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Meet the individuals and teams creating meaningful impact through leadership, innovation, sustainability and community-building across Imperial Business School.

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Business School honours exceptional student and alumni impact through Dean’s Community Awards 2025

Shamita Harsh — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:07:36 +0000

Business School honours exceptional student and alumni impact through Dean’s Community Awards 2025

Shamita Harsh Thu, 07/08/2025 - 14:07

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Celebrating the Dean’s Community Award winners

15 August 2025

Each year, Imperial Business School celebrates the remarkable ways in which our ��ý and alumni shape our community. Whether it is championing inclusivity or driving social impact and sustainability, they have consistently carved a way to lead by example.

The Dean’s Community Awards honour those who have gone above and beyond to lead, inspire, and pioneer new initiatives that make a difference both within the School and beyond. These awards are an yearly reflection of our community of practice, voted for by our staff and ��ý, recognising the work of ��ý and alumni who excel in extra-curricular activities.

Join us in congratulating winners of Dean’s Community Awards 2025:

Improving Society Award

Mohammad Zaid Abid Dalla, MSc Strategic Marketing, received the Improving Society award for leading impactful community initiatives as VP of Societal Engagement, including the What the Tech?! digital literacy programme and a Christmas dinner for care leavers, both of which fostered social inclusion and student volunteerism.

Dhruv Syam, BSc Economics, Finance & Data Science, received the Improving Society award for revitalising the Effective Altruism Society at Imperial and launching initiatives such as the Intro Fellowship and Impact Research Groups, which promote ethical, evidence-based engagement and empower ��ý to address global challenges.

Mohammad Zaid Abid Dalla

Dhruv Syam

Inclusive Business Award

IB Sunset Festival Student Committee comprising of Edward Lim, Kevin Alvaro Handoko, Zaid Abid Dalla, Omar Elali, Milan Koehler, Zhamilya Mukai, Sumitra Natesan, representing the courses MSc Business Analytics Online, MSc Global Health Management, MSc Strategic Marketing, received the Inclusive Business award for creating and delivering the inaugural IB Sunset Festival, an inclusive, culturally diverse celebration that successfully reimagined the School’s summer event and strengthened community engagement.

Aisha Qadi, MSc Management, received the Inclusive Business award for initiating and organising the School’s first Iftar event, which fostered inclusion, cultural understanding, and community among Muslim and non-Muslim ��ý during Ramadan.

IB Sunset Festival Student Committee

Aisha Qadi

Inspiring Brilliant Minds

Paolo Stagni, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management, received the award for Inspiring Brilliant Minds for launching Imperial’s first-ever Hult Prize On Campus Competition, mobilising over 100 ��ý and coordinating a major cross-campus event that brought global social entrepreneurship to the heart of the university.

Andrea Martini, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management, received the award for Inspiring Brilliant Minds for his leadership as Vice President of the Consulting Club, where he organised a diverse programme of events that enhanced student skills, broadened industry perspectives, and fostered meaningful professional connections.

Paolo Stagni

Andrea Martini

Pioneering Practical Solutions

Sameeksha (Sammy) Sahni, Global Online MBA, received the Pioneering Practical Solutions award for launching the Global Coffee Connect initiative in Dubai and hosting online prep sessions that fostered meaningful connections and support among online ��ý, alumni, and peers across programmes and geographies.

Laotan Faji, MSc Business Analytics and Maria Hayek, MSc Economics & Strategy for Business received this award in Pioneering Practical Solutions for organising the largest-ever School Intra-Programme Football Tournament, significantly improving participation, event structure, and promotion to deliver a highly successful and inclusive student experience.

Sameeksha Sahni

Laotan Faji and Maria Hayek

Power of Innovative Thinking

Rhea Khanna, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management, received the Power of Innovative Thinking award for founding and leading Medora, a venture addressing oral care in dementia through inclusive, user-driven innovation, while also advancing student entrepreneurship and healthcare accessibility through multiple interdisciplinary initiatives.

Lara Biter, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management, received the Power of Innovative Thinking award for contributions to entrepreneurship, inclusive innovation, and student wellbeing at Imperial, including co-founding Medora, leading national startup initiatives, and advancing accessibility and policy reform through multiple high-impact projects.

