Harvard Crimson Business Competition (HCBC)
On-campus Harvard finals
Harvard Crimson Business Competition (HCBC) is a competition by The Harvard Crimson for students in Grade 6 to 12, open to students across India.
Mode
Hybrid
Eligibility
Grade 6 to 12
Fee
$300
Duration
Preliminary Round across Winter and Summer cycles; four-day Championship Round at Harvard
Format
Both · Teams of 4
Time needed
Several weeks of preparation per cycle, plus four days on-campus at Harvard for Championship finalists
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.
Eligibility
- Grade level
- Grade 6 to 12
- Location
- Nationwide
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
Open to middle and high school students in Grades 6 to 12 worldwide. Participants must be available to attend the on-campus Harvard finals.
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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.
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
Highlights
- Hosted alongside ASEEDER
- On-campus four-day Championship Round at Harvard University
- Two preliminary cycles per year — Winter and Summer
- Mentorship and workshops with Harvard alumni during the Championship
- Distinct from The Harvard Crimson's virtual Global Case Competition (HCGCC)
Rounds & 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.
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.
Fees & 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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Harvard Crimson Business Competition (HCBC) free?
No. The registration fee is $300.
Who can participate in Harvard Crimson Business Competition (HCBC)?
Students in Grade 6 to 12.
What will my child gain from Harvard Crimson Business Competition (HCBC)?
On-campus Harvard University experience for Championship finalists. Mentorship and forums with Harvard alumni. Presentation workshops and networking opportunities during the four-day Championship. Strengthens university applications with a Harvard-affiliated global business credential. Two cycles per academic year — Winter and Summer — providing multiple entry windows.
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