TMSA · CASE COMPETITION · 2026

THE STARTUP
RESCUE
CHALLENGE

Step into the role of a crisis consultant. Analyze a struggling startup, build a recovery strategy, and pitch your solution.

Open to all Ontario Tech University students.

APR 03 Reg. Closes
APR 03 Case Drops
APR 06 Event Day
3–4 Per Team
⚠ STARTUP CRISIS DETECTED REVENUE ▼ 42% RUNWAY 6 WKS CHURN ▲ 31% 💡 CUT COSTS ▼30% PIVOT TO B2B
Real Crisis
Original startup scenario
🏆
Real Prizes
Drones · Gift Cards
💥
Crisis Drop
New twist mid-competition
scroll down ↓

What is the Startup Rescue Challenge?

The Startup Rescue Challenge is a strategic case competition hosted by the Technology Management Student Association (TMSA) at Ontario Tech University.

Participants receive a real startup crisis case and work individually or in teams to analyze the situation, develop actionable recommendations, and prepare a final presentation — all under a tight deadline.

A surprise crisis drop mid-competition will test your adaptability. Mentors will be available during the working period to guide your thinking.

Final presentations will be delivered in person at the BIT Atrium on March 30.

🎯

Who Can Participate?

Open exclusively to Ontario Tech University students from any program or major.

👥

Team Size

Teams of 3–4 students. Register as a team or individually — solo registrants will be matched into teams starting March 25.

📍

Final Presentation

In-person at the BIT Atrium (Business and IT Atrium) on Monday, April 6.

⏱️

How It Works

Case drops Friday evening. You have the weekend to build your strategy. Submit by Monday 4 PM. Present and compete.

Agenda

Friday, April 3 · 6:00 PM

Registration Closes

Last chance to secure your spot. Register individually or with your team before midnight.

Register Now →
Friday, April 3 · 6:00 PM

Case Released 🚨

The official startup crisis case goes live on this website. Your clock starts now. Study it, analyze it, build your recovery strategy.

Friday April 3 → Monday April 6

Working Period

Teams work on their analysis and presentation. Stay sharp — a crisis drop may hit mid-competition.

Monday, April 6 · 4:00 PM

Final Submission Deadline 🏁

Upload your final presentation to the submission page by 4:00 PM sharp. In-person presentations follow at the BIT Atrium, 6:00–9:00 PM.

Submission Page →

Prizes

🥇
1st Place
TBA

To be announced. Stay tuned!

GRAND PRIZE
🥈
2nd Place
TBA

Details coming soon. Stay tuned.

🥉
3rd Place
TBA

Details coming soon. Stay tuned.

All participants also receive a LinkedIn certification for completing the challenge.