Events

Students were tasked with sharing insights and recommendations while meeting key criteria, including preparing a strategy, tactics, and practical recommendations.

Following a rigorous selection process, 19 teams advanced to the finals held at QUT Gardens Point Campus on 9 May.

For many students, BlueShift is a great opportunity to hone their public strategic thinking and public speaking skills.

“Our team thought it was a great opportunity to experience what uni life is like”, commented one student.

QUT Faculty of Business and Law Work Integrated Learning Associate Director, Ingrid Larkin, with other academic colleagues, established BlueShift High School business case competition in 2014, to facilitate opportunity for high school students to participate in experiences offered to QUT Business School students in competitions hosted by industry partners, and by other leading business schools around the world.

“QUT Business School has participated in industry hosted and international case competitions since 2012, and we have an impressive track record of success,” Ms Larkin said.

“Back in 2014 we wanted to provide high school students with opportunity to get a taste of opportunities as part of their studies as a QUT Business student.

“So we started BlueShift in 2014, and now have alumni who have participated in BlueShift as high school students, graduated from QUT including participation in case competitions, and are now returning as judges for BlueShift and mentoring our current QUT case competition teams.”

Team The Profit Prophets of Townsville Grammar School emerged as the 2026 BlueShift Champions. This victory was particularly special as it was the school’s first time entering the competition and travelled from Townsville to participate.

“Participating in BlueShift for the first time was an incredibly rewarding experience for our students,” team mentor and teacher Benjamin Cormick shared.

They embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, worked collaboratively, and demonstrated strong teamwork without the competition.

“A real highlight was seeing them apply their critical thinking to a dynamic, real-world business scenario, while also developing valuable skills in communication, problem solving, and decision making.

“Winning the competition was a fantastic achievement, but more importantly, the students genuinely enjoyed the process and grew in confidence along the way.

“We are very grateful to QUT for providing such a meaningful and engaging opportunity for our students,” he said.

The Profit Prophets received a $2,000 QUT Business School scholarship, $250 eftpos card, car safety kit, Frank Green water bottle and QUT lunch box.

Congratulations to other finalist teams:

· 2nd Place - Team Altin representing Queensland Academy of Health Sciences;

· 3rd Place - Team EAE Enterprises representing Stuartholme School; and

· 4th Place - Team Liberty Solutions of St Laurence’s College.

BlueShift’s success is made possible through the dedication of staff, students, alumni volunteers, and sponsors. QUT extends thanks to:

Iglu Student Accommodation
MAIC

and the Australian Road Safety Foundation for providing lunchtime activities.

For more information about QUT’s BlueShift Case Competition, please visit our website or email Natasha Lewis, Events and Engagement Manager, at buslawengage@qut.edu.au.