Call For Applications: Rice Business Plan Competition 2025 (up to $1.5 million in prizes)

Call for Applications: Rice Business Plan Competition 2025 – Up to $1.5 Million in Prizes for Collegiate Entrepreneurs

Deadline: January 27, 2025

Are you a collegiate entrepreneur with a groundbreaking startup idea? The Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC) 2025 is your chance to gain real-world experience, pitch your startup to investors, receive invaluable mentorship, network with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, enhance your business strategy, and get a step closer to launching a successful startup. With over $1.5 million in prizes, this prestigious competition offers incredible opportunities to take your startup to the next level.

Hosted by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship and Rice Business, the competition is designed to support student-driven innovations and foster entrepreneurship.

Competition Categories: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity

The Rice Business Plan Competition covers several exciting categories, each offering unique opportunities for startups to showcase their ideas:

1. Energy/Cleantech/Sustainability
   Startups focused on agriculture, agtech, renewable energy, energy infrastructure, decarbonization, and more.
2. Hard Tech
   Innovations in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, robotics, AI, quantum computing, autonomous vehicles, drones, and more.
3. Life Sciences & Healthcare Solutions
   Startups in biotech, digital health, medical devices, disease management, public health, and more.
4. Digital Enterprise
   Projects focusing on big data, blockchain, cybersecurity, fintech, enterprise software, and more.
5. Consumer Products & Services
   Innovations in consumer web, education, food & drink, gaming, wearables, subscription services, and more.

Prizes: Over $1.5 Million in Total

• Grand Prize: $150,000 investment
• Minimum cash prize: $800
• Other prizes across various categories and subcategories
• A great opportunity for funding and mentorship to accelerate your startup’s growth.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Rice Business Plan Competition, your startup must meet the following criteria:

1. Student-driven: Your startup should be created, managed, and driven by students.
2. At least two student founders or management team members, with at least one current graduate degree-seeking student.
3. Global Participation: Teams from universities worldwide are eligible to apply.
4. Funding Restrictions: Your startup should not have raised more than $250,000 in equity capital before July 1, 2024 or generated more than $100,000 in revenue in any 12-month period before this date.
5. Capital Seeking: Your startup should be seeking funding or capital (or will be in the next 12 months).
6. Investment Viability: The startup must present a potentially viable investment opportunity.

Please note: Teams from post-doctoral or certificate programs are not eligible.

How to Apply

1. Click HERE to Apply: Start your application process by submitting your business plan and details.
2. Review and Evaluation: Your application will be evaluated based on its innovation, potential for impact, business model, and viability.
3. Final Pitch: If selected, you will have the chance to pitch your startup to a panel of expert judges, investors, and mentors.

Deadline: January 27, 2025

Don’t miss the opportunity to compete for over $1.5 million in prizes and gain valuable exposure for your startup. The Rice Business Plan Competition is your gateway to turning your entrepreneurial dream into a successful reality.

Apply now and take the first step toward entrepreneurial success!

Click HERE to Apply