A burst of creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit — that’s what Master in Management and Master of Science students experienced during the 2026 edition of the International Entrepreneurship Challenge, a defining moment in their journey at MBS.

An Intense and Transformative Entrepreneurial Challenge

Last week, students immersed themselves in the world of innovation by taking part in the 2026 International Entrepreneurship Challenge. Over the course of three days, they worked in multidisciplinary teams to imagine, structure, and develop a startup concept that was viable, coherent, and capable of generating real impact.

Guided by a rigorous entrepreneurial methodology, they were tasked with turning an initial idea into a solid project — one that addressed a real need and could convince a demanding jury.

A Full Immersion in the Startup Creation Process

Throughout the seminar, students benefited from high‑quality support, including: • personalized coaching from expert mentors, • inspiring talks to fuel their thinking, • hands‑on workshops to refine their value proposition, business model, and strategy.

This collective dynamic enabled each participant to strengthen their creativity, learn to collaborate effectively, and develop a strong entrepreneurial mindset.

Ambitious Pitches Before a Panel of Professionals

The final day was dedicated to pitch sessions, during which teams presented their vision, startup concept, action plan, and the key levers needed to bring their project to life.

The juries — composed of faculty members and coaches — praised the quality of the presentations, the relevance of the ideas, and the students’ level of commitment.

An Experience That Reveals Talent and Sparks New Vocations

Organized with the support of the MBS Entrepreneurship Center (MBS 1.618), this event represents a major milestone in the development of students’ entrepreneurial skills. It highlights their ability to innovate, work under pressure, and transform an idea into a concrete project.

A heartfelt thank‑you to all coaches and speakers for their dedication, and congratulations to all students for their energy, creativity, and entrepreneurial drive.

For three days, second‑year Bachelor students took on a major challenge: designing an innovative, sustainable, and immediately actionable solution to address one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. An intense immersion at the crossroads of creativity, design thinking, and social impact.

A Collective Challenge Dedicated to Sustainable Development

The 2026 edition of the BIBA2 Hackathon brought together all second‑year students around a shared mission: imagining a concrete solution that responds to a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

Over the course of three days, teams explored, analyzed, and prototyped projects capable of offering real answers to social, environmental, or societal issues.

Guided by six committed coaches — Thomas Védrine, Camille Grandet, Olivier Rodriguez, Sandrine Viallet, Clarisse Gasset, and Laura Lecurieux‑Belfond — students had to make several strategic decisions:
• Which SDG to target
• Which problem to address
• Who the beneficiaries would be
• Which partners to involve
And above all… how to ensure their solution could be implemented in real life.

Diverse, Creative, and Meaningful Ideas

The projects showcased a remarkable diversity and a strong awareness of today’s major challenges. Among the themes explored:

• Mental health and well‑being
• Goods‑sharing and circular‑economy solutions
• Open‑kitchen concepts fostering social connection
• Environmental protection and waste reduction

All these initiatives shared a common ambition: to transform lifestyles and contribute positively, both on campus and within the wider community.

Beyond creativity, students were encouraged to meet with their stakeholders to better understand real needs and refine their proposals — a crucial step in grounding their projects in reality.

A Final Pitch to Convince a Demanding Jury

At the end of the three‑day challenge, the six finalist teams presented their mission, their six‑month action plan, and the resources required to bring their project to life.
The final pitch highlighted original, structured, and ambitious approaches. The winning projects were praised for their relevance, creativity, and potential impact.

A Transformative and Inspiring Experience

Congratulations to the winning teams for their inspiring ideas and commitment. A heartfelt thank‑you to the coaches and partners for their support and trust.

This hackathon once again reflects the school’s ambition to train the changemakers of tomorrow, capable of imagining sustainable solutions and turning them into concrete actions.

MBS School of Business confirms its position among the leading post-baccalaureate business schools in France. In the 2026 Bachelor’s rankings published by Le Figaro Étudiant, the School has climbed two places to reach 8th position nationwide, further strengthening its long-standing presence in the Top 10 management programmes in France.

MBS Moves Up in the 2026 Ranking of the Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Management

MBS School of Business has risen by two places in the 2026 edition of Le Figaro Étudiant’s Bachelor’s in Management ranking, now securing 8th place at the national level. This result confirms the positive momentum the School has built in recent years.

