Imagine that you are the CEO of a company with over 1,000 employees and 40,000 printers per year in a highly competitive market. This exciting experience was offered to more than 100 students and young professionals by this year’s EUREL TOPSIM International Management Cup (IMC). They took on the challenge of a realistic business simulation in 39 international teams, using strategic thinking, teamwork, and a competitive spirit.
The EUREL TOPSIM IMC at a Glance
- 39 teams from nine countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Israel, Romania, and Spain
- Participants from IT, electrical engineering, and related disciplines
- Six weeks of intensive online business simulation covering five fiscal years
- Focus on strategy, production, finance, and HR
- Finals and award ceremony in Brussels at the European Future Technology Summit 2025 (EFTS)
The IMC 2025 schedule was as follows:
Excitement & Strategy: Six Weeks of Management Decisions
Participants took on the role of managing a virtual company. The markets were dynamic, and the competition was fierce. Every decision had a direct impact. Strategic thinking and the ability to react quickly were required.
Over the course of five simulation periods, the teams made new and increasingly complex management decisions each week. These decisions concerned production volumes, pricing, personnel planning, investments, and more.
“Learning Business by Doing Business” is precisely the principle that makes EUREL TOPSIM IMC so effective. Anyone who thinks business simulations are dry has never experienced the moment when the current results light up live in the TOPSIM-Cloud — when your pulse starts racing. This adrenaline rush was clearly noticeable during the six weeks of IMC 2025!
The Grand Finale in Brussels
The highlight of the competition was the festive finale of the three-day European Future Technology Summit (EFTS) in Brussels. It was held under the motto, “Europe’s Comeback: Microelectronics, Resilience and Future Technology under the EU Chips Act.” It was organized by the VDE and EUREL (the Convention of National Associations of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Technology Engineers of Europe), a European platform for future technologies.
At the traditional VDE summer reception, the best teams were honored. The event included an exciting panel discussion, lively networking, and loud applause for the winners.
“We participated in many interesting workshops and had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss topics with Members of the European Parliament!“ —Michał Czyż, SEPuku Druk (Poland)
▶️ Watch the video about EFTS 2025 with the award ceremony
Winning Teams of 2025
🥇 1st place: Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, Inc. (Slovenia)
Zala Slapnik and Rok Sesel impressed with high equity, a consistent strategy, and the highest profit in the last fiscal year.
🥈 2nd place: SEPuku Druk (Poland)
Alexander Gawinski, Piotr Łapka, and Michał Czyż achieved the highest total sales with over 65,000 units sold.
🥉 3rd place: OMNIPRINT (Hungary)
Dániel Veres, Mihály Katona, Balázs Tóth, and Dávid Bohunka focused on efficiency: low production costs, smart management of production facilities, and effective human resources management secured them a place on the podium.
“Our team placed third in Brussels. We also had a unique opportunity to visit the European Parliament. Many thanks to the organizers!” —Mihály Katona, OMNIPRINT (Hungary)
TOPSIM experts Katrin Muth and Patrick Müller hosted the award ceremony, which recognized the teams for their strategic successes and soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and performing well under pressure.
Three Key Findings from the IMC
1. Business acumen comes from making your own decisions
Business simulations sharpen strategic thinking under realistic market conditions.
2. Teamwork is everything
Success is achieved not only through numbers, but also through effective communication, coordination, and trust within the team.
3. A real career booster
Business simulations provide valuable, practical experience that looks great on your resume for employers in industry and beyond.
Have We Sparked Your Interest?
Do you want to become a CEO and test your management skills
You can find more information about the competition here:
🌐 EUREL TOPSIM IMC Official Website
📄 VDE report on the award ceremony
Are You Curious About Other TOPSIM Events?
We offer simulations and learning opportunities in a variety of formats. Information about upcoming events is regularly posted on our Events page:
