Congratulations to the shortlisted London university teams for CIM's The Pitch 2026

Now in its fifteenth year, The Pitch challenges students to respond to a real-life marketing brief, pushing emerging talent to think strategically and creatively under pressure.

For the 2026 competition, CIM has partnered with global technology brand IBM, giving students the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience while sharpening their strategic thinking and enhancing their employability in an increasingly competitive job market.

This year’s briefs invite students to help shape the future of AI marketing:

• Undergraduate teams have been tasked with creating a bold, content-led campaign that tackles common AI myths and positions IBM as the go-to expert in practical, responsible AI.
• Postgraduate teams have been challenged to develop a strategic plan that establishes IBM as the global leader in Green AI, championing a more sustainable future for artificial intelligence.

London university finalists

Undergraduate teams

• 3 Marketeers – University of West London
• B.A.T – University of Greenwich

Postgraduate teams

• CarbonLite Imaging – King’s College London

The undergraduate finalists will compete in a live virtual final on 10 March, followed by the postgraduate final on 11 March, where the title of “Marketers of the Future” will be awarded in each category.

"The Pitch gives students a unique opportunity to put theory into practice, and it's fantastic to see London university teams recognised at this level. Being shortlisted for the finals is a significant achievement, and we're incredibly proud of everyone involved" - Delia Mertiou, Chair, Greater London Region CIM Board.

Winners will receive a one-year complimentary CIM Affiliate Professional membership, a place on a CIM virtual e-learning course, and an interactive session with four IBM experts. All finalists will also receive a The Pitch 2026 finalist certificate.

Read the full list of shortlisted teams for The Pitch 2026:
https://www.cim.co.uk/content-insights/articles/release-2026-shortlist-revealed-for-cim-s-the-pitch-competition/