Menlo College Students Win 2026 Global Scaling Challenge, Extend Four-Year Dominance Posted on April 7, 2026April 7, 2026 by George Retelas ATHERTON, Calif. — Continuing a semester filled with standout student achievements on national and international stages, Menlo College has once again claimed the top spot in the Global Scaling Challenge. On Friday, a team of Menlo students took first place in the 2026 competition, reclaiming their 2025 global title and extending the College’s remarkable four-year winning streak. Filippo Sernesi Gori, Oliver Richard, and Nays Seck. The Global Scaling Challenge brings together top universities from around the world to solve complex growth and scaling challenges for real-world, high-growth companies. Competing against a formidable international field, Menlo’s undergraduate students once again rose above the competition, outperforming even graduate-level teams to secure the No. 1 position. Professor Fabian Eggers. This year’s winning team is Filippo Sernesi Gori, Oliver Richard, and Nays Seck. They demonstrated exceptional strategic thinking and a deep understanding of global business dynamics. Guided by faculty mentor Professor Fabian Eggers, the team delivered a professional and compelling presentation that earned high praise from a panel of industry judges. In addition to the global title, the team was awarded a $9,000 cash prize, further underscoring the significance of their achievement. Nays Seck. Filippo Sernesi Gori. Oliver Richard. “This victory is a testament to the caliber of our students and the dedication of our faculty in preparing them to lead in a global economy,” said Steven Weiner, President of Menlo College. “Our students consistently demonstrate the Menlo spirit of innovation, resilience, and practical problem-solving.” The winning team walks through campus. Menlo College’s sustained success in the competition is especially notable given the level of competition. For four consecutive years, Menlo undergraduates have competed against and surpassed teams from universities of all sizes, including graduate programs from leading institutions worldwide. Filippo Sernesi Gori, Oliver Richard, Nays Seck, and Professor Fabian Eggers. At the heart of this achievement is Menlo’s distinctive approach to business education, which blends rigorous academics with hands-on, experiential learning. Through close faculty mentorship and real-world application, students develop the skills and confidence needed to tackle complex global business challenges. This latest victory not only highlights the strength of Menlo’s academic programs and faculty scholarship, but also reinforces the College’s position as a leader in applied business education and global competitiveness. Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College: Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Menlo College Excels in Global Scaling Challenge, Securing 2nd Place Posted on May 13, 2024April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick Menlo College proudly secured 2nd place in the recent Global Scaling Challenge hosted by the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico on April 26-27, 2024. This competition provided a platform for student teams worldwide to address real-world scaling needs in an immersive online format. Participants, focused on consulting for three innovative space-tech startups, were tasked with devising strategies to propel their operations to a global scale. Menlo College’s team diligently crafted tailored recommendations, aimed at fostering sustainable growth and technological advancement within the space sector. Under the exceptional leadership of Professor Fabian Eggers, Menlo’s dedicated business students showcased remarkable talent and strategic acumen, maintaining the institution’s tradition of success in national competitions. Among 29+ competing universities globally, Menlo distinguished itself through innovative solutions and collaborative teamwork. Javier Banson (Finance Major), Chloe Schnepf (Marketing Major), Julius Stiemer (Finance Major), and Sabrina Yahi (Accounting Major) demonstrated exceptional leadership and ingenuity throughout the challenge, earning accolades for their remarkable achievements. Each student will receive approximately $820 in cash prizes from the Global Scaling Challenge committee. Reflecting on their experience, Chloe Schnepf stated, “The Global Scaling Challenge is a renowned international competition, and I’m ecstatic to have been given this opportunity! After countless hours of dedicated work and impassioned discussions, our team successfully achieved our objectives.” Julius Stiemer added, “What lingers most vividly in my mind is the spirited debates we engaged in and our unwavering unity in achieving our goals. Our team brilliantly secured second place in this global scaling challenge, showcasing our dedication and teamwork.” Menlo College extends its sincere congratulations to the winning team and expresses gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to the success of the Global Scaling Challenge. About Menlo College Menlo College, established in 1927, is a small, private, non-profit, and accredited residential college located in Atherton, California. It offers four-year undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as two graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Located in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative regions, Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.
