INNOVATEChina (IC) 2026
Objective
- Exclusive rewards for up to $10,000 USD prize pool and fast-track internship opportunities.
- Elite networking with global industry leaders and talent from top schools.
- Expert mentorship from CEIBS faculty, Michelin executives, and top-tier firms.
- Practical problem-solving of real-world industry complexities.
Description
Since its founding, INNOVATEChina has been a platform where global talent, bold ideas, and real-world business challenges meet. Participants will not only compete, but also benefit from meaningful learning experiences including building stronger teamwork skills, gaining access to exclusive expert mentorship, expanding global networks , and sharpening their ability to turn ideas into practical impact.
Beyond being a competition, INNOVATEChina is a journey of collaboration , learning, and inspiration. With the support of our corporate partners, mentors, judges , and the CEIBS community, we aim to create an environment where creativity thrives, global perspectives connect, and the next generation of business leaders can shine.
Competition Theme
Michelin Business Challenge: ESG as a Growth Engine
How can Michelin leverage innovative business models to scale the circular economy and evolve ESG from a compliance obligation into a growth engine?
Scenarios & Target Customers
- Where to Innovate
- Which key mobility scenarios (e.g., EV fleets, smart logistics, autonomous transport, low-altin1de economy) should be prioritized in the next 5-10 years?
- Within these, who are the top 1-2 customer segments, and what drives their willingness to pay?
- How do they define and measure success (e.g., TCO, reliability, carbon/ circularity metrics)?
Solution & Business Model
- How to Win
- How can we design solutions and business models that make circular value recognizable and monetizable for customers?
Proof & Communication
- How to Prove & Tell
- How can circular outcomes be converted into credible, reportable ESG KPis for customers?
- How to build a sustainable, replicable competitive edge while avoiding greenwashing?
How to Participate
Form and Register a Team •
- Each team must consist of 2 to 4 members .
- All team members must be enrolled in an MBA (full-time or part-time), master, or PhD program .
- Only one person from each team need to register.
- The competition is open to students worldwide.
Registration Open: 10th Feb - 20th Mar
Registration Link: https://event.ceibs.edu/?cmd=pageFormSubmit&opCliId=lwt9m3d5w2y9x111&formId=1m27re1lq0te173u42tahgh9ozmz8o21
Submission Open: 27th Feb - 20th Mar
Submission Link: https://event.ceibs.edu/?cmd=pageFormSubmit&opCliId=lwt9m3d5w2y9x111&formId=d01mmkt24k0ck1auxcg1bz7iriw84422
10th Feb - 12nd Jun.
March 20, 2026
Public
China Europe International Business School CEIBS
Sponsored by MICHELIN China, with Roland Berger as our knowledge partner.
$10,000 USD prize pool