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Be part of the Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC) 2025: The World’s Largest Graduate Startup Competition

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Be part of the Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC) 2025: The World’s Largest Graduate Startup Competition

Application Deadline: Not Specified 

The Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC), hosted by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship and Rice Business, is your chance to showcase your entrepreneurial spirit, win substantial prizes, and connect with top investors, mentors, and industry leaders.

Eligibility Criteria

Your startup is eligible for RBPC 2025 if it meets the following requirements:

  • Student-driven: Must be created, managed, or led by students.
  • Team composition: At least two current student founders or management members, with at least one graduate-level student.
  • Global participation: Open to startups from colleges or universities worldwide.
  • Funding limits:
  • Not raised more than $250,000 in equity capital prior to July 1, 2024.
  • Not generated more than $100,000 in revenue in any 12-month period before July 1, 2024.
  • Funding focus: Actively seeking or planning to seek capital within the next 12 months.
  • Viability: Must demonstrate the potential to be a viable investment opportunity.

Competition Sectors

The RBPC welcomes startups from these key sectors:

  • Energy, Cleantech, and Sustainability
  • Hard Tech
  • Life Sciences and Healthcare Solutions
  • Digital Enterprise
  • Consumer Products and Services

Exciting Prizes

Participants have the opportunity to win over $3 million in prizes, including:

Placement Prizes

  • 1st Place Overall: $150,000 investment by GOOSE Capital.
  • 2nd Place Overall: $100,000 investment by Rice University.
  • 3rd Place Overall: $50,000 investment by Rice University.
  • 4th–7th Place Overall: $5,000 cash each.
  • Additional prizes: Wildcard Round, Semi-Final Round, and Mercury Elevator Pitch Competitions.

Individual Prizes (Cash & Equity-Free)

  • Pearland EDC Spirit of Entrepreneurship Prize: $40,000 cash.
  • Pediatric Device Prize: $25,000 cash.
  • Jacobs Space Technology Prize: $25,000 cash.
  • NOV Energy Technology Innovation Prize: $25,000 cash.
  • EFN Mentor Cash Prize: $1,500 cash.

Individual Prizes (Investments)

  • Goose Capital Investment Prize: $200,000 investment.
  • The OWL Investment Prize: $100,000+ investment.
  • Houston Angel Network Investment Prize: $100,000 investment.
  • TiE Angels Texas Investment Prize: $100,000 investment.
  • New Climate Ventures Sustainable Prize: $25,000 investment.
  • nCourage Courageous Women Entrepreneur Prize: $25,000 investment.
  • Dream Big Ventures Latino Entrepreneur Investment Prize: $25,000 investment.
  • UCN Diversity Award: $25,000 investment.

In-kind Prizes

  • TMC Innovation Healthcare Accelerator Bootcamp Invitation.
  • Baker Botts Legal Services: $75,000 for the top three startups.
  • AWS Credits: Available for all competitors.
  • EFN Mentoring: Provided to all competitors.

Why Compete?

  • Gain exposure to top-tier investors, industry leaders, and mentors.
  • Access invaluable in-kind resources, mentorship, and professional networks.
  • Compete for game-changing cash prizes, investments, and services to take your startup to the next level.

Be Part of the Legacy

The RBPC is an unparalleled platform to propel your entrepreneurial journey. Compete with the best, showcase your innovation, and seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Prepare your startup and join the RBPC 2025 today!

Click HERE to Apply 

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