Rome, October 23–24, 2026 | LUISS University
On October 23–24, LUISS University in Rome hosted the QTEM Annual Event, bringing together approximately 250 students, academics, and corporate representatives from across the network for two days of exchange, collaboration, and strategic discussions around Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Big Data.
The event brought together representatives from QTEM’s 20 member universities and 15 Corporate and Social Partners, reinforcing the network’s commitment to connecting academic excellence with real-world business challenges and preparing the next generation of international talent.
The QTEM Data Challenge (QDC) Final by Cartier brought together 143 students from 23 countries to tackle a real-world business challenge under the theme “Unveiling Cartier’s Hidden Potential.” Working in international teams, participants combined analytical skills, creativity, and collaboration to uncover insights and identify new opportunities for Cartier.
The Pacemakers took first place. The team brought together Andrew Sutcliffe and Emna Zghal from HEC Montréal, and Owen Mao from TUM School of Management, coached by QTEM alumnus Andrea Mario Campagnola.
Les Panthères du Monde secured second place. The team comprised Isabella Donner from HEC Lausanne, Grace Keane-Parry from Exeter University, Malwina Terech from Goethe University, and Francesco Buonincontri from LUISS University, coached by QTEM alumna Ellie Rabarison.
Slow Burners and Hidden Gems shared third place. Slow Burners included Cristiana Martins from U.Porto, Xiyan Zeng from Waseda University, and Jérémie Hatchuel from EDHEC, coached by QTEM alumnus Roberto Rosato. Hidden Gems brought together Georges-Alexis Mitracos from SBS-EM, Max-Emanuel Bartsch from TUM school of Management, Thomas Cordonier from HEC Lausanne, and Yue Wang from IBSS, coached by QTEM alumnus Harsh Trivedi.
Across the four winning teams, students represented 11 universities, reflecting the international diversity of the QTEM network and the value of cross-cultural collaboration. The alumni coaches supported the teams throughout the challenge, sharing their experience and helping participants navigate a demanding, data-driven business case.
In addition to the team awards, Andrew Sutcliffe of The Pacemakers was voted Best Speaker by the audience, recognizing his presentation and communication skills.
The QDC Final by Cartier celebrated the power of data analytics, teamwork, and innovation in addressing real-world business challenges, showcasing the talent and collaborative spirit of the QTEM community.
The Annual Event also provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the QTEM community during the graduation ceremony, held in LUISS’s historic church building, a distinctive venue that added a special atmosphere to the occasion.
Among the distinguished speakers was Jaya Venugopal, International Academic Relations and Employer Branding Director at Cartier, who addressed the graduates and highlighted the importance of developing talent at the intersection of business, analytics, and innovation.
Bruno Van Pottelsberghe, Founder of QTEM and current Rector of Corvinus University of Budapest, was also invited to address the students, sharing the broader vision behind the network and its mission to develop internationally minded professionals with strong analytical skills.
The ceremony opened with a welcome address by Professor Nicola Lupo, responsible for internationalization at LUISS University, and concluded with remarks from Professor Giorgio Di Giorgio, QTEM Dean at LUISS.
This year, the LUISS Fibonacci cohort celebrated 140 graduates, marking an important milestone in their academic and professional journeys.
Beyond the student-focused activities, the Annual Event served as a key meeting point for the network’s academic community. Representatives from QTEM’s member universities spent two days exchanging perspectives and debating the network’s strategy for the coming years, with particular attention to the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in education.
Discussions explored how universities can respond to technological developments, adapt their teaching approaches, and equip students with the analytical, digital, and critical-thinking skills required in an increasingly data-driven world.
Meetings with QTEM’s Corporate and Social Partners further strengthened the dialogue between academia and industry, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, reinforce existing collaborations, and explore new ways to connect education with professional practice.
The QTEM Annual Event in Rome once again demonstrated the strength of a global network built on collaboration between universities, students, and corporate partners.
From the QDC Final by Cartier to the graduation ceremony and strategic academic discussions, the two-day gathering celebrated the achievements of the QTEM community while looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of analytics, AI, and higher education.
Together, the QTEM community continues to develop the global talent needed to turn data into insight, innovation, and impact.