The legacy of the Business Cup Challenge

The Business Cup Challenge is BACK with a refreshed and upgraded experience!

The Business Cup Challenge (BCC) is a unique platform that brings together the finest students and brightest business ideas throughout the UAE.

BCC was introduced in 2011 by Transnational Academic Group, through its partner schools and has increased in popularity each year. Due to the impact of these competitions, we have witnessed successful variations hosted by fellow universities and institutes across the country.

The intention of the competition is to launch students into the business world at a young age. You are required to review and implement real-life business plans, analyse crucial business situations, and present a case to an academic and professional panel.

The participants will also get the opportunity to work as part of a team in a competitive environment, using their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and business acumen.

About the challenge

  • The Business Cup Challenge spans over a couple of weeks.
  • Each team has to research and develop solutions to existing gaps or problems in the real world.
  • The mentor can be a Counsellor, Business Teacher, or the Head of Business from your institution.
  • The teams will compete in various rounds, including presenting a 40-second Elevator Pitch on the solutions developed.
  • Participants who attempt the Elevator Pitch will receive certificates, and teachers/counsellors will receive certificates of appreciation for their support.

Things to remember

  • Secondary Schools are welcome to register as many teams as they like. The higher the number of teams, the greater the chances of winning. However, the University reserves the right to close the registrations upon reaching the limit.
  • Teams must be formed from the final three grades offered at the school (i.e., grades 10, 11, 12 or year 11, 12, 13, depending on the curriculum). Each team should have a minimum of four or a maximum of seven members.
  • A preparatory workshop will be held before the competition for detailed instructions.

Prizes

  • Funding Opportunity: Get the chance to pitch your business idea and secure up to AED 100,000 in funding!
  • Scholarships: Win scholarships up to 40% for the entire program when you enrol for an undergraduate degree at Curtin University Dubai, valued at up to AED 50,000.
  • Mentorship & Workshops: Access expert mentorship and exclusive workshops through Curtin Dubai’s Incubation Hub.
  • VIP Meet & Greet: Showcase your idea to the campus Pro Vice-Chancellor and President, CEO, CFO, and the Executive team.
  • Trophies & Medals: Also known as bragging rights! When you win a nationwide competition against hundreds of teams, you deserve to show it off.

For any queries, please email [email protected]

Timeline

Date Competition activity What to expect
19 Sept 2025 Registration Deadline Last day to sign up and confirm your team’s participation.
20 Sept 2025

Kick-off Workshop: How BCC Works

WORKSHOP TIMINGS
Batch 1: 9am – 10am: Check-in | 10am – 12pm: Workshop
Batch 2: 1pm – 2pm: Check-in | 2pm – 4pm: Workshop

  • Learn the competition structure, gain practical tips, and the judging criteria
  • Understand how to use the Business Model Canvas
  • Receive complete competition guidelines and resources
25 Sept 2025 Idea Submission – Round 1 Submit your model canvas to qualify for the next stage.
4 Oct 2025 Idea Development Workshop Refine and strengthen your idea with guidance from mentors and industry experts.
9 Oct 2025 Idea Submission – Round 2

Based on your learning from the Idea Development Workshop, you can further refine your idea and submit it for further review

The marks from this submission will be used to be combined with the Elevator Pitch

18 Oct 2025 Grand Finale Present your final business case to an academic and professional panel. Compete for recognition and prizes!

Over the years

2011

11 Teams
88 Students

Runner Up
Cambridge High School, Abu Dhabi

Winner 
Cambridge International School

2014

61 Teams
402 Students
37 Schools registered

Best Facebook Interaction 
Our Own English High School, Sharjah

Winner 
Cambridge International School

2018

117 Teams
754 Students and Faculty
43 Schools registered

Most Creative Team
Al Zuhour Private School

Winner 
Delhi Private School, Dubai

2019

225 Teams
1225 Students and Faculty
66 Schools registered

Gulf News Most Creative Team

Sunmarke School, Dubai

Winner & DEWA’s Best Solution Award 
GEMS Wellington International School

2020

117 Teams
1100 Students and Faculty
62 Schools registered

Winner
Al Diyafah High School, Dubai

2021

169 School Teams & 36 University Teams
1097 Students and Faculty
70 Schools & 10 Universities registered

Winner
GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis 
American University of Sharjah

2022

325 School Teams & 47 University Teams
1778 Students and Faculty
84 Schools & 18 Universities registered

Winner
Far Eastern Private School
Curtin University Dubai

2023

350 School Teams
2100 Students and Faculty
112 Schools & 18 Universities registered

Winner
Arab Unity School
Westford University College

2024

271 School Teams
1961 Students and Faculty
90 Schools registered

Winner
RAK Academy

2025

270 Teams
1400 Students

Winner
Team Fortis – GEMS Westminster School, Sharjah

Participating schools

2025 Winners

270 Teams
1400 Students

Peers’ Choice Award
Group 1 – SUN from The Philippine School, Dubai

2nd Runner Up
Team Hayat – Dubai National School Al Barsha, Dubai

1st Runner Up
BrightTips – Dubai National School Al Barsha, Dubai

Winner
Team Fortis – GEMS Westminster School, Sharjah

Want to share the BCC with your network?

Highlights over the years

Sponsors

Exclusive discounts and vouchers for winning teams, courtesy of our partners:

Competition enquiries

For more information or for enquiries, please contact us: [email protected]