Decades of Demand Challenges Students to Reimagine Business Across Time

The Merchant Matrix Club of PES University's Faculty of Management and Commerce, Department of BBA & BBA Business Analytics, organized an innovative entrepreneurship event titled "Decades of Demand" on September 9, 2026 at the Ring Road Campus. Designed to test strategic thinking and business acumen, the event challenged participants to reimagine modern businesses in entirely different historical and future contexts.

Unlike conventional business competitions, Decades of Demand required teams to adapt well-known contemporary brands to specific periods in history or distant future scenarios. Participants were tasked with redesigning how businesses would operate, market their products, manage logistics, and engage customers while adhering strictly to the technological and operational limitations of their assigned era.

The competition encouraged students to move beyond modern assumptions and focus on fundamental business principles. Teams explored scenarios such as operating food-delivery services in the 1980s or conceptualizing subscription-based businesses in the year 3000. By eliminating access to technologies that did not exist in the assigned period, the event challenged participants to think critically about distribution, customer acquisition, operational efficiency, and strategic positioning.

A distinctive feature of the event was its rigorous reality audit process. Every submission was carefully evaluated to ensure that ideas remained grounded within the technological constraints of the assigned era. This approach transformed the activity from a creative roleplay exercise into a practical business strategy challenge, requiring participants to justify their decisions through sound business reasoning and realistic execution plans.

Following the development phase, teams presented their concepts before a panel of judges, showcasing how their chosen brands could successfully adapt and thrive in unfamiliar environments. The evaluation focused on key entrepreneurial principles, including unit economics, distribution strategies, operational planning, market positioning, and overall business viability.

The event attracted 124 participants, reflecting strong student interest in entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic problem-solving. Throughout the competition, students demonstrated creativity, teamwork, and adaptability while working under tight timelines and realistic business constraints.

The competition concluded with outstanding performances from several teams. The team comprising Sourish Jaiswal, Aryan KS, Zayan Salik, Sree Amogh, Tanush Suresh, and Smitha R. secured first place. Team VIDHYADHAR earned the second position, while The Avengers claimed third place for their innovative and well-executed business strategies.

The event was organized by a dedicated student team led by Mehal, Thanushaa, Aprameya, and Amulya, who oversaw planning, venue coordination, attendance management, technical support, photography, anchoring, and overall event execution. Their efforts ensured a smooth and engaging experience for all participants.

One of the most significant outcomes of Decades of Demand was its emphasis on constraint-based business design. Participants gained practical exposure to decision-making under limitations, developed a deeper understanding of business fundamentals, and learned the importance of adapting strategies to changing environments. The event also highlighted the value of disciplined thinking, rapid problem-solving, and evidence-based entrepreneurship.

The organizers expressed their gratitude to Dr. Jayashree Sapra, Prof. Sahana, and Prof. Rupa for their guidance and support. Through its unique format and emphasis on real-world business challenges, Decades of Demand successfully provided students with an engaging platform to develop entrepreneurial skills while exploring how businesses can evolve across different eras.

As an initiative of the Merchant Matrix Club, the event demonstrated that great business ideas are not defined solely by technology but by the ability to understand markets, navigate constraints, and create value regardless of the time period.