The AI Business Impact Challenge 2026 was a defining event at Porto Business School (PBS), bringing together 34 teams from the Executive MBA, International MBA, and Global Online MBA MBA programs in an intense week of collaboration, innovation, and pressure. This unique challenge was designed to test the students’ creativity and analytical capabilities as they worked on a real strategic brief provided by Sword Health.
An Immersive and Innovative Journey
Over the course of one immersive week, participants were challenged to develop innovative solutions using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create real business impact. With support from Amazon Web Services (AWS), the teams had the opportunity to explore new ideas, evaluate alternatives, and present detailed, feasible recommendations for Sword Health, one of Portugal’s most innovative companies.
Mentorship, Deadlines, and Challenges
The event kicked off with a personalized mentoring session for each team, focusing on maximizing learning opportunities and refining their proposals. The schedule was demanding, with AWS workshops, Q&A sessions with the company, and a presentation submission deadline that pushed every team to perform at their best.
The highlight was the preliminary round presentations, where teams had 15 minutes to showcase their solutions, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session. The presentations were judged by a distinguished panel of experts from top companies like Accenture, Beta Capital, CUF, and BIAL. The evaluation criteria included problem identification, analysis quality, innovative solutions, and overall performance during the presentation and Q&A.
Key Highlights and Results
Throughout the week, the EMBA, IMBA, and GOMBA teams demonstrated exceptional collaboration and creativity. The participation was impressive, with 14 EMBA teams, 7 IMBA teams, and 13 GOMBA teams, creating a competitive yet collaborative environment in search of the best solutions to Sword Health’s challenges.
The final round brought together the top teams, where participants faced heightened pressure and had the opportunity to present their solutions to the final jury. This panel included industry-leading experts who raised the bar for each team.
The Strength of the PBS Community
The event not only challenged students to apply their knowledge in a practical setting but also reinforced the bonds within the Porto Business School community. The support from companies like Sword Health and AWS, combined with the collaboration between faculty, alumni, and judges, made this event a unique learning experience. The involvement of professionals from various industries helped elevate the quality of the proposals, broadening the event’s impact beyond the classroom.
Acknowledgments and Recognition
The AI Business Impact Challenge 2026 would not have been possible without the collaboration of all those involved. Special thanks to André Eiras dos Santos, SVP of Global Sales at Sword Health, for bringing this incredible opportunity to PBS’s MBA talent.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to the judges, including Francisco Silva, Pedro Brandão, Marta Cardeano, Andreia Ribeiro Santos, Miguel Veloso, Jorge Maia Gomes, Vítor Sá Martins, Marta Carvalho Araújo, Bernardo Pequito, Susana Barros, José João Fernandes, Vasco Amoroso, Célia Carmo, Diogo Paiva Brandão, César Lima, Soraia Santos, and Carlos Guilherme. The final round brought together the top teams, where participants faced heightened pressure and had the opportunity to present their solutions to the final jury, composed of André Eiras, Catarina Miranda Marques, Miguel Mota Freitas, and Joana Feijó.
Conclusion
The AI Business Impact Challenge 2026 at Porto Business School was more than just a competition — it was a platform for students to test their skills, learn from industry experts, and contribute to real solutions that could shape the future of business. The experience provided a hands-on approach to solving complex problems using artificial intelligence, taking the PBS MBA experience to new heights.
This event is not only a challenge for students but also a showcase of the transformative potential of executive education at Porto Business School. With innovative projects, mentorship from global leaders, and a strong support network, PBS continues to solidify its position as a world-class business school, preparing leaders to make a positive impact in the business world.