Rhea Khanna

Lara Biter

Sustainable Business Thinking

The Analytics for Society 2025 Student Organising Committee: Laotan A Faji, Margaux Drochon, Elena Lickel, Emily Peters, representing the MSc Business Analytics, Full-Time MBA, received the Sustainable Business Thinking award for transforming Analytics for Society into a global, cross-institutional platform by securing strategic partnerships, expanding international reach, and establishing a financially sustainable model that significantly enhanced the competition’s impact and visibility.

Nicolas Muller, Abdul Amin & the Climate Investment Challenge Committee comprising of Arushi Wasan, Ellie Schofield, Jessica Nutt, Alessio Boggio-Chaibi, Ofure Iribhogbe, Shraddha Kalpathi Jaidev and representing the programmes MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance, MSc Finance & Accounting, MSc Global Health Management, MSc Strategic Marketing. The group received the Sustainable Business Thinking award for organising the 2025 Climate Investment Challenge, securing new international funding, expanding global participation, and delivering a high-impact, professionally run competition addressing climate-focused financial innovation.

The Analytics for Society 2025 Student Organising Committee

Nicolas Muller, Abdul Amin & the Climate Investment Challenge Committee

Outstanding Contribution to the Business School

David Driskell and Tatiana Chang, Full-Time MBA, MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance, received the Outstanding Contribution to the Business School award for leading the creation of the School’s first student-authored EQUIS Student Report, coordinating diverse focus groups and delivering a high-quality submission that contributed significantly to the 2025 re-accreditation process.

Joanne Linder, Full-Time MBA 1996, received the Outstanding Contribution to the Business School award for chairing the Alumni Advisory Council for 13 years.

David Driskell and Tatiana Chang

Joanne Linder

Dean’s Community Award for Alumni

Marc Richly, Business Analytics Online (2023), received the Dean’s Community Award for Alumni award for leading the development of a machine learning tool to improve UNICEF India's fundraising effectiveness and for sustained contributions to student initiatives and alumni engagement through the Gandhi Centre for Inclusive Innovation.

Yasmin Baker, Intercalated BSc (2024), received the Dean’s Community Award for Alumni award for setting up a buddy scheme connecting alumni with current ��ý to enhance mentorship and support student wellbeing, and for establishing the non-profit “More than Medics”, supporting medical ��ý to explore careers beyond traditional clinical roles including consulting, medtech and policy.

Marc Richly

Yasmin Baker

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Celebrating the individuals championing diversity, inclusion and community through impactful initiatives and collaborative action.

Main image: IB Sunset Festival Student Committee - Edward Lim, Kevin Alvaro Handoko, Zaid Abid Dalla, Omar Elali, Milan Koehler, Zhamilya Mukai, Sumitra Natesan

4 minute read

Imperial awards medals to Business School's Professor Lara Cathcart and Afrey Edes

Shamita Harsh — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:04:25 +0000

Imperial awards medals to Business School's Professor Lara Cathcart and Afrey Edes

Shamita Harsh Mon, 02/06/2025 - 15:04

22 July 2026 News

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4 June 2025

During the graduation ceremony on 2 June, ��ý awarded the prestigious Imperial College Medal to two exceptional members of the Business School community: Professor Lara Cathcart and Afrey A. Edes. The medals came in recognition of their transformative impact on the university over the course of their distinguished career.

Professor Lara Cathcart, who has served Imperial for 27 years, was honoured for her pioneering contributions to finance education and her unwavering commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and inclusion.

“It is an honour to be awarded the Imperial College Medal, and this recognition means a great deal to me. What started out as one finance programme has become a fully-fledged department with several courses producing leaders of the finance industry. I am truly grateful to have played a part in this journey.” said Professor Cathcart, a trailblazer who has co-created and led a suite of MSc programmes.

Her dedication is mirrored with graduates and peers alike citing her as an inspiring mentor, role model, and advocate for gender equity in academia.

Reflecting on her diligence, Dean Peter Todd said, “Lara exemplifies the values of Imperial through her excellence, integrity, and enduring commitment to the university and its ��ý. It is an honour to recognise her with the Imperial College Medal.”

Continuing to shape the future of finance education both at Imperial and internationally, Lara said: “I always believed that the lack of representation of women in the field of finance served as a kind of deterrent for prospective female ��ý and academics. I felt it my duty to provide encouragement to staff and ��ý alike to pursue their dreams."

“Diversity is a strength, and the increasing representation in the Business School is furthering its success, something I am very proud of.”

