CQG's new intercollegiate flagship event — an undergraduate-only trading competition bringing 100–120 students from universities across the US to Columbia for live trading games.
CUTC · December 5–6, 2026 · New York, NYThe Columbia University Trading Competition is CQG's first intercollegiate flagship event — an undergraduate-only trading competition that brings undergraduates from universities across the country to Columbia for a weekend of live trading games, built and run by CQG members alongside competition sponsors.
$10K Prize Pool
Live Trading Rounds
Multi-round market-making & prop-trading simulations against fellow competitors
Undergrad-Only
Open exclusively to undergraduates from any accredited US university
Hosted at Columbia
100–120 students on campus in New York City for the weekend
Schedule
Mark your calendar — here's what to expect from application to competition day.
Who can apply
- —Open to undergraduates at any accredited college or university in the United States
- —No prior trading competition experience required
- —Primarily geared toward underclassmen — first- and second-years encouraged to apply
Ready to compete?
Applications are open now through September 25. Create a CUTC account to apply — Columbia and Barnard students apply from their CQG portal account instead.
Interested in Sponsoring CUTC?
CUTC sponsors get direct access to a room of 100+ vetted, competition-tested undergraduate traders from across the country. Reach out for our sponsorship package.
Common questions
Is there a cost to attend?
Travel and lodging will be covered for competitors. We'll share exact logistics after acceptances go out.
What does the competition actually involve?
Compete across live, moderated trading rounds — think market-making and prop-trading simulations — run by CQG members and competition sponsors.
Where can I ask other questions?
Reach out any time at columbia.quant.group@gmail.com — we'll get back to you within a couple of days.