and persuasiveness of the presentation, and the team's ability to answer questions effectively. Teamwork and the overall professionalism of the pitch also play a significant role in the evaluation process.
What are the key benefits of participating in a global competition like HCBC for future academic pursuits?
Participation in HCBC offers significant benefits for academic pursuits, including enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and presentation skills. The on-campus Harvard experience and mentorship from alumni provide invaluable exposure to higher education and strengthen university applications, particularly for business and leadership programs. It also provides a global credential recognized by top institutions.
How can teams effectively manage their time and collaborate during the preliminary and championship rounds?
Effective time management and collaboration are vital. Teams should establish clear roles and responsibilities, set internal deadlines, and utilize collaborative tools for idea sharing and document creation. Regular check-ins and open communication help ensure everyone is aligned and tasks are completed efficiently, especially during the intensive Championship Round.
What support is available for international participants attending the on-campus Championship?
International participants are provided with detailed guidance regarding travel, accommodation, and visa application processes. Organizers often share recommended hotels, transportation options, and general information about navigating Cambridge, Massachusetts. While travel costs are the responsibility of participants, support in terms of information and logistics is typically available.
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