This progression comes in a context of intense competition among French business schools, with significant shifts in the 2026 ranking and extremely narrow score gaps between institutions in the Top 10.

The Le Figaro Étudiant ranking is a key reference for high school students and their families when making orientation choices.

A Ranking Based on Academic Excellence, International Outlook and Employability

The Le Figaro Étudiant Bachelor’s ranking is based on a range of indicators drawn in particular from public data sources (CEFDG, Parcoursup, graduate employment statistics). It relies on three main pillars:

• Academic Excellence: quality of teaching, state recognition, accreditations and admissions selectivity

• International Exposure: academic mobility, international partnerships and the presence of international students

• Employability: graduate employment outcomes, employment rates and links with companies

Together, these criteria aim to assess the overall quality of programmes and their ability to prepare students effectively for the job market.

A Strong Performance in a Highly Competitive Ranking

The 2026 edition stands out for the number of changes among institutions, reflecting an overall very high level of performance across business schools.

The extremely close results between Top 10 schools highlight both the competitiveness of the MBS Bachelor’s programme and its overall academic quality. The School’s rise in the ranking demonstrates the strength of its educational model and its growing attractiveness among students.

MBS: A Business School Rooted in Montpellier with a Strong International Focus

Located in Montpellier, in the heart of the Occitanie region, MBS School of Business benefits from a dynamic academic and economic environment.

The School’s location offers significant advantages to students, including:

• a growing regional economic ecosystem

• a highly attractive student city

• strong international exposure supported by the local environment

This strategic positioning further enhances the appeal of the MBS Bachelor’s programme for both French and international students wishing to study in the south of France.

A Strong Signal for Future Candidates

This national recognition sends a strong and positive signal to future candidates considering post-baccalaureate management programmes.

The 2026 ranking confirms MBS School of Business’s ability to train graduates who are immediately operational, internationally minded and well aligned with the expectations of today’s employers.

Yesterday, the International Relations team of MBS School of Business was delighted to welcome its Moroccan partner ENCG Marrakech on the Montpellier campus, represented by Dr. Mohamed Amine, Head of Research, Cooperation, Partnerships and Placements.

This visit was a valuable opportunity to review and further refine the existing progression pathways, in close collaboration with Xavier Rajot, Director of International Academic Partnerships, and Bérengère Vauterin, Progression Partnerships Coordinator. It also provided the opportunity to discuss the extension of our agreement to new flagship programmes, together with the Academic Directors of our Masters of Science and Master in Management, Dr. Moez Bennouri and Dr. Iliya Komarev.

Discussions also focused on the international student journey at MBS, with insightful exchanges led by our Incoming team specialists Vincent Fernandez, Shona Flaherty and Wei Salençon, highlighting support services and the overall student experience. The visit was also an opportunity to present ANIMA, the future MBS eco-campus, designed to meet the academic and sustainability challenges of tomorrow.

Above all, this meeting reinforced our shared ambition to build strong and lasting academic bridges between the Marrakech-Safi and Occitanie regions.

The school confirms its position among the top French management schools and stands out for the quality of its responsible engagement and global outlook.

A Ranking That Rewards Excellence

The Challenges ranking of the best French management schools has highlighted MBS, which ranks 10th for CSR and international criteria. This distinction confirms the relevance of the school’s strategy and the quality of its teaching, which is both innovative and responsible.

CSR: A Concrete and Recognized Commitment

MBS stands out for its integrated approach to corporate social responsibility. The school embeds these values in its programs, student projects, and partnerships, helping to train managers who are aware of social and environmental challenges. This recognition demonstrates the tangible impact of these initiatives in both academic and professional contexts.

International Outlook: A Major Strength

Internationalization of curricula and exchanges is also a key strength of MBS. Through academic partnerships, internships abroad, and a globally minded pedagogy, the school prepares its students to thrive in multicultural and global environments, enhancing both their employability and adaptability.

MBS School of Business is partnering with Hoping China Overseas Business School to launch an Executive Master’s in Strategic Management and Governance, a premium program designed for executives looking to expand their skills in an international environment.

A Major Academic Partnership Between France and China

MBS School of Business has announced a new, high-impact partnership with Hoping China Overseas Business School, marking a significant step forward in its international development.

