Rotman Design Challenge 2026 x Manulife
A Creative Odyssey for the Bold, the Curious, and the Visionary.
What is the Rotman Design Challenge (RDC)?
Where Ambition Meets Imagination
$10,000 in Cash Prizes!
The Rotman Design Challenge (RDC) is not just another case competition; it is a creative odyssey that transforms how tomorrow’s leaders think, collaborate, and create.
Each year, the challenge brings together top business and design schools from around the world to tackle a complex, real-world problem posed by an industry leader. But this is not about having all the answers; it is about designing better questions.
Through immersive workshops, mentorship, and collaboration, participants journey through the full arc of innovation: from discovery to design, and from insight to impact.
It is where bold ideas take shape, and curiosity finds its voice.
Jan 16 7PM — Global info session (Zoom)
Global Info Session
What’s the timeline?
A Journey Like No Other…
What begins as an open invitation to curious, creative minds evolves into a guided experience of exploration, collaboration, and innovation. Over several weeks, teams move from first spark to refined solution, supported by mentorship, workshops, and a global design community.
Each stage builds on the last, narrowing focus, deepening insight, and sharpening ideas, until everything culminates in a two-day, in-person experience at the Rotman School of Management.
RDC2026 In Collaboration with Manulife
FAQ
Eligibility & Team Formation
Who is eligible to participate in RDC?
Graduate-level students from MBA, design, and interdisciplinary programs worldwide.Do students need a design or UX background?
No. RDC is designed for business, design, and mixed teams; guidance is provided throughout.
What is the ideal team size?
Typically 4–5 students per team.Can students from different programs or schools form a team together?
Yes, interdisciplinary and cross-program teams are welcome.Is there a limit to the number of teams per school?
No. Schools may send as many teams as they wish.Can first-year graduate students participate?
Yes, RDC is open to students at all stages of their graduate programs.
Registration & Onboarding
How do teams register for RDC 2026?
Teams register individually through the RDC registration portal.What is the Registration Interest Form for?
It allows teams and schools to receive early updates, the info-session link, and the registration launch notice.Is there a registration fee?
No. Participation is completely free.Will there be an orientation or info session?
Yes. A global virtual info session will be held in early January.When will teams receive the Round 1 challenge prompt?
On January 20, 2026.
Competition Structure
What happens in Round 1?
All teams complete a virtual challenge focused on user research, creativity, and problem framing.What are the Round 1 deliverables?
Clear submission guidelines will be shared with registered teams.How many teams advance to Round 2?
The top 10 teams are shortlisted.How are teams evaluated in Round 1?
Based on insight quality, creativity, clarity of thinking, and design-led problem solving.
Round 2 & Learning Experience
What does Round 2 include?
A guided business design journey with mentorship, workshops, and final presentations.Will finalist teams receive mentorship?
Yes. Each finalist team is paired with an industry mentor from Manulife.Who runs the design workshops?
Workshops are led by Manulife design leaders, industry experts, and Rotman BDI faculty.How many workshops are included in Round 2?
Three guided business design workshops during the working period, plus in-person sessions at the finals.What makes RDC different from traditional case competitions?
RDC emphasizes human-centred design, prototyping, and iterative learning, not just slide presentations.
Travel, Visa & Logistics
Is Round 2 in person?
Yes. Finals take place March 20–21, 2026 at the University of Toronto – Rotman School of Management (Toronto).Do international teams need a visa?
Possibly. Visa requirements depend on nationality.Does RDC provide visa support?
Yes. Finalist teams receive an official invitation letter from the University of Toronto.Are travel and accommodation costs covered?
Travel is self-funded; RDC provides discounted hotel rates for finalist teams.Are meals provided during the final event?
Yes. All meals and refreshments during the final event are provided by Rotman’s Business Design Club.
Prizes, Recognition & Outcomes
What is the total prize pool?
Up to $10,000 CAD in total cash prizes.Can teams include RDC work in their portfolios?
Yes. RDC projects are portfolio-ready and highly encouraged to be showcased.Who are the judges?
Senior leaders and design professionals from Manulife and RDC’s industry network.
Staying Connected
How can teams stay updated before registration opens?
By filling out the Registration Interest Form and following BDC on LinkedIn and Instagram.Who should schools or students contact with questions?
Alice Tu or Rafael Miguel Salud, Co-Chairs of the Rotman Design Challenge.