Professor Lara Cathcart

Professor of Finance, Imperial Business School

Afrey Edes, Executive Director of Faculty Services and Space at the Business School, received the Medal in recognition of over two decades of transformative leadership in operational excellence, innovation, and strategic space planning. Since joining Imperial in 1996, Afrey has played a key role in the growth and development of the Business School, most notably leading on the design and delivery of space innovation initiatives.

Acknowledging her journey at Imperial, Afrey said: “Cross-disciplinary collaboration has always been essential, working with teams in Estates, ICT, student representatives and academic faculty has enabled us to do something genuinely transformative. Receiving this award is both a personal milestone and a testament to the incredible teamwork that defines Imperial.”

Afrey’s leadership was especially vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she swiftly adapted campus facilities for multi-mode learning, enabling high-quality hybrid teaching for thousands of ��ý.

Recognising Afrey's commitment to the Business School community, Peter said, “Afrey’s calm, pragmatic approach, deep institutional knowledge, and unwavering dedication to Imperial’s mission make her a highly respected and valued colleague. It is a privilege to recognise her contributions tonight with the Imperial College Medal."

Reflecting on her work leading space design and pandemic adaptations, Afrey added: “I feel honoured to be recognised by Imperial for my contribution, it’s a moment of immense pride and reflection, which I’m very grateful for. Throughout my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a number of different roles and contribute in many ways to the outstanding growth of the Business School.”

Her forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of institutional needs have helped shape an environment where both ��ý and staff can thrive.

Professor Cathcart affirms that this recognition is a testimony to the Imperial legacy: “It is the pursuit of scientific advancement, and the quantitative unity of all disciplines, that fosters the ecosystem of research, innovation and education at the Business School and Imperial at large.”

Together, Professor Cathcart and Afrey Edes exemplify the values of Imperial—excellence, innovation, and commitment to the greater academic community—and their lasting legacies continue to shape the future of the institution.

“Thinking about the student and staff experience has been at the heart of all the projects I’ve worked on, creating spaces that are inclusive, adaptable and innovative. ”

Afrey A Edes

Executive Director of Faculty Services and Space Planning

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Outstanding contributions to finance education, operational excellence, and inclusive growth recognised

Professor Lara Cathcart (left) and Afrey A Edes (right) receiving the Imperial Medal from Professor Hugh Brady | ��ý

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IB African Business Careers Club wins prestigious debate at Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference

Shamita Harsh — Wed, 28 May 2025 14:19:56 +0000

IB African Business Careers Club wins prestigious debate at Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference

Shamita Harsh Wed, 28/05/2025 - 14:19

22 July 2026 News

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29 May 2025

The IB African Business Careers Club has claimed a remarkable victory at the 11th Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference, one of the most influential student-led forums exploring Africa’s evolving global role. Held on 9–10 May 2025, the conference brought over 250 delegates to Cambridge, offering sharp insights into African development beyond traditional narratives.

Competing in the Inter-University Africa Debate, Imperial’s team triumphed over rivals from Cambridge, Oxford, and LSE, arguing the motion: “This House Believes Foreign Investment Is Deepening Inequality and Dependency in Africa.” The motion was rooted in the Ichikowitz Family Foundation's African Youth Survey 2024, which revealed that 72 per cent of African youth believe foreign investors exploit the continent's natural resources for their own benefit.

This year’s theme, "The Flames of the Big Four, Shining with Many More", challenges conventional thinking around African investment patterns. While Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt – the "Big Four" – still attract the lion’s share of foreign direct investment (FDI) and venture capital, the theme spotlights the growing momentum and untapped potential across a broader range of African nations.

Imperial’s winning team included researchers Michel Akylangongo, Ejiro Onwo and Itai Dzinotyiwei alongside debaters Emmanuel Thomas and Maazu Bayuoni, who was also awarded the Best Speaker title. Their victory marks a major moment of recognition for the Club’s commitment to championing rigorous, Africa-focused dialogue on the world stage.

“Our mission as a Careers Club is to foster the collaboration with the robust academic network that Imperial Business School provides. It means a lot to win against some of the best universities in the UK. We debated Oxford earlier this year and lost. This win is a testament to our growth, discipline, and team effort.”
Michel Akylangongo, the Club's president.

The IB African Business Careers Club is a student-led group committed to connecting African ��ý to career opportunities and deeper engagement with the continent’s business and political landscape.

The event was judged by an influential panel that included Botswana’s Vice President, Ndaba Gaolathe; African Union Youth Envoy, Madam Chido Mpemba; and Mr. Ivor Ichikowitz, Chairman of the Ichikowitz Family Foundation.

