Submissions Open for 2026 Mays Business School AI Competitions

Mays Business School at Texas A&M University is now accepting submissions for two national programs: the 2026 Mays Business School AI in Business Pitch Competition and the 2026 Mays Business School AI Dissertation Proposal Competition. Both competitions challenge students to present innovative ideas for building a better future through business and AI.

“This initiative reflects Mays’ commitment to preparing the next generation of business leaders, scholars, and entrepreneurs for a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence,” said Nate Y. Sharp, dean of Mays Business School. “Whether advancing foundational research or launching real-world ventures, these competitions demonstrate how AI can help build a better future through business.”

The competitions, both in their second year, reinforce Mays’ leadership at the intersection of AI, entrepreneurship and business innovation, and academic research while engaging distinct student audiences — doctoral researchers and undergraduate and graduate student founders.

“Artificial intelligence is no longer an emerging trend. It’s shaping the future of business,” said Arnold Castro, assistant dean for artificial intelligence at Mays Business School. “By investing in both doctoral research and entrepreneurship, Mays is creating a strong pipeline of ideas, discovery, talent, and real-world impact.”

2026 Mays Business School AI Dissertation Proposal Competition

The AI Dissertation Proposal Competition recognizes outstanding doctoral research examining how artificial intelligence is transforming business and society.

Up to six doctoral awards of $10,000 each will be presented for the best dissertation proposals about artificial intelligence in the fields of:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Information Systems
• Management
• Marketing
• Supply Chain Management

Award recipients will also be invited to participate in a multi-day academic and industry event at Mays Business School in October 2026.

AI Dissertation Proposal Submission Deadline: June 1 by 11:59 p.m. CDT

2026 Mays Business School AI in Business Pitch Competition

In the AI in Business Pitch Competition, undergraduate and graduate student teams present AI-powered startup ventures that address real-world challenges. Ventures must demonstrate ownership of intellectual property and meet early-stage venture thresholds for revenue and fundraising. Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of faculty and industry judges based on innovation, market potential, feasibility, and societal impact.

Cash prizes of $400,000 will be awarded:

• 1st place: $250,000
• 2nd place: $100,000
• 3rd place: $50,000

Additional benefits include one-year mentorship with an Aggie entrepreneur and travel funding for top finalist teams to attend the in-person final pitch round at Texas A&M University.

The 2026 competition will unfold across three rounds:

• Business Plan Submissions Deadline: May 1 by 11:59 p.m. CDT
• Semifinalist Virtual Pitch Round: June 2026
• Finalists In-Person Pitch Presentations: October 2026 at Mays Business School in College Station, TX

How to Apply

Full competition details and submission instructions are available at:

AI Dissertation Proposal Competition

AI in Business Pitch Competition

 

AI Dissertation Proposal Competition Inquiries: 

Kathleen Rowland — krowland@mays.tamu.edu

Subject: AI Dissertation Proposal Competition

 

AI in Business Pitch Competition Inquiries:

aicompetition@mays.tamu.edu

Subject: AI in Business Pitch Competition

 

About Mays Business School

Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School is building a better future through business. By providing leadership-centered, experiential education to more than 8,000 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students in accounting, finance, management, management information systems, marketing, and supply chain management, Mays consistently ranks among the top public business schools nationally for its programs and faculty research. Our mission is to develop leaders of character who make a positive difference in the communities where they live, work, and serve.