Official Competition
The world’s first and only official entrepreneur competition founded at an Ivy League – Columbia Business School. IEG now facilitates all MEC’s across the globe.
NEWS
- 2025.10.20
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2025.10.20
Judges Introduction & Past Participating Schools page is now available.
- 2025.10.20
- 2025.10.20
INTRODUCTION
Model Entrepreneur Competition (MEC) was launched 11 years ago by Columbia Business School‘s Venture For All (VFA) in collaboration with IEG Global Association. MEC is the first entrepreneur competition that started at an Ivy League.
MEC began in 2014, and we’re celebrating its impressive 11th anniversary. From the start, MEC has aimed to inspire and empower young talents to present innovative ideas with real business potential. Through unwavering dedication, it has become a standout among global competitions.
MEC winners have gained acceptance into prestigious institutions like Harvard, Stanford, Yale, UPenn, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Columbia, Cornell, University of Chicago, UC Berkeley, and others. This success showcases the caliber of talent nurtured by MEC, opening doors for aspiring entrepreneurs.
As we commemorate this milestone, we are proud of MEC’s impact on the next generation of visionary business leaders.
Total Prize Exceeds $100,000
IEG is dedicated to bringing the world’s top education experience to students all over the world. As a non-profit organization, IEG contributed more than USD 100,000 each year to MEC.
Judges from Ivy League Schools and Industry Leaders
The Judging Panel consists of top executives from Fortune 500 and current professors and instructors from top universities. All team members will have a chance to consult directly with professors and domain experts.
Special Guest: Esther Wojcicki
ABOUT MEC
MEC stands as the quintessential entrepreneurship competition. It connects Columbia Business School’s MBA program teachings to aspiring entrepreneurs. It challenges students to tackle real-world business problems by crafting detailed business plans, including product analysis, market research, marketing strategies, financial planning, and risk management. Additionally, participants create promotional videos and deliver compelling presentations to the judging panel. This immersive experience equips students with practical skills and invaluable exposure to the world of entrepreneurship and business.
Dr. Anas Chalah,
Assistant Dean at Harvard SEAS
Get ready to be inspired! As the Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning at Harvard SEAS and a 2023 Hero's Award recipient from the President of Harvard, Dr. Anas Chalah's insights and experience will provide incredible value and inspiration to our participants!