Maazu Bayuoni, the lead debater, credits their success to a structured, evidence-based strategy. He said, “We focused on building a clear and measurable framework to assess whether FDI leads to inequality and dependency. The idea was to frame the argument intelligently, using a calculated approach we’ve learned at Imperial."

Maazu cited Professor Tim Weiss’ elective “Shaping Frontier Markets” as key to developing his perspective, “The class gave me the analytical lens to ask: who is value being created for, and how is it distributed in emerging markets? My academic learning, practical experience in impact investing, and lived experience on the continent helped our team challenge oversimplified narratives around foreign investment and inequality with a more nuanced, data-driven view.”

“This victory shows that our voices as African ��ý matter,” Michel added.

“It also reflects Imperial’s identity – where science means business – and how we apply intelligent thinking to real-world problems," said Maazu.

The team presented the trophy to Dean Peter Todd, commemorating their win and continuing to raise the profile of African voices within the Business School and beyond.

“It was a pleasure to host the IB African Business Careers Club and congratulate them on nudging out such eminent competition to win the Inter-University Africa Debate. Their trophies are now on proud display in the Business School, having been kindly presented to us by the club members,” the Dean said.

Looking ahead, the team hopes to see more institutional support for student-led initiatives like theirs. “Why can’t we host an African Business Summit right here at Imperial?” Maazu asked. “There are incredibly successful African alumni who could help shape important conversations about frontier markets. Imperial is the future – and we want to be part of how it leads.”

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IB African Business Careers Club claimed top honours at the Cambridge Africa Together Conference, defeating Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE in a landmark debate on foreign investment in Africa.

Main image: Students from IB African Business Careers Club with Dean Peter Todd | Imperial Business School

3 minute read

Imperial Business School achieves 91% average positivity score in National Student Survey

Lou Lee — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:15:24 +0000

Imperial Business School achieves 91% average positivity score in National Student Survey

Lou Lee Mon, 14/04/2025 - 10:15

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The results, published yesterday, also show the School scoring above 90 per cent in five of the seven themes assessed.

The NSS is an official, UK-wide survey that invites final-year undergraduate ��ý to share their feedback on their programme and institution.

Strong undergraduate experience

This is the first year Imperial Business School has appeared in the NSS. The survey results reflect the strength of the undergraduate student experience across programmes at the School, and the close collaboration between staff and ��ý in shaping it.

With an impressive 86 per cent reported response rate, the results offer a meaningful reflection of ��ý’ views, providing the School with a strong benchmark as it looks to build on this debut appearance.

Student voice a standout result

Among the highlights of this year's results, Imperial Business School is particularly proud of its score for Student Voice, which reached 93.6 per cent. This result speaks to the genuine partnership fostered between the School and its ��ý.

“These results are particularly special as we prepare to graduate the first cohort from our first, full undergraduate programme, BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science. These ��ý have not just studied this degree, they have helped shape it, and that partnership is something we will continue to nurture.”

Professor Peter Todd

Dean of Imperial Business School

Looking ahead

All Imperial Business School responses have been included in the NSS's Business Studies category for this year; from next year, its BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science will move into the Economics category, better reflecting the nature of the programme.

As the School continues to grow and welcomes new cohorts to its undergraduate programmes, these results provide an encouraging and exciting foundation, demonstrating Imperial Business School is not only delivering a world-class education, but doing so in a way that resonates with its ��ý.

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In its debut appearance in the National Student Survey (NSS), Imperial Business School earns a 91 per cent average positivity score – with excellent results for student voice

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Imperial Business School ��ý pitch to investors at London Tech Week

Lou Lee — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:15:24 +0000

Imperial Business School ��ý pitch to investors at London Tech Week

Lou Lee Mon, 14/04/2025 - 10:15

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18 June 2026

London Tech Week, held from 8-12 June, is the UK’s premier destination for innovation, collaboration and growth in the tech sector. Imperial’s stand showcased the university’s world-leading research, breakthrough ventures and growing innovation ecosystem through WestTech London, with strong involvement from Imperial Business School alongside Imperial Global, the School of Convergence Science, Lifelong Learning, and wider innovation partners. Together, teams championed how Imperial works with businesses, investors and partners to translate scientific discovery into real-world impact.

As part of the week, student founders from the MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management (IEM) programme presented at the annual IEM Demo Day – a fringe event that brought together early-stage founders, alumni, investors and the wider London start-up ecosystem.

