Crack the Case 2025

TIU Impact Next's Semester Finale Case Competition

Executive Summary

Crack the Case 2025 is TIU Impact Next's semester finale case competition, fully redesigned as a real-world, startup-integrated strategic challenge. Selected Japanese and global startups provide a short, non-sensitive business problem they are currently facing or have faced in the past.

Student teams then analyze the case using structured consulting frameworks and develop practical, data-driven solutions tailored to the startup's real context. Participants pitch their recommendations directly to the startup founders, who serve as judges and select the solution they believe would best support their company's growth.

This high-intensity, real-impact format strengthens TIU's culture of problem-solving, innovation, and strategic thinking. As a unique opportunity, the winning team will also present their idea at TEDxInnovationU under the student innovation segment.

Competition Theme

"Strategic Thinking for a Complex World: Decode. Analyze. Solve."

The case problems will be designed around contemporary global and industry challenges, such as:

  • Digital transformation and AI adoption
  • Sustainability and climate solutions
  • Market entry strategies in Japan
  • Tourism and international student experience
  • Entrepreneurial innovation and product-market fit
  • Social impact and community solutions
  • Education and future of work

Competition Structure

Phase 1: Registration

  • Teams of 3–4 TIU students
  • Interdisciplinary participation encouraged
  • Pre-registration via official form
  • Confirmation email with guidelines

Phase 2: Live Case Release

  • Cases distributed in printed, sealed envelopes at venue
  • No pre-reading or pre-preparation allowed
  • Each case packet includes: 6–12 page narrative, data exhibits, stakeholder memos, constraints
  • Laptops, online research, and AI assistants permitted (must be referenced)

Phase 3: Analysis & Preparation (40 minutes)

  • Teams analyze using consulting frameworks: SWOT, Porter's Five Forces, PESTLE, Problem Tree, Business Model Canvas
  • Prepare 4–6 slide executive deck: Problem Definition, Key Insights, Strategic Recommendation, Implementation Roadmap, Risk Assessment, Expected Outcomes

Phase 4: Preliminary Round – Boardroom Pitch

  • 3-minute executive pitch per team
  • 5-minute Q&A session
  • Professional consulting pitch standard
  • Judges evaluate: strategy, insight, feasibility, communication, teamwork

Phase 5: Final Round (Top 3 Teams)

  • Top three teams receive supplementary 'case extension' with new data/constraints
  • Refined 2-minute strategic update
  • 3-minute judge cross-examination
  • Tests adaptability, analytical depth, and advanced reasoning under pressure

Judging and Evaluation

Judging Panel

  • TIU faculty members from Business Economics and Digital Business & Innovation
  • Industry professionals
  • Startup founders and alumni

Evaluation Criteria

Analytical Depth and Insight30%
Creativity and Strategic Thinking25%
Feasibility and Data Support20%
Presentation Quality15%
Q&A Performance10%

Awards and Recognition

First Place – Grand Prize

  • ¥10,000 prize money
  • Guaranteed participation in TIU Impact Next Acceleration
  • Certificate of Excellence
  • TIU Impact Next Activity Credits
  • TEDxInnovationU presentation opportunity

Second Place

  • ¥5,000 prize money
  • Certificate of Distinction
  • TIU Impact Next Activity Credits

All Participants

  • Digital Certificate of Participation
  • Official listing on TIU Impact Next digital platforms
  • LinkedIn-compatible achievement badge

Ready to Crack the Case?

Join the ultimate strategic challenge. Register your team now and compete for the grand prize and TEDxInnovationU opportunity.