Rice Business Plan Competition
Pitch Your Startup. Connect With Investors. Compete for Major Prizes.
The Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC) is an international collegiate startup competition hosted by Rice University that provides student entrepreneurs with opportunities to pitch innovative ventures, connect with investors and business professionals, and compete for substantial prizes.
Designed for student-led startups seeking investment and growth, the competition offers valuable experience in venture development, business strategy, and communicating ideas to potential investors.
Why Participate?
Develop Career-Ready Skills
Gain practical experience in:
- Business planning and market research
- Startup development and financial strategy
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Professional presentations and investor pitching
- Teamwork, leadership, and collaboration
Strengthen Your Résumé
Participating in a major startup competition provides experience you can highlight on your résumé, discuss during job interviews, and use to demonstrate initiative, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Compete for Major Prizes
The Rice Business Plan Competition offers more than $1 million in prizes and investment opportunities, providing qualifying student startups with opportunities to secure funding and accelerate venture development.
Explore Entrepreneurship and Venture Development
Discover how an innovative idea, research project, or emerging technology can be developed into a scalable startup with commercial potential. RBPC is particularly suited to student-led ventures that have progressed beyond the initial idea stage.
Connect With Mentors and Investors
Present your venture to experienced investors, entrepreneurs, and business professionals while gaining feedback, building professional relationships, and exploring potential investment opportunities.
Learn More About the Rice Business Plan Competition
2027 Competition: April 8–10, 2027 | Houston, Texas
Application Deadline: January 29, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time
For official competition information, eligibility requirements, prize details, guidelines, and application instructions, visit:
Rice Business Plan Competition Official Website
Note: Competition information is subject to updates by the organizers. Students should consult the official website for current requirements.