The Demo Day marked the culmination of a year-long programme in which ��ý develop and refine their ventures, pitching live to a panel of judges and audience of industry professionals.

Tanushri Bhuruk, winner of the IEM Demo Day £1,000 cash grant prize, pitched Enso, a mental health app that helps users better understand their emotions through guided journaling and connect with suitable therapists. The app is already live on the App Store with users across five countries.

Tanushri said: “Presenting my startup was a genuine privilege. Enso came from a personal experience, so to stand in front of such a talented group of founders and have it recognised meant a lot. Winning the prize gave me a real push to keep building with even more energy - proof that what we’re building has an impact beyond just us.”

“There was a palpable energy in the room. For those pitching, this was the moment they moved from being ��ý with an idea to becoming true entrepreneurial teams.”

Andrew Humphries

Entrepreneur in Residence and Module Lead for MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management (IEM)

Throughout London Tech Week, IEM ��ý also engaged directly with investors, founders and partners at the Imperial stand, presenting their ventures and receiving feedback from across the start-up community. For many, it was their first chance to test ideas in a live, high-profile innovation environment.

Reflecting on the experience, Andrew highlighted the importance of communication in early-stage entrepreneurship: “I’m constantly surprised by the power of storytelling and creating both an emotional connection and a commercial rationale with an audience. When something is being judged on just a five-minute pitch, you never quite know who will win – and even if you don’t win on the day, you may meet someone who helps move you towards your goals.”

Students gained valuable insights from engaging with industry experts during the week, with many describing the experience as a key moment in developing their ventures beyond the classroom.

Guglielmo Cimolai, an MSc Artificial Intelligence Applications and Innovation student, said: “For me, the best part was the conversations I had in those three days, surrounded by amazing founders building genuinely hard things. I’m thankful to everyone who stopped by to challenge our thinking.”

Solenn Sandberg, an MSc IEM student who reached the final stages of judging, said: “What made this experience even more special for me is that this is an idea I have carried with me for twelve years. What started as a childhood dream became something I had the opportunity to develop.”

The IEM Demo Day and London Tech Week activities form part of Imperial Business School’s wider experiential learning approach, giving ��ý hands-on opportunities to develop, test and scale ventures in real-world settings.

Andrew described the value of these experiences in helping ��ý transform ideas into real ventures: “This is often when something moves from concept to reality. Talking to potential customers and investors, meeting incubators and accelerators, and stress-testing ideas with experienced voices is what makes the difference.

By embedding student founders within major innovation events like London Tech Week, Imperial Business School continues to strengthen its role in developing entrepreneurial talent and supporting the next generation of start-ups.

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Student founders from Imperial Business School’s MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management programme showcased their ventures to investors, innovators and industry leaders at one of the UK's leading technology events.

Imperial's London Tech Week stand at Olympia London

3 minute read

Imperial’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

Shamita Harsh — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:15:24 +0000

Imperial’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

Shamita Harsh Mon, 14/04/2025 - 10:15

22 July 2026 News

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16 March 2026

Imperial Business School has once again been recognised as one of the world’s leading providers of online business education, with its Global Online MBA ranked second globally and first in the UK in the latest Financial Times Online MBA Ranking. This year’s result is particularly notable as the ranking has expanded from 15 schools last year to 20 institutions globally.

The programme also rose to first place worldwide for salary three years after graduation, with alumni reporting an average salary of $253,733. The School retained its position as first in the world for international faculty, while the proportion of female ��ý improved significantly, rising to sixth place globally from twelfth last year. Imperial also strengthened its position in the FT’s research ranking, moving up to second place from third.

These indicators reflect the Business School’s commitment to combining rigorous academic research with an inclusive and globally connected learning environment.

The Global Online MBA is designed for ambitious professionals seeking to develop leadership skills while continuing their careers. Delivered part-time through Imperial’s dedicated digital learning platform, the programme blends cutting-edge technology with collaborative, interactive learning.

Within this online environment, a diverse global cohort engages with world-class faculty and industry experts. The platform integrates lectures, discussions, simulations and group projects, encouraging ��ý to challenge established thinking and apply insights to real-world business challenges.

The Financial Times ranking is based largely on alumni outcomes, including salary progression, career development and overall satisfaction with the programme. As a result, the achievements of Imperial’s Global Online MBA reflect not only the strength of the curriculum but also the success of its graduates.

Responses to the FT’s alumni survey highlighted the calibre, career progress and professional impact of Imperial graduates. Their achievements continue to strengthen the programme’s global reputation and reinforce its position among the world’s leading online MBA offerings.

