Business Today’s 51st International Conference: Shaping the Future with “The Human Algorithm”

Business Today invites ambitious, business-oriented undergraduate students from around the world to apply for its 51st International Conference, an all-expenses-paid opportunity taking place in Manhattan, New York, from November 8 to 10, 2025.

Each year, this prestigious conference gathers a carefully selected cohort of undergraduates to engage in dynamic conversations with global business leaders. Past keynote speakers have included Steve Forbes (CEO, Forbes Magazine), Jane Fraser (CEO, Citigroup), Wendy Kopp (CEO, Teach For All), Muhtar Kent (Former CEO, Coca-Cola), and Anthony Capuano (CEO, Marriott International), among others.

Theme: “The Human Algorithm”

This year’s theme, The Human Algorithm, centers on the evolving intersection between human intelligence and emerging technologies. As artificial intelligence, automation, and machine learning continue to redefine industries, this theme challenges participants to consider how technological innovation can enhance, rather than replace, human creativity and empathy.

The conference will explore critical questions across industries—finance, entertainment, healthcare, climate, and beyond—focusing on how people and machines can collaborate to create real, ethical, and human-centered impact. Keynotes, panels, and interactive sessions will push students to consider how we can design systems that uphold values such as equity, inclusion, and sustainability, rather than merely pursuing efficiency.

Key Dates & Application Details

• Early Application Deadline: June 20, 2025
• Regular Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
  Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the early deadline due to visa processing timelines.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be currently enrolled undergraduate students (2–5 year academic programs).
• Graduate students (MBA, MA, PhD, etc.) are not eligible.
• Students enrolled at Princeton University are also not eligible.
• A strong academic record, demonstrated leadership, and a genuine interest in business, innovation, or technology are highly encouraged.

Conference Format

This year’s conference will include both in-person and virtual components:

• The in-person conference will be held in Manhattan. All travel, meals, and accommodations are covered for selected participants.
• A virtual conference will run simultaneously, allowing participants from around the globe to join executive seminars and keynote discussions online.

Applicants can indicate interest in the virtual format if they are not selected for the in-person event.

Additional Pathway: The Impact Challenge

Students may also apply for admission to the conference through the Impact Challenge, a competitive ideation competition aimed at encouraging fresh thinking on global problems.
More info & application visit here.

Application Components

Applicants will need to complete:

• General information (name, location, education, resume, etc.)
• Short written responses on:
  • How they’ve embodied “The Human Algorithm” in their own life (250 words)
  • How their background shaped their aspirations (250 words)
  • What they hope to gain from attending the IC (100 words)
  • A fun prompt (e.g., What kitchen appliance would you be?)
• Optional video introduction (1-minute informal video on YouTube)
• Visa/travel information for international students
• Indication of interest in the virtual conference or the Impact Challenge

Please note: The application portal does not autosave. It is highly recommended that applicants draft answers in a separate document before submitting.

Important Notice on AI Use

To ensure authenticity, the Student Relations team will randomly utilize AI-detection tools across applications. Business Today advises all applicants to submit original responses, written in their own voice. Applications suspected to be generated or heavily assisted by AI tools will not be considered.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.