Turn Innovation into Impact
The Verizon x Rutgers Business School Go-to-Market Case Competition challenges you to take groundbreaking Smart Campus technologies, developed by Rutgers University students, and build real-world business strategies to bring them to market.
This is more than a case competition; it’s your chance to collaborate with Verizon, engage directly with student-led innovation, and pitch your ideas to industry leaders. You’ll strengthen your skills in strategy, marketing, and entrepreneurship, all while building your resume and your network.
Open to all Rutgers Business School undergraduate students.
Application Period
Opens: September 8, 2025
Closes: September 29, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST
Meet The Project
Competition Overview
Competition Overview
The Verizon x Rutgers Business School Go-to-Market Case Competition gives you the opportunity to turn real student-led innovation into real-world impact.
Two winning engineering projects from the Rutgers School of Engineering Smart Campus Challenge have been selected, each focused on solving critical campus challenges like infrastructure, transportation, wellness, and administrative efficiency.
Your challenge: Choose one of the two projects and develop a strategic go-to-market (GTM) plan to help bring it to life. You’ll apply your skills in business strategy, marketing, operations, and entrepreneurship to craft a solution that’s feasible, scalable, and pitch-ready.
Work with mentors from Verizon and Rutgers, gain real consulting experience, and pitch your plan to industry leaders.
General Information and Eligibility
What is the Smart Campus Case Competition?
The Verizon x Rutgers Business School Go-to-Market Case Competition is the business-focused second phase of Rutgers’ university-wide Smart Campus initiative. Two winning projects from the Rutgers School of Engineering Smart Campus Challenge have been selected and now it’s your turn to help bring them to life.
Business students will form teams to choose one of the two innovations and build a go-to-market strategy. You'll research the market, develop a business model, and pitch your plan to Verizon executives and RBS faculty for a chance to win and present at Verizon’s Executive Briefing Center.
Who is eligible to participate?
Participation is open to Rutgers Business School undergraduate students across all campuses.
Here are the full eligibility guidelines:
- Teams must consist of 4–6 members
- All members must be enrolled in Rutgers Business School
- Each team may include a maximum of 2 seniors
Interdisciplinary business skills are encouraged (e.g., marketing, supply chain, finance, analytics, etc)
What if I don’t have a team?
No problem! You can still sign up as an individual. We’ll help connect solo participants to form a full group. Use the registration form to enter as an individual, and we’ll do our best to match you based on skill sets and interests.
Teams will be announced on October 2, 2025.
What is the format of the competition?
The Verizon x Rutgers Business School Go-to-Market Case Competition follows a structured timeline with multiple rounds, from team formation and strategy development to live pitching and executive-level exposure.
Don't miss a deadline and make sure to review the case competition timeline dates and checkpoints.
Application Period
Opens: September 8, 2025
Closes: September 29, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST
- Teams of 4–6 RBS students must register during this window
- Don’t have a team? You can still sign up as an individual, and we’ll help match you with others
- Once registration closes, teams will receive materials to begin their business plan development
Round 1: Business Plan Development
Timeline: September 29 – October 12, 2025
- Teams select one of two winning SOE Smart Campus projects
- Conduct research and develop your go-to-market strategy
- Attend an in-person drop-in coaching session on October 6 with Verizon mentors at Busch Student Center (transportation available for Newark students)
- Submit a 2-page Executive Summary by October 12 at 11:59 PM EST
Round 2: Finalist Selection
Date: October 17, 2025
- Submissions are reviewed by judges from Verizon and RBS
- Finalist teams will be selected based on innovation, feasibility, and strategic clarity
- Finalists will receive feedback and prep materials for their pitch
Round 3: Final Presentations
Date: November 19, 2025
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM EST
Location: Rutgers Business School
- Finalists will present a 5-minute pitch (PowerPoint) to a panel of 3 Verizon judges and 3 RBS faculty judges
- Top 3 teams will be selected as winners. Final winners will receive a prize of $2,000.
Winner’s Circle Showcase
Date: December 10, 2025
Location: Verizon Executive Briefing Center (EBC), Basking Ridge, NJ
- Winning teams will present their go-to-market strategies to Verizon and Rutgers leadership
- This is a high-visibility opportunity to network, showcase your work, and potentially drive real-world implementation
Resources & FAQs
Attend the in-person Smart Campus Kickoff + Drop-In Mentorship Session on October 6 at Busch Student Center (transportation provided for Newark students). Meet one-on-one with Verizon coaches and SOE winning teams for guidance on their projects.
Contact Information
If you have any further questions, please contact us at seal@business.rutgers.edu.
Competition Timeline
| Date | Event | Format | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 8, 2025 | Registration Opens | Virtual | — | — |
| Sept 17, 2025 | Kickoff + Info Session | Virtual | — | 5:00–6:00 PM EST |
| Sept 29, 2025 | Registration Closes | Virtual | — | 11:59 PM EST |
| Oct 6, 2025 | Drop-In Mentor Session | In-Person | Busch Student Center | 7:00–8:00 PM |
| Oct 12, 2025 | First Round Submission | Virtual | — | 11:59 PM EST |
| Oct 17, 2025 | Advancement Announcement | Virtual | — | 4:00 PM EST |
| Nov 19, 2025 | Final Round | In-Person | Rutgers Business School | 6:00–8:00 PM |
| Dec 10, 2025 | Winner’s Circle Celebration | In-Person | Verizon EBC | TBD |