What is the Capstone Cup?
The UNO CBA Capstone Cup is a semester-long competition compulsory for every graduating student enrolled in the undergraduate strategy course, Corporate & Business Strategy.
3 Events in Total
Kickoff
Students will hear more about the format of the competition, learn about the case company from company representatives, and ask questions to alumni who have competed about their tips and experiences.
Showcase
Since the fall of 2021, the first round of competition has taken place as a poster showcase (similar to a science fair). Teams design posters that effectively display their research, analyses, and recommendations as they verbally present their findings 4 times to a series of judges. The rubric categories judged are:
- Motivated problem statement
- Analysis
- Recommendation is supported and valuable
- Implementation
- Quality of pitch
- Quality of visual aid
Finals
The top 5-6 teams who are selected from the Showcase are tasked with refining their recommendations before competing in the finals round, which is a standard slide deck presentation. All finalists receive prizes; however, only one team walks away as champions.
Important Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 Dates
| Event | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Kickoff | October 2 | February 19 |
| Showcase | November 6 | April 2 |
| Finals | December 4 | April 23 |
Additional Awards
The Big Picture Award recognizes the team with the best visual aid poster during the Capstone Cup Showcase. The award recognizes a poster that is visually engaging, well-organized, and clearly communicates the team’s analysis, key insights, and strategic recommendations.
The Analytical Excellence Award recognizes the team that demonstrates exceptional critical thinking and insight through its executive summary. The winning team identifies the most important challenges and opportunities, supports its conclusions with strong evidence, and turns complex analysis into a clear, well-supported strategic recommendation.
The Operational Impact Award recognizes the team that develops the most practical and execution-ready implementation plan. The winning team translates its strategy into clear action steps, realistic timelines, defined responsibilities, and thoughtful consideration of potential risks, demonstrating how its recommendation could create meaningful real-world impact.
The Strategic Storytelling Award recognizes the team that most effectively brings its strategy to life through a clear, engaging, and persuasive presentation. The winning team combines a compelling narrative, effective visuals, and confident delivery to communicate its ideas and leave a lasting impression.