The results demonstrate the value of sustained investment in digital learning innovation. The Global Online MBA represents a key element of Imperial’s strategy to expand access to high-quality business education through flexible, technology-enabled teaching.

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Work with Imperial MSc ��ý to solve real business challenges

Shamita Harsh — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:15:24 +0000

Work with Imperial MSc ��ý to solve real business challenges

Shamita Harsh Mon, 14/04/2025 - 10:15

22 July 2026 News

Exploring new frontiers at the Africa Innovates Conference 2026

15 July 2026 News

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14 July 2026 News

Celebrating the Dean’s Community Award winners

26 February 2026

Imperial Business School is inviting organisations to collaborate with its talented ��ý through the MSc Group Consulting Projects, a flagship experiential learning programme running from June to July 2026. The initiative offers businesses a unique opportunity to tackle strategically important challenges while gaining fresh, research-driven insights, free of charge.

The programme allows organisations to partner with a dedicated team of MSc ��ý for four to five weeks. Student teams conduct in-depth research, analyse data and deliver practical, evidence-based recommendations tailored to each organisation’s needs.

"Organisations benefit from working closely with the next generation of business leaders - driven individuals who bring curiosity, analytical rigour and strong commercial awareness to real-world issues,” says James Eteen, Academic Director of MSc Management and Senior Teaching Fellow.

Connecting fresh perspectives with real impact

Students are drawn from seven MSc programmes, including Management, Strategic Marketing, Business Analytics, and Global Health Management, ensuring a strong match between academic expertise and business needs.

In previous years, student projects focused on open-ended, real-world business issues ranging from developing business and marketing strategies to tackling analytical challenges using internal datasets. Common themes have also included research to support innovation, evaluating the impact of emerging technologies, and developing entrepreneurial ventures. The programme welcomes projects from businesses of all sizes, spanning from startups to global corporations, across a wide range of sectors, including:

consulting
finance
energy
healthcare
technology
media
telecommunications
fast-moving consumer goods
not-for-profit organisations

Alumni-led collaboration that delivers value

For many organisations, the programme is also a way to reconnect with Imperial’s global alumni network. Ghassan El Darazi, Principal at Kearney and alumnus of the MSc Management (2014-15), participated in a recent project and highlights its impact: “Imperial has made a huge impact on my personal and professional career. Collaborating with the Business School allowed us to work with fresh, curious minds and explore new perspectives on a meaningful challenge. The team delivered a rich, research-backed analysis full of actionable insights, and it’s something we’ll continue to use.”

He adds: “Bringing together people with different ways of thinking and a willingness to dig deep turned a complex brief into something far richer. I would absolutely encourage other alumni and organisations to get involved.”

Collaborating with the Business School allowed us to bring together people with different ways of thinking and a willingness to dig deep turned a complex brief into something far richer.
Ghassan El Darazi, Principal at Kearney and alumnus of the MSc Management (2014-15)

Solving for real-world challenges

Sebastian Varela-Garcia, Senior Manager at BIP UK, has been a keen advocate for collaboration with universities and endorses working with Imperial’s community: “Each project we’ve undertaken has had a clear commercial dimension, leading to tangible outcomes, whether through internal developments or solutions applied directly with our clients. Since 2020, every year has produced results we’ve been able to build on and put into practice.”

He adds: “These projects reaffirm that collaboration with institutions like Imperial acts as a real accelerator. The biggest takeaway is the power of working collectively to address challenges, rather than approaching them in isolation.”

Participating companies frequently note that the quality of commendations rivals those of professional consulting firms, while also creating a direct connection to the next generation of business leaders. Many go on to build lasting relationships with Imperial, using the projects as a pipeline for future talent and collaboration.

How to get involved?

The process starts with identifying a suitable business challenge that requires resolution and submitting a project brief. The deadline for submitting project briefs is Monday, 30 March 2026.

Submissions will be reviewed and matched to an appropriate MSc programme. Students will then bid for the projects, which are reviewed by internal academic panels, to find suitable alignment with interests and skills. At the end of the project, ��ý get an opportunity to present their final recommendations to a panel comprising academic assessors and company representatives.

This is your chance to participate in a strategic, no-cost way to solve your business challenges that can spark meaningful business impact.

Please note that this is a competitive process, and although we strive to match all briefs, we cannot guarantee that a student group will be assigned to every project submission.

