Lindner Investment Challenge
Gain real-world experience by trading actual U.S. equities and exchange-traded funds and presenting to industry professionals.
2026 Lindner Investment Challenge winner Will Wuich, BBA '26 (third from left) with challenge judges and Lindner dean Marianne Lewis (fourth from right).
What is the Lindner Investment Challenge?
For four months, Lindner Investment Challenge (LIC) competitors trade actual U.S. equities and exchange-traded funds on a professional trading platform. Teams begin with a $1 million balance in a paper trading account.
The goal is to outperform the S&P 500 while managing risk and controlling transaction costs.
Who can compete?
The Lindner Investment Challenge (LIC) is open to all UC students. Teams may be comprised of up to three students.
When is the competition?
The competition begins on January 18 and ends on April 16 with final presentations. Students gain industry visibility and real-world experience by presenting to investment professionals, who will act as the competition’s judges.
Is there a prize?
A total of $18,000 in scholarship funding is available —$10,00 for first place, $5,000 for second place and $3,000 for third place.
Do competitors receive any support?
Learn investment strategies, portfolio management and risk analysis from Lindner faculty and industry professionals through LIC Academy.
Workhops are held every Monday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Lindner Hall Room 1220/1225.
You are going to get real trading experience. You are going to make real trading decisions like a portfolio manager in Cincinnati or New York.
Mehmet Sağlam Johnson Investment Institute Academic Director
Thirty-three teams comprised of 55 students competed. First place went to Will Wuich, BBA '26.
The objective was to have highest information ratio, which shows how consistently a portfolio manager beats the market relative to how much their performance varies.
Top three teams presented their investment thesis to an esteemed panel of judges from Cincinnati Financial, BlackRock, the UC Investment Office, and the former CIO of Goldman Sachs Asset Management.
Contact Us
If you are interested in or have questions about the Lindner Investment Challenge, please sign up to receive more information and/or contact Johnson Investment Institute Academic Director Mehmet Sağlam.
