From February 8 to 14, four undergraduate students from Corvinus University of Budapest — Éva Eszter Gombos, Yang Qin (Annie), Henrik Szalay, and Dénes Hermann— competed in the BI International Case Competition (BIICC) in Oslo, Norway, securing 2nd place overall in the 30-hour case and 2nd place in their division for the 10-hour case.  

The Corvinus team was selected after excelling in the Cases on International Business Strategy and other Case Track courses and was coached by their advisor, Balázs Benedek Fejes. Despite a short preparation period starting in December, the team underwent an intensive training process. Their workshops focused on approaching problems at a business model level before diving into specifics, while also refining their presentation structure and delivery. Through this preparation, the team transformed their traditional case-solving style and incorporated new strategic elements, ensuring they were well-equipped to compete at the highest level. 

 “Our preparation covered finance, value proposition, problem identification, and presentation workshops, all aimed at refining our solutions. Our message delivery and customer-centric approach reached new heights, elevating our professionalism,” Henrik shared about the team’s preparation, adding that “the most important thing at the end of the day was to learn—not just on our own, but together as a team. For me, the best thing was that the four of us grew together, and besides becoming better case solvers, we became better friends. This is what I will remember from Oslo and the competition.” 

In the competition, the team tackled two cases from leading energy companies. The 10-hour pre-case for Aker Solutions, a global engineering firm specializing in energy infrastructure and sustainable solutions, required a 10-minute presentation and Q&A on a new energy product, service, or strategy aligned with sustainability goals. The Corvinus team stood out with their blockchain-based supply chain traceability and geothermal equipment manufacturing approach. The 30-hour final case for Norwegian state-owned energy giant Equinor required a 15-minute presentation and Q&A on evaluating Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) and its integration into Equinor’s energy portfolio. The team proposed a comprehensive LDES portfolio with a customer-centric, value chain-driven approach, incorporating control systems and demand planning for seamless energy optimization.  

“This journey was tough, and I even considered quitting at times, but seeing our growth and achieving this result made it all worth it. Through intense preparation and our advisor’s guidance, we developed a unique case-solving style that proved both innovative and practical. The highlight for me was hearing Equinor’s SVP of New Business & Investments, Morten Halleraker, say they have definitely something they are considering implementing from our presentation.” said Dénes about the team’s challenges and growth. 

BIICC was more than just a competition; it was a test of resilience, strategic thinking, and innovation in one of the world’s most critical industries. As Annie put it: “ Every competition teaches you something new, but this one was different—BIICC took us deep into industries where the stakes are high, the challenges are real, and the solutions have lasting impacts. The pressure was immense, but so was the reward, as we pushed beyond our limits to tackle problems with real-world significance. I never imagined I’d find myself deep in the world of energy, oil, and gas—a sector I once saw as distant and rigid. But after a week of dissecting its challenges, I discovered its power, its potential, and, surprisingly, its beauty.” 

For Éva, the competition was as much about the experience as it was about the result.“Looking back, what will stay with me is the unforgettable experience of tackling complex challenges with an incredible team in a truly inspiring environment. I’ll always remember the brainstorming sessions, the excitement of finding a great solution, and the thrill of presenting under pressure in front of an audience of more than 100 people. The shared determination to push our limits made it even more special. Since this was likely my last international case competition during my bachelor’s, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to close this chapter than securing 2nd place in the Equinor 30-hour case—leaving me feeling grateful, accomplished, and excited for what’s next.”   

While the competition tested their strategic thinking and endurance, Oslo provided an unforgettable backdrop. The team explored the city’s vibrant culture, enjoying a boat tour on the Oslofjord, floating sauna sessions, and an exhilarating ice hockey match. One of the highlights was a reception at Oslo City Hall, where they were welcomed by the Vice Mayor of Culture and Business Development and given a guided tour through the city’s history, showcased in its stunning murals.  

This journey of growth extended far beyond the competition itself. Balázs Benedek Fejes, the team’s advisor, reflected on their transformation, highlighting how their dedication and preparation shaped their success: “I am incredibly proud to be their advisor and to have worked with such a talented and committed team. Since we started working together in December, I’ve seen a remarkable transformation in their case-solving processes—this team’s growth and development have been nothing short of inspiring as they transformed into more agile, customer-need-driven professionals who are always committed to excellence.” 

We would like to congratulate the team and their advisor Balázs Benedek Fejes, for their exceptional achievements. Special thanks to the Case Track professors, mentors, and alumni for their continuous support in preparing the team. We look forward to applying these experiences and insights in future competitions, continuing to grow and excel on the international stage!