IT Competition

What is the Information Technology Competition (ITC)?

Cal Poly MISSA will be hosting our 30th annual Information Technology Competition this April!

ITC is an annual case competition hosted by Cal Poly Pomona’s Management Information Systems Student Association (MISSA). It brings together students from all backgrounds and skill levels to compete in real-world business and tech challenges. Participants gain invaluable experience, build their professional network, and stand out to recruiters from leading companies.

Registration coming soon!

The Rundown

Benefits

Cash prizes for each of the five case categories
Opportunities offered to past winners and competitors
Networking opportunities
Impress professionals with your skills and talents
Continental breakfast and lunch included

Requirements

Min. 3 per team (max. 5)
Max. 1 Grad student per team
Part-time students must take a minimum of 6 units
$100 entry fee per team
Resumes for all team members must be submitted at registration
Provide 1 point of contact for money/admin
No late submissions - no exceptions

Resources

Competition Categories

01

Business Strategy

Act as high-level consultants for a fast-growing media company. Teams will craft bold yet practical strategies to integrate emerging tech, build governance, assess risk, and scale innovation—all while boosting decision-making and public trust.

02

Data Analytics

Solve real-world problems using machine learning and BI for a utility provider. Analyze outage and reliability data to uncover insights, drive investments, and elevate performance. Clarity, impact, and technical skill are key to winning.

03

Artificial Intelligence

Design innovative, real-world AI solutions that improve how organizations manage, access, or leverage information. Competitors are evaluated on creativity, feasibility, and strategic impact.

04

Digital Forensics

Investigate a simulated password spray attack. Identify compromised accounts, trace the breach, and recommend mitigations. Precision, forensic skill, and clear incident reporting will be critical to success.

05

IT Security

Step into the role of ethical hackers. Teams will conduct a real-world penetration test, uncover vulnerabilities, and recommend fixes. The challenge demands cybersecurity expertise and the ability to explain complex threats to non-technical stakeholders.