The Rice Business Plan Competition is open to student-led startups from a college or university anywhere in the world. Applications open on 9 November 2026 and close on 29 January 2027 at 11:59 pm Central time. Invited startups compete at Rice University in Houston from 8 to 10 April 2027 for more than US$1 million in cash, investments and prizes.
Who can apply
University and country
The startup must come from a college or university anywhere in the world, and Rice says a startup from any country can apply. A startup from a Tunisian university qualifies if it meets the other rules.
Team
The startup must be student-driven, student-created or student-managed, with at least two current student founders or management team members.
Money raised and revenue
Before 1 July 2026, no more than US$300,000 raised in equity capital and no more than US$150,000 of revenue in any 12-month period. The startup must be seeking funding.
Funding and what it does not cover
Rice announces more than US$1 million in cash, investments and prizes for 2027. Every competing team leaves with at least one cash prize. The size of each prize is not published yet.
Covered
At least one cash prize for every team that competes in Houston
