Strength Through Innovation: Insights from the 2024 Munk One Case Competition

Each year, the Munk One Case Competition features two days of innovative problem-solving, tightly-knit teamwork, and celebration of the fantastic presentations put together by the Munk Ones. With only 24 hours, a small group of classmates, and (more often than not) late-night brainstorming sessions, students embark on a dynamic journey to research, design, and pitch a solution relating to a different topic each year. This year’s thematic focus continued the competition’s tradition of spotlighting local advocacy and real-world issues, centering on improving the Toronto Police Service. Tasked with proposing solutions to address systemic racism and undue use of force in addition to refining crisis responses within TPS operations, every team rose swiftly and confidently to the challenge. 

All four teams in this year’s competition came prepared with well-researched ideas to the presentation segment. Representing a diverse range of multi-disciplinary considerations, the solutions pitched included educational initiatives to reduce the strain on the police force, risk reduction resources, new approaches to drug policy, and a framework focusing on sexual crisis assistance resources. This year’s teams presented before a panel of judges representing expertise across sectors including the administrative governance of law enforcement, civilian-led mental health advocacy, and academic research in mental health and addictions interventions.

Each proposal was truly all-around amazing—evident in the judging panel’s decision to name two winners instead of the usual one! One of the winning teams, IMPACT, designed an approach to inspire mentorship and police advocacy for community transformation. The team took a deep dive into previous successful initiatives across the world to shape their unique solution. The second winning team pitched a plan to reform Toronto’s drug policy, aiming to reduce police violence alongside a drug decriminalization framework. Overall, every proposal outlined innovative changes supported by extensive research and analysis. 

Apart from the impressive, innovative solutions designed by each team, the case competition is fondly appreciated across the Munk One Program for the unique opportunity it provides Munk Ones to bond amongst their cohort and get to know one another better. 

Calleigh, one of this year’s case competition winners, noted the difference of the event from day-to-day Munk One classes. “I really enjoyed the chance to connect and work closely with classmates I might not have otherwise had the opportunity to collaborate with. Exploring unfamiliar issues for the pitch was another exciting aspect of the experience.” Eno, part of a different winning team, similarly appreciated the teamwork that went into a very engaging and successful competition: “We each had unique strengths to contribute, perspectives to share, and the ability to empower one another.” 

The ideation process is, of course, not without obstacles and challenges of its own. Eno further explained that although the team was looking to narrow their topic and focus from the outset, it was a move much easier said than done. Combined with the competition’s short timeframe, it really makes for a tricky first few hours.

“The 24-hour time crunch was a novel experience. The time crunch made me perpetually self-conscious about every decision…” In retrospect, reflects Eno, “some of that stress was imagined.”

At the end of the competition, each team walked away with takeaways from their successes and learning experiences alike. Sharing advice for future Munk Ones, Calleigh and Eno each highlighted very insightful reminders. 

Emphasizing the importance of balancing a creative solution with feasible planning, Calleigh mentioned the holistic considerations crucial to a strong solution. “While it’s tempting to propose something highly novel, make sure your solution is realistic and aligns with the constraints of the case competition prompt.”

On the other hand, Eno’s insights reflected tried and true strategies for presenting an articulate and eloquent proposal: “Sleep enough to show up the following day as your best version; prepare for questions (and delicious catering) after the presentation. I’d say not to underestimate the value of effective slide decking—the medium is the message!”

As a legacy gift from Munk One alumni to future cohorts, the event is largely shaped by the mentorship of program alumni. During the competition, teams took advantage of the chance to consult upper-year students and incorporate suggestions to strengthen their proposals. The organization of the Case Competition is undertaken by a group of Munk Two volunteers each year, who—along with the competitors—walk away with new insights as well. 

Amelia, Munk One alumni and organizer for the case competition, commented on the students’ inspiring teamwork from a facilitator’s perspective: “ I enjoyed seeing this year's cohort work together to overcome hurdles and challenges. I think collaboration is such an integral part of the program, and it was great to see this year's students in action!”

Additionally, she highlighted the role played by alumni in shaping the dynamic student experiences of the Munk One Program. “Being in a leadership role now, a year after being a Munk One myself, was a bit nostalgic… I was hoping to foster the same challenging yet fun learning environment for this year's cohort.”

Huge thanks and kudos are in order to the organizing team of Amelia, Jaelin, Theo, and Zach; without whom this year’s case competition would not have been possible! From the careful curation of the students’ case guide to the dedicated mentorship and support of the teams during the competition, the organizing team has contributed another incredibly successful and meaningful event to the books. Their work was instrumental in bringing out the best in our Munk Ones, giving them an exciting chance to apply their learning to meaningful community advocacy and change.