Spring 2026 Smeal Undergraduate Sustainability Case Competition

The Spring 2025 Competition challenges students to come up with new ways to face sustainability related problems. This page outlines the case, timeline, and prizes.

Spring 2026 Smeal Undergraduate Sustainability Case Competition

The Center for the Business of Sustainability, in collaboration with Smeal Diversity Enhancement Programs and Morgan State University, hosted the Undergraduate Sustainability Case Competition. The competition brought together cross-disciplinary student teams to develop business-driven solutions to real-world sustainability challenges focused on social justice and environmental conservation. Finalist teams presented their proposals to leading sustainability and social impact professionals.

This year’s challenge addressed the growing issue of mattress waste generated during college move-out periods. Millions of mattresses are discarded annually in the United States, despite a large portion being reusable or recyclable. Teams were tasked with developing innovative, financially viable solutions to divert mattresses from landfills while addressing health, safety, and logistical barriers such as sanitation, storage, transportation, and regulatory concerns.

2026 Winners – Impact Case Competition

1st Place – Mattress as a Service (MAAS)

Ritvik Komma
Abhirath Baiju
Joshua Nallaraja
Dheeraj Gollu

Their solution reimagines mattress lifecycle management through a service-based model designed to reduce waste and create long-term value.

2nd Place – LAVEN Innovators

Violet Bernard
Edith Rivadeneira 
Lyla Chen
Noella Carlo
Annette Casillas

3rd Place – Recycled Rest

Danielle Lee
Jayoung Kim
Cohen Michajluk
Lily Chacko

Each team presented thoughtful, innovative approaches demonstrating how business solutions can drive meaningful environmental impact.

Congratulations to all participants for their creativity, effort, and engagement in addressing this important sustainability challenge.

CENTER FOR THE BUSINESS OF SUSTAINABILITY