2026 Tenaska Business Challenge
This multi-university competition will challenge students to solve real problems through interdisciplinary solutions. The case will be provided by Tenaska, one of the largest privately-held companies in the United States and a leader in the energy industry.
February 25-27, 2026
Registration Opens September 2.
Important Information
Team Composition
3-4 undergraduate students of any major per team
Prizes
As a recognition for excellence, top teams win the following cash prizes split evenly between team members:
1st Place:
$1,000
2nd Place:
$750
3rd Place:
$500
3 additional awards, selection criteria to be determined
$250
Thank You To The Challenge's Sponsor
Case Information
The case will be provided by executives at Tenaska and will require a comprehensive business approach on a topic related to their company. The case will be distributed at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, and teams will be given 48 hours before presenting solutions.
Competition Schedule (Tentative)
| DAY 1 | Wednesday, February 25 | |
|---|---|
| 9 a.m. | Case Released via Email |
| DAY 2 | Thursday, February 26 | Howard Hawks Hall, Nebraska's City Campus | |
|---|---|
| 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Check-in |
| 11:30 a.m. | Box Lunch Served |
| 1-4 p.m. | Coaching Sessions Offered |
| 4:15 p.m. | Team Banquet |
| DAY 3 | Friday, February 27 | Howard Hawks Hall, Nebraska's City Campus | |
|---|---|
| 8:45 a.m. | Welcome Meeting |
| 9 - 10:30 a.m. | First Round of Presentations (All Teams) |
| 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Second Round of Presentations (All Teams) |
| 12 - 1:15 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:30 p.m. | Finalist 1 Presents |
| 1:45 p.m. | Finalist 2 Presents |
| 2 p.m. | Finalist 3 Presents |
| 2:15 p.m. | Taste of Nebraska Social |
| 2:30 p.m. | Awards Ceremony |
| 2:45 p.m. | Pictures and Wrap Up |
Travel Accommodations
Hotel accommodations will be covered for one night for all visiting teams, and for two nights for visiting teams traveling farther than three hours to campus. All meals will also be covered by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Competition Location
Howard L. Hawks Hall
730 N 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68588
