With the Business Case Challenge 2026, OMV, one of Austria’s largest industrial companies and a global Energy and Chemicals Group, invites students to help shape the transition toward a more sustainable future.

The energy and chemicals industry is undergoing fundamental transformation. While fossil resources still play a role in producing essential products, long-term competitiveness requires new approaches, such as circular feedstocks, renewable fuels, and carbon management solutions. OMV’s Strategy 2030 emphasizes sustainability and innovation across its business segments, from energy to fuels to chemicals solutions.

This year’s challenge is built around a single idea: “This is not waste – It is the start of something new.” Your task is to develop a business case that turns sustainability challenges into scalable, economically viable opportunities.

Case Description

This year's Business Case Challenge calls on high school students to propose a project on the topic "This is not waste – It is the start of something new" that promotes a sustainable circular economy (e.g., carbon dioxide, used cooking oil, agricultural residues, waste heat, old plastics).

A Business Case High School Student Submission should include the following components:

• Analysis of one or more waste products or by-products (e.g., from households, businesses, or within OMV that could be utilized to promote the circular economy).

• Presentation of your idea for an innovation, project, or campaign that promotes the circular economy (e.g., through education, the development of waste streams, or regenerative processing).

• Calculation of the investment and operating costs of the project.

• Discussion of potential social or ecological benefits of the project idea.

Evaluation Criteria

(1) Persuasiveness of your project idea

(2) Detail and quality of your analysis

(3) Clarity of presentation

Structure of the submission

1. Introduction & Executive Summary

2. Idea Development

3. Market & Cost Estimation

4. Impact Assessment

5. Conclusion