Find out more about the MSc Consulting Project

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Main image: Imperial Business School | Jason Alden

3 minute read

Women in tech: why I chose the Full-Time MBA at Imperial Business School

Rebecca Pike — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Women in tech: why I chose the Full-Time MBA at Imperial Business School

Rebecca Pike Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

27 May 2026 Student blog

The ROI of an Imperial MBA: what I learned from the Chile Global Experience Week

Imperial’s Global Experience Week offers ��ý a chance to gain real-world experience, applying their learnings to global business challenges. As Naman Goyal reflects, the growth that takes place on these trips is long-lasting and impactful.

1 May 2026 Student blog

What I didn’t expect from Imperial’s Full-Time MBA programme

From leading a Careers event to connecting with industry experts and gaining experience through the Student Investment Fund, Sushrut Deo explores the value of engaging with experiences beyond the Full-Time MBA curriculum.

6 February 2026 Student blog

From Bilaspur, India to London: building my global business outlook at Imperial Business School

For Full-Time MBA student Shivangi Tiwari, the move from Bilaspur, India to London has opened doors to a diverse international network, practical business education and exposure to the UK’s thriving innovation ecosystem.

4 September 2025

Student blog

At Imperial Business School, we believe that diversity plays an essential part in shaping the future of business and technology. For women working in the tech industry, building networks and supportive communities is especially valuable and is something that we actively encourage on our MBA programmes. In this blog, we hear from Sofia Baldomir, one of our Full-Time MBA Class of 2025 ��ý, as she shares how her background in tech, combined with the opportunities available at Imperial – from collaboration with Imperial’s STEM faculties to Career focused clubs – has helped her to grow as a leader in tech innovation.

Choosing Imperial: a natural next step in tech leadership

My experience in an AI consulting company deepened my interest in the role technology plays in driving business growth and social impact. I’ve seen firsthand how technology is reshaping industries, unlocking new opportunities and improving lives. But to make a bigger impact in the industry, I knew I needed to expand my leadership skills and broaden my understanding of business strategies across different industries.

When I decided to pursue a Full-Time MBA, I wanted to immerse myself in an environment that would help me stay at the forefront of this innovation. Imperial Business School stood out to me because of its reputation for research and innovation, as well as its strong emphasis on STEM. The opportunity to engage with both tech experts and business leaders within the Business School’s dynamic environment felt like the perfect place to hone my skills.

Being awarded the Latin American Scholarship from Imperial Business School and the Chevening Scholarship from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office from the UK government further reinforced that this was the right move for me. I’m extremely honoured to have been selected by these two prestigious awards and given the opportunity to contribute to the Imperial community with knowledge from my background and experiences.

Learning from a diverse, collaborative community at Imperial

The collaboration between classmates has been excellent. Even before the programme officially began, many of us connected through Unibuddy. My Full-Time MBA cohort includes ��ý from a wide range of nationalities, industries and professional backgrounds, which has led to dynamic conversations and new ways of thinking.

The collaborative spirit of the programme goes beyond the classroom too. In one professional development session, we were asked to present a goal and identify the types of people we needed to connect with in order to achieve it. I was touched by how quickly my classmates offered support; it was a clear indication of Imperial’s collaborative nature.

This was further reinforced by networks like the Women in SET (Science, Engineering & Technology), which allows ��ý to connect with and advocate for women who have similar career ambitions in STEM.

And the wider Imperial community – including peers from engineering, data science and AI – has offered further invaluable learning opportunities. Projects like the Imperial Innovation Challenge allow ��ý to immerse themselves in cutting-edge advancements that are shaping the future of business and helps to sharpen problem-solving skills and deepen understanding of tech applications across various industries.

Empowering future female leaders in the tech industry

I believe that self-knowledge and self-awareness are key to becoming a successful leader. And whilst the tech industry continues to be a male-dominated field, it is an area full of opportunity for women ready to lead and innovate.

Through Imperial’s LEADS initiative (Leadership, Ethics, Awareness, Diversity, Society), I’ve had the chance to gain a deeper understanding of my personal leadership style and how to inspire others effectively. Understanding our individual strengths and areas for development in terms of leadership capability is essential for excelling in the business environment.

Taking the lead through the Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) Club

A particularly rewarding experience has been serving as President of the Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) Club. Career Clubs play a central role in the student experience at Imperial and offer an opportunity to take on leadership roles and grow professionally outside of the classroom.

