WDI Publishing, in partnership with the University of Michigan’s Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurship, today launches the Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets: 2026 Global Case Writing Competition. This competition invites faculty, students, and practitioners to submit original academic case studies that capture the realities of entrepreneurial ventures in fast-growing and challenging environments in developing countries.
“Entrepreneurship in emerging markets drives innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth—yet entrepreneurs often face complex obstacles such as limited access to finance, regulatory hurdles, and infrastructure constraints,” said Sandra Draheim, Manager of WDI Publishing. “This competition seeks to showcase these real-world stories and transform them into valuable teaching resources for business schools worldwide.”
The Zell Lurie Institute (ZLI) advances the knowledge and practice of entrepreneurship and innovation through a broad range of activities, including programs, competitions, academics, symposia, and global community outreach. ZLI is the foremost resource for students and alumni of the University of Michigan as they pursue careers in entrepreneurship, venture capital, and corporate innovation.
“An entrepreneurial mindset is best learned through hands-on experience and diverse perspectives. By capturing and sharing these case studies, the competition creates opportunities to explore what it takes to innovate, adapt, and lead across global contexts,” said Sarika Gupta, Managing Director at ZLI.
WDI Publishing has managed over 12 global case writing competitions since 2010. Previous competitions have focused on topics ranging from energy solutions to health technology in emerging markets. In the more than 10 years of competitions, more than 30 awards have been made to winners representing dozens of countries and higher education institutions around the world. The goal of this and past competitions is to increase the academic business cases available about important topics in emerging markets.
A panel of judges from business, academia and entrepreneurship support organizations in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, the U.S.—including Harvard University and the University of Michigan—will review the finalist cases without knowing the identity of the authors or their affiliated educational institutions.
This competition encourages and rewards the development and publication of new, relevant academic case studies that focus on entrepreneurship while expanding critical thinking and learning opportunities for students who will become our future leaders working with and within emerging markets.
Winning cases receive cash prizes and will be professionally published and distributed via WDI Publishing.
Please see the Submission Requirements for more information.
Key Dates:
- Dec 11, 2025 (10am-11am EST): Webinar – “How to Write a Case Study: Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets” Click here to register
- Jan 30, 2026: Intent-to-Enter forms due
- April 13, 2026: Final submission documents due
- Sept 2026: Public announcement of winners
Prize Awards:
- First Place: $5,000; edited, published and distributed by WDI Publishing
- Second Place: $3,000; edited, published and distributed by WDI Publishing
- Third Place: $1,000; edited, published and distributed by WDI Publishing
- Honorable Mentions: No monetary award; edited, published and distributed by WDI Publishing
Learn more at wdi-publishing.com.
