Undergraduate
Case Competition
To help you prepare for the 2025 Fall UTSRI Undergraduate Case Competition, we’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions about registration, deadlines, rules, and logistics. Additional details will be released on a rolling basis, and once you’ve registered, we’ll remain in constant contact to ensure you receive all necessary updates. Please also check this website and your email inbox regularly for the latest information.
Common Questions
(click the arrow to expand each)
Q: What is the difference between Life Sciences and Health Sciences?
- Health Sciences → Focused on medical and clinical sciences. Think of this as the pre-med branch: anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, immunology, neuroscience (clinical), and other areas directly tied to human health and medicine.
- Life Sciences → Focused on all other areas of biology. This includes genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, ecology, microbiology (non-clinical), plant biology, evolution, biotechnology, and theoretical or fundamental biological research.
Q: Do I need to register individually or as a team?
All participants must register individually.
Q: How many people can be on a team?
Teams can have 2 to 4 members from the same division and grade. (Unlike last year, teams of 3 are no longer mandatory.)
Q: Can I choose my own teammates?
Yes, participants may select their own team members: but each member must register individually before registration closes on Nov 26th.
Q: What is the registration fee?
- Early: $40 (before Sept 21, 11:59 PM)
- Normal: $45 (Sept 21–Oct 19, 11:59 PM)
- Extended: $50 (Oct 19–Oct 26, 11:59 PM)
Q: Is there a registration grace period?
Yes. We encourage everyone to register before Oct 19 (normal registration deadline). However, a 7-day extended period (Oct 19–Oct 26) is available for participants with extenuating circumstances.
Q: What are the case release and submission dates?
The case will be released at 11:59 PM on Nov 14, 2025, and all submissions are due by 11:59 PM on Nov 17, 2025.
Q: When is the case competition taking place?
On Saturday, Nov 22, 2025, from 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM (time tentative).
Q: What is required for the case solution submission?
Each team must submit a 10-minute presentation (slides required). Additional materials (including models, prototypes, or trifold panels) are welcome but must be approved in advance by the organizing team at casecomp@utsri.ca. A written abstract of no more than 1,000 words is also required. Further details on submission requirements will be released prior to the case release date.
Q: What are the prizes?
The teams with the highest overall scores will be awarded First Place, Second Place, and Third Place for the entire competition, along with the corresponding cash prizes.:
• 1st place: $1500
• 2nd place: $1000
• 3rd place: $500
Q: How will the grand prize winners be determined?
The top three teams from each branch (12 teams in total) will automatically be considered for the grand prize round. These teams will be evaluated across branches using a standardized set of criteria to ensure fairness and objectivity. The criteria—which may be refined as the competition approaches—are expected to include, but are not limited to:
• Academic rigor
• Feasibility and practicality
• Logistical soundness
• Creativity and originality
• Sustainability
Q: If my team places in the top three within our branch, do we still receive recognition?
Absolutely! The top three winning teams from each branch will have their abstracts published in the UTSRI Journal. In addition, all branch-level winners will receive an official certificate of achievement issued by UTSRI and will gain access to academic and career connection opportunities (details to be confirmed).
Q: What is the dress code?
Business Casual or Business Formal.
Q: Are participants allowed to leave during the day?
Yes. You may sign out for lunch and breaks between 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions?
Please email us at casecomp@utsri.ca. Your message will be directed to the appropriate department, and responses may take up to 5 business days.