# 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:

<div id="bkmrk-business-planning-an">- Business planning and market research
- Startup development and financial strategy
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Professional presentations and investor pitching
- Teamwork, leadership, and collaboration

</div>**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](https://rbpc.rice.edu/eligibility)**

*Note: Competition information is subject to updates by the organizers. Students should consult the official website for current requirements.*