“The [Patagonia] case competition …inevitably will be one of the greatest highlights from my business school career. Working alongside an interdisciplinary team and presenting to Patagonia’s leadership team not only solidified the importance of diverse minds coming together, but reaffirmed the notion that doing good is good business.” – Aysha Malik (University of Michigan), 2016 Winner

Since 2015, the Center for Responsible Business has partnered with Patagonia to tackle pressing, real-world challenges faced by the company. In 2016, we jointly launched the Patagonia Case Competition. Over the years, our partnership has surfaced hundreds of unique solutions to advance Patagonia’s sustainability and social impact efforts. The Patagonia Case Competition is presently on hold, but please check back for more updates as our work together continues to evolve in new ways.

About the Patagonia Case Competition

This one-of-a-kind case competition redefines the relationship between business and a healthy planet.

Graduate students from across the US tackle the interconnected business and responsibility aspects of a current, real-life issue facing the outdoor gear retailer Patagonia. In the first round of competition, interdisciplinary teams submit solutions to a case developed by the Berkeley Haas Case Series and Patagonia. Senior leaders from Patagonia review all submissions and select finalists to present their solutions to Patagonia executives in person at Berkeley Haas.

For students at Berkeley Haas and beyond, this case competition is an unparalleled opportunity to work on a pressing corporate responsibility issue with one of the most forward-thinking companies in the world. Not to mention a unique source of fresh perspectives and innovative ideas for Patagonia leadership. In celebration of its 5th year, we compiled an extended overview of the competition’s drive to solve Patagonia’s most pressing sustainability challenges here.