Future Entrepreneurs Shine: Max Students Excel at 2025 MEC Competition

From July 29 to July 31, 2025, the Model Entrepreneur® Competition (MEC) was held in Tokyo, Japan, bringing together outstanding high school students from around the world for an intense two-day entrepreneurial challenge. Representing Max Education, the “Sweet Tooth” team advanced from the preliminary rounds to the finals, ultimately ranking in the top 7 and receiving unanimous praise from the judges. Their success earned them a group award of $2,600 and official certificates — a proud moment for both the students and their mentors. Congratulations to the team!

Sweet Tooth team members and judge

What is the MEC Business Competition?

The Model Entrepreneur® Competition (MEC) is an international business competition designed for high school students. Jointly founded by Columbia Business School’s Venture For All® and IEG Global Association, MEC aims to cultivate core skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

Highlights of the Competition:

1. Real-World Business Simulation

   Participants act as real entrepreneurs, conducting market research, designing products, building business models, planning finances, and submitting a complete business plan.

   
   

2. Expert Guidance

   Even during the preliminary rounds, students receive professional feedback and mentorship from Columbia University professors and Venture For All® club members.

   
   

3. Global Stage

   Finalists represent different countries and compete in high-level debates, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and global perspective.

   
   

4. Impressive Rewards

   Winning teams receive startup funds, scholarships for official courses at prestigious U.S. universities, and invitations to global finals.

   
   

   Sweet Tooth team product "Brush Sense" product commercial

   
   
   
   

   

   Sweet Tooth member Henry Yang and team supporter

   
   
   
   

Why MEC Matters:

• Builds Business Skills:

  Enhances students’ abilities in analysis, teamwork, and public speaking.

  
  

• Simulates the Entrepreneurial Journey:

  Offers an immersive experience of launching a business, sparking a deeper interest in entrepreneurship.

  
  

• Boosts College Applications:

  Participation adds a competitive edge for students applying to top U.S. universities, especially in business-related fields.

In essence, MEC is a “mini MBA” experience tailored for high school students.

Lambert Lin and the actress for the commercial Calie

One of the team members, Callie, also starred in their business promotional video — her adorable reaction upon hearing the results was priceless!

Sweet Tooth members with the judge and the little actress Calie

About the Sweet Tooth Team:

The U.S.-based “Sweet Tooth” team featured talented students from Sage Hill School, JSerra Catholic High School, Army and Navy Academy, and Villanova Preparatory School. Through dedicated preparation and strategic execution, they outperformed 20+ competing teams, breaking into the top 7 and earning high praise from professors at Harvard Business School and Columbia University alike.

Kudos again to these exceptional students for their remarkable achievement!

Group picture in front of the Hitotsubashi Hall