My involvement in the TMT Club has allowed me to connect with ��ý from other programmes who also share a passion for technology and innovation. Collaborating on events that bring together peers and industry professionals has been a brilliant way to learn directly from leaders in the field. As a growing European tech hub, London also offers unparalleled access to innovative companies and cutting-edge developments that we can access through the Club.

Advice for future female tech leaders

For women working in the tech industry who may be about to embark on their MBA journey or are considering studying a Full-time MBA, my advice is simple: trust yourself.

The path you’ve taken in tech is valuable and your experiences are unique. The diversity and inclusivity of Imperial Business School means that every perspective has value, so embrace what makes you stand out. An MBA can provide space to expand on those strengths and gain new perspectives.
Engage with alumni, student clubs and networks like the Women in SET and TMT Club – these resources are designed to help you grow, build confidence and connect with other ��ý who will support you on your professional journey.
Collaborate with those around you. I’ve been amazed by the willingness of everyone to share their insights and experiences, and that’s a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Business School.

Discover more about our programme

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Programme

My journey from AI and Fintech to an MBA

4 minute read

How Imperial's MSc Management opened doors for me

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

How Imperial's MSc Management opened doors for me

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

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Eleni Ziaka graduated from our MSc Management programme in 2023, and since then has gone on to work for a leading independent provider of global energy and commodity market intelligence.

In this blog, Eleni reflects on her time at Imperial Business School, and how her experience on the programme has helped transform her into a confident business professional who is putting her skills into practice in her new career pursuits. She sheds a light on the networking opportunities and career support she received from Imperial, as well the structure of the MSc Management programme.

There are so many reasons why I will keep MSc Management close to my heart. From friendships that will last for a lifetime, to skills I never thought I’d develop to this level, and to the overall confidence it gave me to start my career path and startup. The professors are still an incredible support, and the alumni are always here to help. Imperial creates an environment where everyone feels like family and is here to help you succeed.

From biomedical sciences to business

I come from a biomedical sciences background, with work experience in clinical trials. When I started working after my bachelor’s degree, I realised how much I loved the project management side of my work and I was constantly thinking of startup ideas I would like to pursue.

After some research, I became convinced that MSc Management at Imperial Business School would greatly benefit me because of the incomparable connections and like-minded ��ý.

How I found the shift to studying business

The programme was very well structured, which made it easy for ��ý like me who did not have a business background.

I’m very happy to have been introduced to accounting and economics as it is incredibly useful in any role to understand this, but especially if you’re wanting to pursue a startup. Personally, my favourite module was Innovation Management, as it teaches you all the basics of a startup, from ideation to reality.

Expanding your network

At Imperial Business School, you don’t have to search for networking opportunities, they come to you!

From induction week, I knew how much focus Imperial gives to networking. During the first week, we had daily networking events between ��ý, alumni, industry specialists, and companies.

Throughout the year, and usually after class, we had guest industry specialists, companies and alumni visiting Imperial to talk to us about experiences and opportunities, with plenty of time afterward for networking.

Career support

The Careers Week was a chance to attend careers events and make connections. And the careers services were incredibly helpful with helping you to create a standout CV and cover letter, preparing you for assessment centres, and more.

I also joined a couple of mock assessment centres, where the team gave us constructive feedback after every session. This helped me understand what companies want to see, as well as learning more about tips and tricks to make me stand out as a candidate. I was very lucky to use everything that I learned in the assessment centre.

Utilising my skills in the workplace

Through all the group projects and classes, I gained confidence in presenting and speaking in front of many people. This helped in my academic journey and has also made me a confident speaker at my current workplace, thus opening up more opportunities.

It also helped me succeed in my interview for my current job. I received really positive feedback on my presentation skills.

What I've been up to since graduating

Since graduating, I’ve been working as a Marketing Executive in a graduate programme at Argus Media. Since realising that lab-based jobs weren’t the right fit for me, I found that the commodities sector is an interesting sector to be involved in and learn more about.

The end goal for me, though, is to create a startup. I am trying to gather all the knowledge and connections that I can in order to succeed.

At Imperial Business School, I was lucky to immediately click with my first team group. Not only did we work well, but we’ve ended up working together on a startup project. I am fortunate to have an amazing group of friends who still work alongside each other today with the prospect of creating something amazing.

My advice to other ��ý

Imperial Business School is a top school that will open thousands of doors for your future. From unparalleled courses and incredible professors to connections that will last a lifetime. You will finish your course feeling confident with your skills, and you will become part of the Imperial family.

Management