In the bustling heart of Manipal, where ambition hums through every hallway and dreams find their first wings, a spark of excitement lit the air. Conscendo 14.0, the annual business fest hosted by the UG council of Manipal School of Commerce and Economics, returned not just as an event but as a force of creativity, intellect, and competitive spirit.
For its 14th edition, 14 colleges and over 50 participants gathered in the newly built MSCE campus, which was transformed into a professional arena for the fest held on the 28th and 29th of October, 2025. Colleges arrived in teams of four, and contingents were put to the test through a series of challenging business cases, panel discussions, and presentations that measured their skill, logic, and strategic thinking. The cases spanned diverse fields — from finance, law, and geopolitics to history, human resources, marketing and even pop culture, with rounds inspired by Game of Thrones, all woven together to test one thing above all: sharp business acumen.
Student Judging Panel
Themed around the “Black Market,” this edition of Conscendo redefined traditional business competitions. Participants were asked to think beyond rules and conventions, to navigate uncertainty, take bold decisions, and discover how creativity thrives when risk and ethics collide. It wasn’t about profit alone; it was about survival, wit, and the courage to think differently.
Across two action-packed days, the campus transformed into a battleground of ideas. Classrooms became boardrooms, and corridors echoed with intense discussions, spontaneous laughter, and last-minute strategy changes. Teams tackled unpredictable market twists, surprise mergers, and even the occasional “under-the-table” deal, all in keeping with the fest’s thrilling theme.
One of the most memorable moments was the Final Round, where participants had to convince an underworld “don” why their cartel was the best. The mix of creativity, theatrics, and business insight kept both the judges and audience completely engrossed. Every round demanded a balance of storytelling, logic, and strategy, making the experience both challenging and unforgettable.
Behind the success of Conscendo 14.0 lay nearly a month of relentless preparation. Students, faculty mentors, and organizers worked together to conceptualize the theme, plan the rounds, handle logistics, and coordinate with participants. Their efforts brought together 14 dynamic teams that made this edition truly memorable. Among the participating colleges were TAPMI, RV College, Bengaluru, KLE Hubballi, SDM College, Mangaluru, and MIT, Bengaluru who were in a thrilling race to lift the trophy.
After an intense competition, RV College, Bengaluru emerged as the winners, while KLE Hubballi finished as runners-up.
Winners, RV College Bengaluru
As the curtains drew to a close with the valedictory ceremony, the applause filling the hall carried more than celebration. It carried pride in teamwork, creativity, learning, and the effort that turned an idea into an unforgettable experience.
Conscendo 14.0 was more than just a business fest. It was a reminder of what happens when ambition meets imagination and when Manipal once again proves that innovation truly thrives here.