Rice Business Plan Competition
rbpc.rice.edu
Hosted by Rice University and sponsored by major corporate and investment partners, this premier collegiate startup pitch competition awards over $1 million in total cash and investment prizes to early-stage ventures.
Jargon-free version
Helps early-stage startups compete for over $1 million in cash and investment prizes. It's hosted by Rice University with support from corporate partners.
Quick Facts
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Free Excel sample of the US Grants Database, contextually offered on the Rice Business Plan Competition program page.
What Benefits Are Offered?
A premier global student startup competition offering over $1 million in total prizes, including significant investment and cash awards, extensive pre-competition mentoring, pitch training, networking opportunities with early-stage investors, and valuable in-kind services like legal support and accelerator access. Every one of the 42 competing teams is guaranteed to win at least $950 in prizes.
Who Is Eligible?
Business Size: small, startup
Industries: Energy, Cleantech and Sustainability, Hard Tech, Life Sciences and Healthcare Solutions, Digital Enterprise, Consumer Products and Services
Region: global
Revenue Range: 100000
Other Criteria: Student-driven, student-created, and/or student-managed startup, At least two current student founders or management team members, At least one student founder/management team member must be a current graduate degree-seeking student, From a college or university anywhere in the world, Not raised more than $250,000 in equity capital prior to July 1, 2025, Not generated revenue of more than $100,000 in any 12-month period prior to July 1, 2025, Seeking funding or capital (or will be in the next 12 months), Potentially viable investment opportunity
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FAQFrequently Asked Questions
This program is available to small, startup businesses in Energy, Cleantech and Sustainability, Hard Tech, Life Sciences and Healthcare Solutions industries located in global.
This program offers funding up to $200,000 (minimum $950).
The application deadline is January 31, 2026.
Choose your tier
One-time purchase, instant .xlsx download. USD.
Promo codes can be entered at checkout.
Basic
5 columns per program
- 2,800 active US grants
- Title + CFDA for every program
- Funder named & linked
- Know what each grant funds
- Clean .xlsx, opens in Excel
Pro
24 columns per program
- 2,800 active US grants
- See funding size & deadlines fast
- Know exactly who qualifies
- Reach 800 verified emails & phones
- Sortable tabs: theme, deadlines
- Plus everything in Basic
Intelligence
49 columns per program
- 2,800 active US grants
- Exactly how & where to apply
- What you can spend it on
- Reporting & compliance, upfront
- Full contact directory tab
- Plus everything in Pro
A detailed invoice will be emailed to you after purchase. Use it for company reimbursement.