At the heart of this collaboration is the launch in China of an Executive Master’s in Strategic Management and Governance, designed to support managers and executives as they evolve their leadership and management practices. The program is built on a balance of academic coursework, operational expertise, and international immersion.

A Premium Program to Develop a Global Strategic Vision

This new Executive Master’s program is intended for professionals who wish to strengthen their skills in strategy, leadership, and governance within a globalized context.

Through a learning approach that combines courses delivered by expert faculty and international seminars, participants will benefit from a rigorous and stimulating educational experience.

The program’s mission is clear: to train leaders capable of understanding today’s challenges, driving organizational transformation, and creating a lasting impact within their professional environment.

MBS School of Business continues its upward trajectory on the European stage, climbing 12 places in the 2025 Financial Times ranking of the best European business schools. This achievement highlights the quality of its programs—from the Master in Management to Executive Education—and strengthens the school’s international appeal.

A Remarkable Rise in the European Ranking

In just one year, MBS School of Business has moved up 12 spots to reach 57th place in Europe. This result reflects the school’s positive momentum and its ability to establish itself as a key player in European management education.

Programs of Excellence

The strength of MBS School of Business’s programs lies at the heart of this success. Both the Master in Management and Executive Education programs, which are evaluated in the ranking, demonstrate the school’s academic expertise and its ability to offer training that aligns with the needs of the professional world.

National and International Recognition

This progression places MBS School of Business 13th among French schools in the ranking, confirming its attractiveness and growing reputation. Its international recognition reinforces the school’s image and showcases its strategic presence in Paris, Cork, and the heart of the Occitanie Region.

“I would like to warmly thank all our teaching, research, and administrative teams for the quality of their work and their commitment, which enable us to pursue MBS’s ambitions,” says Mohamed Afennich, General Manager of MBS.

This achievement is the result of a collective effort, illustrating the strength and ambition of MBS School of Business.

MBS School of Business continues to solidify its reputation as a leading academic institution, with a notable rise in the 2025 Shanghai Subject Rankings. This international recognition highlights the growing impact of the school’s research.

Excellence in research that stands out

MBS shines in the disciplines that define its academic identity. In Finance, the school ranks 3rd in France, confirming its position as a reference in the field. In Economics, it makes a significant leap to 5th in France, entering the global top 150. The school also maintains a strong national presence in Business Administration (9th) and Management (8th).

Thanks to these results, MBS is now the most cited French business school in the ranking — a strong indicator of the influence and recognition of its research.

Research driven by innovation and responsibility

MBS stands out for research that addresses today’s major challenges: economic transitions, societal changes, responsible innovation, and environmental impact.

These studies do more than advance knowledge — they permeate all of the school’s programs, giving students a curriculum informed by the latest ideas and perspectives.

“This recognition boosts MBS’s international visibility and rewards the work of our researchers,” says André Deljarry, President of MBS School of Business.
“It also strengthens our appeal and our collaborations with leading academic institutions and companies around the world.”

This academic year, Tamar Kavtaradze, originally from Tbilisi, Georgia, and a Business Administration student at the Free University of Tbilisi, joins MBS School of Business to complete the final year of the BIBA program. She is the latest recipient of the MBS Foundation International Excellence Scholarship – Committed to Making a Difference, which each year recognizes students for their academic achievements and social engagement.

The International Excellence Scholarship: A Stepping Stone to Success

Since 2009, this scholarship has offered one or two students annually from countries facing economic or political challenges the opportunity to pursue higher education in France. Selected from eight outstanding applications by the MBS Foundation Executive Committee, Tamar becomes the 30th international student to benefit from this prestigious program.

Thanks to the generous support of the Foundation’s sponsors, tuition fees are fully covered, allowing these talented students to focus entirely on their studies while enjoying a rich academic and cultural experience.

An Arrival That Embodies the Foundation’s Values

Tamar’s arrival at MBS fully reflects the values upheld by the Foundation and the school: openness, inclusion, and solidarity. Her journey demonstrates how the support and commitment of sponsors can turn educational opportunities into genuine pathways for personal and professional development.

The MBS Foundation would like to extend special thanks to Natia Mskhaladze, Lisa Barrier, and the French Institute in Georgia for their invaluable assistance in evaluating the applications.