2026 RBS Experiential Learning Showcase
Applying Responsible AI to Solve Real World Problems.
Bring Your Skills to Center Stage at the 2026 Experiential Learning Showcase!
Join us on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall (Rutgers–Newark) for the RBS Experiential Learning Showcase, where innovation, impact, and responsible business thinking take the spotlight.
This Year’s Theme:
Applying Responsible AI to Solve Real-World Problems
This year's showcase invites students to explore how Artificial Intelligence can be used responsibly to address real-world challenges across business disciplines. Whether you're working in accounting, finance, marketing, management, or supply chain, your project should reflect a focus on societal impact + ethical design of real-world AI applications.
Students are encouraged to go beyond functionality and explore fairness, transparency, privacy, and long-term social value in their AI-powered solutions.
What Is Experiential Learning?
Experiential learning is all about applying what you’ve learned in the classroom through hands-on projects and reflecting on those experiences to build skills that prepare you for the real world. It bridges the gap between theory and action, helping you grow both professionally and personally.
Why Participate?
- Apply Your RBS Knowledge: Show how your classroom learning shaped your approach to solving real-world problems using responsible AI.
- Build Career-Ready Skills: Strengthen your experience in teamwork, communication, leadership, ethical decision-making, and more.
- Get Noticed: Share your work with industry professionals, faculty, and fellow students. Compete for up to $20,000 in prizes.
- Inspire Others: Be a voice for ethical innovation in business and technology.
How It Works
- Submit your project individually or as part of a team (up to 5 members).
- Eligible projects may come from coursework, simulations, or case-based assignments.
- If selected, prepare a poster board presentation to share at the event.
- Presentations will be evaluated by a panel of judges, including industry professionals and faculty experts.
Celebrate Innovation with the Rutgers Community
This isn't just a competition, it's a celebration of how RBS students are using technology and business skills to make a difference. The entire Rutgers community will be invited to view projects and vote for their favorites.
Ready to Show What You’ve Got?
If you’re working on a project that combines innovation with impact, this is your chance to shine. Step up, share your work, and lead the future of responsible business.
Prizes
Up to $20,000 in Total Prizes:
- Up to three winning individuals or teams will receive awards totaling $20,000.
- RBS Swag: Attendees will vote for their favorite presentation, with the winner receiving the “Rutgers Choice Award” and a swag basket.
Who Can Apply?
- Open to all current RBS students, including Business Minors.
- Students from outside RBS are not eligible to participate.
- Case-based and simulation-based projects are welcome.
How to Apply
- Submit your proposal by January 25th at 11:59 pm.
- A committee will review all submissions, and select finalists will be invited to present at the Showcase.
- Finalists will prepare a poster presentation and participate in the Showcase on April 17, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Projects Are Eligible?
The 2026 RBS Experiential Learning Showcase focuses on Societal Impact + Ethical Design of real-world AI applications. We are looking for projects that thoughtfully apply Artificial Intelligence to solve real business problems while addressing ethical considerations such as fairness, privacy, transparency, and accountability.
Projects should come from hands-on coursework, simulations, case studies, or other experiential learning experiences where you’ve applied classroom knowledge in a practical, responsible way.
Examples of Projects by Area/Discipline
- Accounting & Auditing
Developing an AI-powered audit analytics tool that detects anomalous transactions while incorporating bias mitigation, explainability, and an immutable audit trail for accountability. - Business Analytics
Designing an AI-powered internal knowledge-management chatbot that maintains data privacy, prevents unethical feedback loops, and offers explainable reasoning for responses. - Finance
Building an AI-based credit-risk assessment model for small-business loans that integrates fairness testing, privacy impact assessments, and explainable feedback for applicants. - Marketing
Creating a personalized marketing recommendation engine using AI that respects user privacy and ensures fairness in campaign targeting, supported by transparent reporting on algorithmic decisions. - Management
Designing an AI-enabled workforce scheduling system that fairly allocates shifts based on employee preferences and fairness metrics, supported by an interactive dashboard for transparent review. - Supply Chain Management
Implementing an AI demand-forecasting tool that improves efficiency while minimizing environmental impact, guided by a documented ethical governance plan.
Key to Competitiveness: Reflection
Strong projects go beyond just implementation; they demonstrate depth of thinking and personal growth. Use the following reflection framework:
- Application
Describe how you applied ideas and skills from your course(s) at RBS to tackle challenges or explore opportunities within your project. - Impact
Highlight the tangible results or societal value your project created. Also highlight fairness, as well as transparency and explainability - Personal Growth
Reflect on the skills you developed and the lessons you learned through this experience.
Eligibility Criteria
- Team Composition
- Only current RBS students may submit proposals. Business minors are also eligible. Note: Students outside of RBS are not eligible to participate.
- Project Type
- Both case-based and simulation-based projects are welcome. All projects must align with the theme of Societal Impact + Ethical AI Design.
Contact
If you have any further questions, please get in touch with seal@business.rutgers.edu.
Price
This event is free.