With access to mentors, real-world experience and investment opportunities, the Rice Business Plan Competition helps student founders stay on target and realize their potential. Our 2023 competitors set themselves apart from other student-led ventures, got in-depth mentoring to prepare for the event, and pitched to over 350 judges and investors who were looking for their next early-stage deal. It was the best RBPC yet!
Sectors: business plans and companies should fall into one of four categories, or sectors:
- Life Science – includes (but not limited to) Medical Devices, Therapeutics, Diagnostics, Health IT, Biotechnology
- Energy/Clean Technology – includes (but not limited to) Sustainability, Water, Battery Technologies, Control Systems, Smart Metering, PV Technology, Natural Gas, Transportation/Mobility, Oil & Gas Technologies, Algae, Fuel Cells, Hybrid Vehicles
- Technology – Includes (but is not limited to): Mobile Apps, Software, Digital Media, Consumer Web, Bto-B Applications, Enterprise Software, SAAS, Internet, Web, Virtual Reality, Big Data, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Drones, Hardware, Robotics, Unmanned Vehicles
- Other Innovations – Includes (but is not limited to): Advanced Materials, Nanotechnology, Composites, Nanotechnology, Consumer, Other Technology
Teams must choose one sector/category for their companies. Teams may chose a second sector/category, though a second sector/category is optional and not required. Please choose sectors/categories that best align with your company’s product, technology, system or mission.
About Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship
Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, which is Rice University's internationally-recognized initiative devoted to the support of entrepreneurship, and Rice Business, the Rice Business Plan Competition offers an educational program mirroring real-world experience through this multi-day event for student startups from across the world.
Student founders pitch to investors, receive feedback and advance their startup. There is also significant time designated for interaction with our judges and prize sponsors—providing valuable access and experience with both ear... continue reading
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RPBC Business Plan Competition
Aim and Benefits of RPBC Business Plan Competition
- Rice University will provide an intense, immersive experience over the course three days for student startup founders to pitch to investors, receive multiple rounds of feedback and advance their startup.
- There will be over $1 million in prizes, and all 42 teams who compete at Rice University in Houston are guaranteed to win cash prizes. The minimum cash prize is $500 and the grand prize winner receives a $300,000 investment (typically in the form of a convertible debt note, without geographic restrictions.)
Requirements for RPBC Business Plan Competition Qualification
- Student-driven, student-created and/or student-managed
- Has at least two current student founders or management team members, and at least one of those students is a current graduate degree-seeking student
- Are from a college or university anywhere in the world
- Has not raised more than $250,000 in equity capital prior to July 1, 2023
- Has not generated revenue of more than $100,000 in any 12-month period prior to July 1, 2023
- Is seeking funding or capital (or will be in the next 12 months)
- Is a potentially viable investment opportunity
If you can answer all those questions with "Yes," then your startup appears eligible! Please read the full details on eligibility and what we will be looking for an application—this will help you submit the best application possible!
Application Deadline
January 31, 2024
How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to
Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship on riceuniversity.zoom.us to apply
For more details, visit RBPC website
