A team of University of Maryland undergraduates, including a student from the Robert H. Smith School of Business, achieved an exceptional result at the International Business Ethics and Sustainability Competition (IBESCC), hosted by Loyola Marymount University (April 13–17, 2026).
Competing in the online division against 59 teams from 41 universities worldwide—including both undergraduate and graduate teams—UMD earned a rare clean sweep, taking first place in all three competition categories:
- 25-minute comprehensive business analysis
- 10-minute ethics-focused presentation
- 90-second sustainability elevator pitch
The interdisciplinary undergraduate team included Yashit Gulati (Finance, Smith School), Sofia Hasrat (Global Health, School of Public Health) and Vivian Maneval (Environmental Science, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences).
The team was advised by Niratcha (Grace) Tungtisanont, associate clinical professor in Logistics, Business and Public Policy, whose mentorship and guidance were instrumental throughout the preparation process.
“This was a remarkable performance,” Tungtisanont said. “The team’s preparation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and clarity of thinking set them apart across every competition format. Earning first place in all categories against such strong international competition is an extraordinary achievement.”
IBESCC brings together leading student teams from around the world to tackle complex business challenges through ethical, sustainability, legal and financial lenses, and “this outcome highlights the strength of Maryland’s collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach to education,” she added. “I’m incredibly proud of the UMD team’s innovative ideas, hard work, and commitment to advancing ethical and sustainable business practices.
Gulati added, "At Smith, being part of diverse teams taught me that the best ideas come from trusting each other's strengths and learning from different perspectives, which is exactly what helped our team succeed and learn so much from one another throughout this project."
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About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.