DCU Students Win Solvay Business Games 2026.

Students from Dublin City University’s Business School have secured a major international achievement, with two undergraduates winning both the McKinsey & Company Pitch Challenge and the prestigious Solvay Business Games 2026.

Oscar Bourke and Sam Hannigan, who are enrolled in the BSc in Marketing, Innovation & Technology (MInT) programme, triumphed over more than 300 participants from across Europe. After progressing from the McKinsey Pitch Challenge into the final stages of the Solvay Business Games, the pair emerged as overall winners in what is widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading student business competitions.

Organised in collaboration with McKinsey & Company, the Solvay Business Games bring together top university talent to tackle complex, real-world business challenges. Participants are required to develop innovative solutions, collaborate in high-pressure environments, and present their strategies to panels of industry experts.

Speaking on the achievement, representatives from DCU Business School highlighted the broader significance of such competitions, noting that they play a crucial role in preparing students for professional life beyond traditional academic settings.

“These experiences go far beyond exams,” a spokesperson said. “They challenge students to think critically, solve ambiguous problems, and communicate ideas effectively — all essential skills in today’s business environment.”

Unlike classroom-based simulations, competitions like the Solvay Business Games offer immersive, real-world scenarios that test judgement, creativity, and resilience. They also provide valuable exposure to industry practices and an opportunity for students to demonstrate their capabilities on an international stage.

The success of Bourke and Hannigan is seen as a strong endorsement of the MInT programme’s emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and adaptability in a rapidly changing global economy.

Bourke had previously been recognised for his entrepreneurial potential as a recipient of the The Liffey Trust Enterprise Centre Seamus McDermott Scholarship. Combined with this latest achievement alongside Hannigan, their success reflects both individual excellence and the impact of collaborative ambition.

DCU Business School described the accomplishment as a benchmark for future students and a validation of its approach to business education.

The university has encouraged prospective students to learn more about the MInT programme, which continues to produce graduates equipped to lead and innovate in modern business environments.