 Michigan Lean Consortium |
Lean Excellence student competition
Represent Your School!
March 19, 2027
What is the Lean Excellence Student Competition?
Teams of 4 students + 1 faculty or staff coach compete in a hands-on challenge applying Lean concepts to a live Kaizen-style problem. The competition will test collaboration, critical thinking, and continuous improvement under real time pressure. Modeled after the Lean Excellence World Championship this is a chance for future Lean leaders to put classroom theory into hands-on practice.
- Opportunity for student teams from colleges and universities across Michigan to apply Lean principles in a live, competitive, real-world setting.
- Teams of four students and a coach work together to reduce variation, standardize their process, and are scored on both their methods and their results.
- A full competition experience combining structured challenge rounds with direct engagement with Lean practitioners and industry professionals at the Summit.
Why Compete?
- Hands-On Learning: Apply Lean principles in a dynamic, live environment, no textbooks, just teamwork and action.
- Skill Building: Sharpen collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and process improvement skills you can't get from a lecture.
- Professional Networking: Connect with industry professionals, Lean practitioners, and potential mentors at the Summit.
- Stand Out: Add a powerful, hands-on experience to your résumé that demonstrates initiative, leadership, and applied learning.
- Stay Engaged: Walk away with free Summit access and a one-year MLC student membership, joining a growing community of Lean practitioners.
Why Host a Team?
- Elevate Your Program: Highlight the strength of your curriculum through student performance in a hands-on, applied challenge.
- Industry Engagement: Build connections with Lean-focused employers, organizations, and potential internship or job partners.
- Faculty & Staff Involvement: Coaches get to observe students in action, support their development, and build valuable professional connections of their own.
- Stay Engaged: Coaches receive complimentary Summit access and a one-year individual MLC membership, connecting your program to Michigan's broader Lean community.
What to Expect
Students will kick off the day alongside all attendees for the keynote, then head into competition during the three breakout session time periods (times TBA). Lunch and a dedicated observation period, where attendees can stop by, watch teams in action, and ask questions, offer built-in time to network with Lean professionals. The day wraps up with the winning team announced during closing remarks.
Cost