03 · Compete
Global Bizwar & Coopfest Challenge 2026 (I-CERI)
(Case Study Competition)
Virtual Case Study Competition · Theme: “Battle of Minds, Not Just Business”
Deadline 20 October 2026 · Registered teams only
- Deadline
- 20 October 2026
- Registered teams only
- Fee
- RM200 – RM230
- USD70
Overview
Battle of Minds, Not Just Business
Build a high-quality business case from a real entrepreneurship issue, and defend it. Two tracks — Teaching Case and Research Case — covering technology-driven and sustainability-oriented business practice, with cash prizes and a route into the challenge proceedings and IJECS.
One competition, two halves
The 2026 edition runs the Global Bizwar Challenge and COOPFEST 2026 together. You enter through one of two tracks — Teaching Case or Research Case — and your case may sit in either scope: sustainable business and entrepreneurship, or cooperatives. Each half has its own set of awards. The whole competition runs virtually, inside the hybrid I-CERI 2026 conference held 27 – 28 October 2026.
What the challenge sets out to do
- Promote high-quality case development in business and entrepreneurship
- Encourage evidence-based analysis of contemporary organisational and entrepreneurial issues
- Strengthen case-based teaching, research and knowledge dissemination
- Provide international exposure for academics, researchers and students
- Encourage innovation, sustainability and practical solutions to real-world challenges
- Build a repository of quality Teaching Cases and Research Cases
Prizes
Awards & prizes
Bizwar
Main awards
- Best Teaching Case RM300 & Certificate
- Best Research Case RM300 & Certificate
Special awards
- Best Innovation & Impact RM100 & Certificate
- Best Evidence-Based Case RM100 & Certificate
- Best Sustainability Case RM100 & Certificate
- Best Entrepreneurship Case RM100 & Certificate
Gold, Silver and Bronze — certificate only.
Coopfest
Main awards
- 1st Place RM200 + e-Certificate
- 2nd Place RM150 + e-Certificate
- 3rd Place RM100 + e-Certificate
Special awards
- Best Presenter
Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Publication
Accepted extended abstracts will be considered for inclusion in the Global Bizwar & Coopfest Challenge 2026 Proceedings and The International Journal of Entrepreneurship Case Study (IJECS), subject to compliance with submission requirements and editorial review.
Tracks
Two tracks to enter
Choose one track when you register. Each has its own submission set — see Submission templates for the official formats.
Teaching Case Track
Submit
- Extended abstract
- Teaching case poster
Research Case Track
Submit
- Extended abstract
- Research case poster
Who can join
- Academicians & researchers
- University & college students
- Postgraduate & undergraduate students
- Entrepreneurs
- Industry practitioners
- Government & agency officers
- Professionals
- International participants
Individual and team participation is accepted.
Case brief
What your case can be about
Two scopes run side by side. Pick whichever fits your case.
Scope Bizwar: Sustainable Business and Entrepreneurship
- Entrepreneurship & Retail Innovation
- Technology & Digital Transformation
- Sustainability & Green Economy
- Social & Community-Based Entrepreneurship
- SME Development
- Agriculture & Food-Based Entrepreneurship
- Creative Industry & Digital Economy
- Tourism & Hospitality Entrepreneurship
- Language & Social Sciences
- Digital Education & e-Learning
- Engineering
- Technology
- AI
- Robotics
Interdisciplinary cases are welcome.
Scope Coopfest: Towards Sustainable Cooperative
- Business
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Management
- Economics
- Business Technology
Process
How to enter
Seven steps, from choosing your track to the award ceremony.
- 1
Choose your track
Teaching Case or Research Case.
- 2
Register online
Through the participant registration form.
- 3
Receive notification of acceptance
10 October 2026.
- 4
Pay and prepare
Make payment, then prepare your extended abstract and poster using the official templates.
- 5
Submit
Final poster, extended abstract and proof of payment by 20 October 2026.
- 6
Judging
20 – 27 October 2026.
- 7
Winner announcement
28 October 2026, at the award ceremony.
Schedule
Key dates & fees
- 1 September 2026 Call for Participation Opens· Passed
- 10 October 2026 Registration Deadline & Notification of Acceptance· Passed
- 20 October 2026 Payment, Final Poster & Extended Abstract
- 20 – 27 October 2026 Evaluation by Judges
- 28 October 2026 Winner Announcement & Award Ceremony
Registration closes 10 October 2026.
| Category | Local | International |
|---|---|---|
| UMK Staff / UMK Students Per participant | RM200 | — |
| International Participants / Students Per participant | — | USD70 |
| Local Participants (Non-UMK) Per participant | RM230 | — |
Submission
Submission templates
Use the official templates below for your submission. Download, fill in your case, and submit through the Case Submission form.
DOCX · 34 KB
Extended Abstract Template
13-section structure from case synopsis and hook through to the central dilemma, exhibits, learning objectives, discussion questions and ethics statement. Times New Roman 12 pt, A4, APA 7th.
PPTX · 545 KB
Case Study Poster Template
A1 portrait (23.4 × 33.1 in) single-slide layout with 13 pre-labelled blocks: case hook, protagonist, timeline, method, ethics, dilemma, exhibits, alternatives, analytical lens, learning objectives, teaching value, decision criteria and references/QR.
Use the official formats above for both tracks. The case must end at the decision point.
Register
Three forms, depending on why you are here
Registration, case submission and jury sign-up each have their own form. They open in Google Forms — no login required.
Questions? Contact iceri.geric@umk.edu.my or the secretariat, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurnaddia Nordin (naddia.n@umk.edu.my).
See fee amounts on the Take Part page, or read the FAQ.
Organised by Global Entrepreneurship Research and Innovation Centre (GERIC) · ANGKASA-UMK Research Academy (AURA) · Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK).
Poster
Challenge poster
Global Bizwar & Coopfest Challenge 2026 poster
Deadline
20 October 2026