The Rice Business Plan Competition gives student founders the opportunity to pitch their startups for funding, mentorship, and global exposure. As the world’s largest student startup competition, it connects emerging
entrepreneurs with investors, experienced judges, and invaluable feedback to help accelerate their ventures.
Eligibility Criteria
Startups must be student-driven, student-created, or student-managed, with at least two current student founders or team members—one of whom must be a graduate degree-seeking student (e.g., MA, PhD, MBA).
They cannot have raised more than $250,000 in equity capital before July 1, 2025, or generated over $100,000 in revenue in any prior 12-month period ending then.
Teams must fit one of five sectors (Energy/Cleantech, Hard Tech, Life Sciences/Healthcare, Digital Enterprise, Consumer Products/Services), seek funding soon, and show viable investment potential.
Global Scope
Applications are accepted from any college or university globally, with past participants from numerous countries.