Real-World Experience. Real Investment Insight.
The CFA Institute Research Challenge is an annual global competition that gives university students the chance to step into the role of an equity research analyst.
Hosted locally by CFA Society Rochester, the Challenge connects students from across Central and Western New York with leading investment professionals for hands-on mentoring and real-world training in financial analysis, valuation, and professional ethics.
Each year, participating teams analyze a publicly traded company, prepare a detailed research report, and present their buy/sell/hold recommendation before a panel of industry judges.
2026 Rochester Research Challenge
We’re excited to kick off the 2026 CFA Institute Research Challenge in early December!
Subject Company: Graham Corporation, Batavia, NY
Venue: Rochester Institute of Technology
Key Dates:
- December 5, 2025 — Company Presentation at Monroe Golf Club
- February 7, 2026 — Local Competition hosted by CFA Society Rochester
University teams from across the region will compete for the opportunity to represent Rochester at the sub-regional level of the CFA Institute Research Challenge.
How It Works
Local CFA Societies like ours collaborate with area universities to assemble teams of three to five undergraduate or graduate students.
Each team:
- Analyzes a designated public company (this year: Grand Corporation)
- Prepares a written equity research report supporting a buy, sell, or hold recommendation
- Receives mentorship from a faculty advisor and an industry professional
- Presents and defends their analysis before a panel of experienced judges
The winning team advances through sub-regional, regional, and ultimately, global competitions hosted by CFA Institute — competing alongside peers from more than 900 universities worldwide.
Why Participate
The Research Challenge is more than a competition — it’s a launchpad for the next generation of investment professionals.
Students gain practical experience, expand their professional networks, and strengthen the ethical foundation essential to a successful finance career.
Benefits for Students:
- Apply academic theory to real-world investment analysis
- Work with CFA Charterholders and industry mentors
- Develop valuation, report-writing, and presentation skills
- Represent your university on a global stage
- Connect with peers and employers in the investment community
- Take the first step toward becoming a CFA Charterholder
Learn more about eligibility and how to form a team on the CFA Institute Research Challenge – Students page.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the heart of the Research Challenge. Each year, CFA Society Rochester relies on members and local professionals to help mentor teams, evaluate research reports, and judge presentations.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Faculty Advisor: Guides and supports a university team throughout the competition.
- Industry Mentor: A finance professional (preferably a CFA Charterholder) who provides feedback on analysis and presentation skills.
- Report Grader: Reviews and scores the teams’ written reports.
- Presentation Judge: Evaluates final presentations and provides constructive feedback.
Learn more about volunteering roles on the CFA Institute Research Challenge – Volunteers page.
Interested in volunteering locally? Contact us at [email protected].
Past Participants
Over the years, students from universities across Central and Western New York have represented our region with professionalism, skill, and integrity.
We’re proud to support their journey toward becoming ethical and effective investment leaders.
Get Involved
If you’re a student or faculty member at a college or university in the Greater Rochester area and are interested in joining the 2026 CFA Institute Research Challenge, please reach out to [email protected]
We look forward to another great year of collaboration, competition, and professional growth — and to seeing the next generation of analysts take the stage this February.