The 6th Annual HSI Battle of the Brains is the nation’s premier academic championship and experiential recruiting showcase for students attending Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The competition brings together the country’s most accomplished business and technology students to solve complex, real-world challenges while connecting with leading employers, executives, and industry mentors.
More than a competition, HSI Battle of the Brains serves as a national platform where students demonstrate their technical expertise, business acumen, leadership, creativity, and collaboration in a fast-paced, team-based environment.
Universities are encouraged to send their strongest team to represent their institution and compete for the title of 2026 HSI Battle of the Brains National Champion.
Competition Format
Student teams from Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the country will compete in a rigorous series of business and technology challenges designed to simulate real-world industry problems.
Following preliminary rounds, the highest-performing teams will advance until only seven finalist teams remain. Those teams will compete in the championship round to determine the 2026 HSI Battle of the Brains National Champion.
Who Should Participate?
The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
Ideal participants include students pursuing degrees in:
- Accounting
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Data Science & Analytics
- Digital Media
- Engineering
- Finance
- Information Systems
- Management Information Systems (MIS)
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Related Business and STEM disciplines
Interdisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged. The most successful teams typically combine business strategy, technology, design, communications, policy, analytics, and engineering expertise to develop comprehensive solutions.
Competition Challenge
The official business challenge will be revealed at the beginning of the competition.
Each participating university team will have 24 hours to analyze the challenge, develop a solution, and prepare a professional presentation for a panel of executive judges.
Examples of previous challenge formats include:
- Artificial Intelligence solutions
- Mobile applications
- Digital platforms
- Marketing campaigns
- Product launch strategies
- Technology commercialization
- Customer engagement solutions
- Data-driven business strategies
- Social impact initiatives
Teams should expect to integrate business strategy, technology, innovation, and user experience into their proposed solution.
Judging Criteria
Teams will be evaluated on the following areas:
Business Analysis
Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the challenge, market opportunity, customer needs, and strategic implications.
Innovation & Solution Design
Develops a creative, scalable, and practical solution that effectively leverages current and emerging technologies.
Business & Technical Feasibility
Presents a well-supported implementation strategy, including technical considerations, operational planning, and business viability.
Presentation
Communicates ideas with professionalism, clarity, confidence, and executive-level storytelling.
Executive Q&A
Demonstrates mastery of the proposed solution by effectively responding to judges’ questions and defending strategic decisions.
Key Dates
Registration Deadline
Friday, August 28, 2026
Competition Week
Monday, September 28 – Friday, October 2, 2026
Location
Austin, Texas (AUS)
Important Information
The HSI Battle of the Brains is a comprehensive leadership, professional development, and recruiting experience that extends beyond the 24-hour case competition.
Participants should expect to engage in executive coaching, networking opportunities, professional development programming, industry sessions, recruiting activities, and the national championship competition throughout the week.
Participation in all scheduled programming is required for every competing team.
We look forward to welcoming the nation’s top Hispanic business and technology talent to Austin for an unforgettable week of competition, innovation, professional development, and career opportunities.