Led by the MBA class of 2026, the RSM Impact Investing Competition invites the brightest minds, like you, from MBA programmes around the world to participate. Originally established as a private equity competition, RSM's initiative has transformed in response to the evolving global landscape with a new focus on impact investing.
Since its inception in 2014, this annual case competition event has challenged participants to devise investment strategies that prioritise sustainable value creation. The event challenges you and your team to look beyond mere shareholder returns and to include significant positive societal impacts.
This event serves as a platform for innovation and leadership in responsible investing, and it demonstrates RSM's commitment to advancing the practice of impact investing through both education and practical application.
Event details
- Dates: 7 - 8 November 2025
- Location: Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, 3062PA Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Format: Teams will deliver their investment pitch (details to follow) in a live, in-person event
Competition structure
- Eligibility: Maximum 3 teams (3-5 members each team) per school, active MBA students from around the world.
- Task: Teams will be challenged with a real investment case, stepping into the shoes of impact investors.
- Presentation: Teams will be pitching their proposals to a jury of leading investors and academics, simulating a real investment committee followed by a Q&A session.
Key dates
- Event day 1: Impact Summit on 7 November 2025
- Event day 2: Impact Investing Competition on 8 November 2025
Prize Pool: Cash prize of € 5,000
Standard registration (team): €549
Don't miss your chance to participate, learn and network. Bonus: you get to visit the Netherlands
The agenda for this year's competition and summit is coming soon.
The accommodation guide for this year's competition and summit is coming soon.
We look forward to welcoming you and your team members to the Impact Investing Competition & Summit 2025 in Rotterdam, where top MBA teams from around the world come together to work on cases, learn from each other and network over two exciting days. Bonus: you get to visit the Netherlands!
To register for the event, please click here.
For questions about this event, please contact Yen Pham (ypham@myrsm.nl).
Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your skills and make a global impact!
Questions about the competition, eligibility and key dates.
Led by the MBA Class of 2026, the RSM Impact Investing Competition invites MBA students from around the world to participate. Initially founded as a private equity competition, it has since evolved, with a renewed focus on impact investing to reflect the changing global landscape.
More information about the RSM Impact Summit 2025 is coming soon.
The competition challenges MBA students to tackle investment cases that offer sustainable solutions, going beyond shareholder returns to include positive societal impacts.
Active MBA students or equivalent Master's degree in Management/Business from any school around the world are eligible
- Impact Summit: 7 November 2025
- Impact Investing Competition: 8 November 2025
- Registration Deadline: 15 October 2025
- Case Release: 3rd week of October 2025
Questions about registering for the competition.
You can register here.
The standard registration fee is €549 per team.
The fee includes team participation in 2-day events, lunch on day 1, lunch & dinner on day 2, and snacks are provided throughout both days.
Unfortunately, we do not offer cancellations or refunds.
Questions about teams and team formation.
Teams must consist of 3 to 5 members.
No, you must register as part of a team and provide team member names during registration.
No, all team members must be MBA students from the same school.
As long as there are at least 3 members, your team can continue.
Questions about the event location, accomodation and transportation.
The event will be held at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, in the Bayle Building.
The full address is Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, 3062PA Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Contact Yen Pham (ypham@myrsm.nl) for hotel recommendations.
Yes, snacks, lunch, and networking drinks are provided.
Rotterdam has excellent public transportation, including metro and train services. Our team will assist you with navigation if needed. Or you can rent a bike and experience the Dutch way!
Questions about the competition, cases and receiving feedback.
The competition will have two rounds. In the first round, teams will present their investment decision to a panel of judges. Afterward, there will be a twist requiring teams to adjust (or not) their decision, with final points based on both rounds.
The case will focus on impact investing in the circular economy, with participants tasked to make an investment decision related to a circular company in the Netherlands.
Teams will be evaluated based on their knowledge, assumptions and decision-making process. You should be able to sustain your choices in front of the judges.
Teams will receive feedback from the panel after the first round of presentations.
Questions about the prize pool and certificates.
The total prize pool is €5,000 for the winning team.
No, this is a winner-takes-all competition.
Yes, all participants will receive a certificate of participation.
Yes, there are workshops during the Impact Summit and networking drinks on both days of the event, providing an opportunity to connect with speakers, judges, and fellow participants.
Yes, networking drinks will be held after the competition, providing an opportunity to connect with judges, speakers, and fellow participants.
Questions for any additional help or support that you might need.
Please reach out to Yen Pham (ypham@myrsm.nl) for further inquiries.
Questions about the terms and conditions of the competition.
There is no age limit, but participants must be current MBA students.
Questions about getting the latest news.
All the information will be available on our website.
