Participating Algoma U student also earns Best Debater Award
A team of students from Algoma University’s Faculty of Business and Professional Studies has recently earned first place at the virtual 2026 IvyBiz Global Case Debate Competition, an international competition that brings together students from across Canada and around the world to analyze and debate complex business cases.
Three Algoma University teams participated in this year’s competition, with one advancing through to the top four after the preliminary round, where participants submitted both a written business proposal and a 10-minute debate video, before ultimately claiming the championship title. Unlike traditional case competitions, finalists received a new business case just 48 hours before the championship debate and were required to prepare arguments for both sides before learning which position they would defend.
“Unlike a traditional case competition, students cannot simply focus on one recommendation,” said Dr. Eva Huang, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Business and Professional Studies. “They must understand both sides of an issue, think from different executive perspectives, and defend positions they may not personally agree with. As educators, our responsibility is not only to teach students how to find answers, but also to help them ask better questions, appreciate different perspectives, and engage in respectful disagreement. Competitions like this help Algoma University students develop the capabilities they need to succeed in today’s business world. Congratulations to Algoma U’s winning team on their exceptional participation.”
The championship team consisted of Tarun Sharma, Hadia Hasan, Vishavjot Grewal, and Ishani Kapadiya. After defeating defending champions Toronto Metropolitan University in the semifinal, the team advanced to the championship debate, where they secured the 2026 IvyBiz Global Case Debate title. In recognition of her exceptional performance throughout the competition, Ishani Kapadiya was also honoured with the Best Debater Award.
“Preparing for this competition challenged us to think from both sides of every issue and be ready to defend either position,” said Kapadiya. “The training sessions with Dr. Huang strengthened our critical thinking and communication skills. Winning the championship and the Best Debater Award was incredibly rewarding, but what I will remember most is how much we grew together as a team.”
The team’s success followed weeks of preparation under Dr. Huang’s guidance, with students dedicating evenings outside the classroom to analyzing complex business cases, participating in executive role-playing exercises, and refining their arguments through mock cross-examinations.
The competition is built around the Case Debate Method, developed by Dr. William Wei, Professor and Inaugural Dean of Algoma University’s Faculty of Business and Professional Studies, and President of the International Case Research Association (ICRA). The approach has gained international recognition for strengthening critical thinking, collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making in business education.
This achievement reflects Algoma University’s commitment to experiential learning by providing students with opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in competitive, real-world environments while developing the leadership, analytical, and communication skills needed to succeed in today’s global economy.
