Overview

Rice Business Plan Competition is a distinguished graduate-level student startup competition. The competition is hosted by Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, it will now be entering its 14th year since inception. The growth of the program is evident, since commencement; from 9 teams competing for 10k in prize money in the beginning of the decade, 42 teams from around the globe will compete for an estimated $1.3 million in prize money this year. Participants of the competition will be given the distinct pleasure of meeting and networking with over 250 venture capital principals, early stage investors, and successful entrepreneurs.

Students will be given the opportunity to redefine and tune their business plans and elevator pitches with hopes of receiving funding to successfully commercialize their product. The judges of the competition will evaluate the students as real-world entrepreneurs soliciting start-up funds. Ranking each team/presentation based on which company they would invest in. Overall it is a mock trial for the students to prepare for real world altercations. With Some gaining the necessary capital to begin with their entrepreneurial endeavor.

Purpose

“The goal of the RBPC is to provide the best overall educational and entrepreneurial experience of any business plan/new venture competition…”

Distinct Difference From Other Offerings:

RBPC is a proven program that has developed into a prestigious entity that fosters successful enterprises.

138 past competitors have successfully launched their businesses, and have raised in excess of $600 million in funding.

Teams will participate and present their proposal within a three day period.

First Day) Practice Round and Elevator Pitch Competition

Second Day) First Round and Feedback Session

Third Day) Semi-Final, Shark Tank and Final Round

Following link gives a breakdown of prizes and awards given to superior competitors.

http://alliance.rice.edu/Prizes/

Impact Achieved For Students And Campus:

Highlights of the Competition include:

Real-world opportunities to gain the necessary knowledge that is required to successfully accelerate a new business.

“Chance to receive mentoring from investors and experienced entrepreneurs
Scheduled opportunities to network with potential venture capitalists and other investors for three days
High caliber of judges, all senior level investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders
Opportunities to receive individual feedback during 3 separate sessions
2013: $1.5 Million + in prize money was awarded with all teams winning at least one cash award”

Recent recognition:

2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 Top Ten Best U.S. Graduate Entrepreneurship Program – Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine
2011 NASDAQ OMX Center of Entrepreneurial Excellence Award – GCEC
2011 National Model MBA Entrepreneurship Program – USASBE
2011, 2009 Marketer of the Year – American Marketing Association
2009 Outstanding Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership - GCEC
2009 Excellence in Technology Entrepreneurship Award - GCEC
2009 Outstanding Technology Entrepreneurship Program – USASBE
2008 Houston’s Greatest Economic Development Ally – Greater Houston Partnership

Steps Requried to Bring Resource On Campus:

Detailed explanation on entering competition.

http://alliance.rice.edu/Eligibility/

Detailed explanation on submitting a proposal.

http://alliance.rice.edu/Submission_Requirements/

The program is open to all graduate-level students.

http://alliance.rice.edu/Compete/

Contact Information:

Rice Business Plan Competition, contact is at rbpc@rice.edu or you may call (713) 348-3443.
Mailing Address
Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship
Rice University, MS-531
PO Box 2932
Houston, TX 77252-2932

Physical Address
Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship
Jones School, Room 134
Rice University
6100 Main Street
Houston, TX 77005-2932

Phone: 713-348-3443
Fax: 713-348-3110
Email: rbpc@rice.edu

Organization:Rice Business Plan Competition

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