Ravi K. Mehrotra Institute Discourse Competition

The Mehrotra Institute for Business, Markets & Society invites Boston University undergraduate students from across the University to apply for the Discourse Competition, a campus-wide challenge centered on thoughtful discussion, constructive disagreement, and some of the most complex issues facing business and society today. On Saturday, November 14, 16 teams of three to four students will spend the day exploring real-world topics at the intersection of business, markets, and society, from the gig economy to private equity. During a series of discussion rounds, teams will be paired together and assigned different perspectives on an issue. Rather than simply defending their own opinions, participants will be challenged to understand opposing viewpoints, respond thoughtfully to new arguments, and adapt their thinking as the conversation develops. Unlike a traditional mock debate, the goal is not to tear down the other side's argument or win through confrontation. Judges will evaluate teams on the strength of their reasoning, their ability to listen and respond, their intellectual flexibility, and their capacity to move a conversation toward something new. The competition is designed to encourage respectful, constructive discussion, rewarding students who can make a strong case while still taking another perspective seriously. Students from every BU undergraduate school and major are welcome to participate, and teams are encouraged to bring together different academic backgrounds and perspectives. The competition will feature 16 teams and $40,000 in total cash prizes, with judges and mentors drawn from business, law, policy, academia, and other fields. Following the November 14 tournament, six finalist teams will advance to the championship round on November 30, where they will reconvene for a live final held in front of the full SM131 class. Applications are open now and close October 16, 2026. Students interested in putting their reasoning, communication, and adaptability to the test are encouraged to assemble a team and apply.