The University of Nebraska–Lincoln took home top honors at the third annual Tenaska Business Challenge, held Feb. 27-28 at the College of Business. Competing against 21 teams from 16 institutions, Nebraska’s team demonstrated exceptional analytical and strategic skills to win the competition. The winning team included Katelyn Ganske, sophomore accounting major from Honolulu, Hawaii; Jack Maloney, sophomore economics and finance major from Papillion, Nebraska; Sam Mullin, sophomore economics major from Omaha, Nebraska; and Max Sievenpiper, junior computer science and management major from Yorktown, Virginia.

The competition challenged teams to propose interdisciplinary solutions to an energy demand issue in a case developed by Tenaska, a leading U.S. energy company ranked by Forbes magazine among the largest privately held U.S. companies.

“Our company, at its very core, is about learning and innovation,” said Chris Leitner, ’96, chief executive officer at Tenaska. “There are a number of significant challenges facing society, and those challenges will require talented individuals like these students to create solutions. Any time we have an opportunity to foster intellectual curiosity and critical thinking in students, we're going to be there.”

The challenge required students to analyze a business case related to AI data center development, including power supply scenarios and financial feasibility. After receiving coaching from volunteers from Tenaska and Kiewit, teams presented their solutions in two preliminary rounds before the final three teams competed for the top prize. Judges evaluated presentations based on key performance indicators, financial viability and strategic innovation.

“With this case, we got to see all aspects of learning happen,” said Kasey Linde, director of teaching, learning and accreditation, who helped lead the competition. “Growth happens with a challenge—probably with some frustration, maybe confusion—and then working through that. When Tenaska wanted to start this case competition, they wanted to foster critical thinking and a situation that would show students what learning looks like in the real world.”

Competition Results:

• First place ($1,000): University of Nebraska–Lincoln (white team)
• Second place ($750): Kansas State University
• Third place ($500): Iowa State University
• Honorable Mentions ($250 each):
• Best Analysis: University of Nebraska–Lincoln (red team)
• Most Innovative Solution: University of Kansas
• Best Presentation: University of Nebraska at Omaha

Nebraska’s winning team selected a power supply option that focused on sustainability, geographical advantages and public favorability over traditional financial metrics.

“It was a cool experience to get a challenging case, look at it from different lenses and make tough decisions,” said Sievenpiper.

Ganske highlighted the importance of team dynamics in their success.

“This case demanded a lot of technical ability and teamwork. We divided our team to approach the case by looking at financials, risks and environmental impacts. It was rewarding to play to our strengths while addressing the needs of the case.”

Mullin emphasized their unconventional approach.

“Our solution was quite different from most teams. We chose an option that didn’t have the best financial numbers but focused more on sustainability, geographical location and public opinion. We reached a conclusion and argued our recommendation well.”

The competition showcased the growing impact of the Tenaska Business Challenge.

“This year, we had the most schools and teams participate,” said Eric Gustavson, senior vice president of human resources capability at Tenaska. “We also saw more majors represented, emphasizing the multidisciplinary aspect of this challenge. The competition keeps growing every year, but so does the quality of work.”

All competitors got to present twice and watch the finalists vie for first place. Linde noted the real-world value of the competition comes down to the feedback from judges and the learning that happens throughout the event.

“Presenting twice means you had five to six judges who give you feedback about what teams did well and their opportunities to grow," said Linde. "Watching the final round is such a lightbulb moment for many students. They see what top teams did well and what they missed. That’s part of seeing the holistic possibilities in problem-solving, and it’s why opportunities like this are so valuable.”