How Rice and Houston Are Shaping Tomorrow’s Founders

Houston is famously the energy capital of the world and the home of NASA, but in recent decades it’s also become a hub for entrepreneurs and startups. At the heart of this momentum is Rice’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

With its specialized curriculum and connections to resources like the Ion, the Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, Rice Business has created a hub for innovation, especially in early-stage ventures. 

Whether you’re a current or future founder, or you just have an entrepreneurial way of thinking, Houston — and specifically Rice — is the best place for you to be.

Entrepreneurial Advantage

There’s a reason the Rice MBA has been ranked the No. 1 Graduate Entrepreneurship Program in the U.S. for six years in a row (Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine). Our students not only learn about entrepreneurship during their time in the program — they gain hands-on experience from a specialized curriculum that includes:

• Classes like New Enterprise, Entrepreneurial Strategy and Enterprise Acquisition provide actionable skills that prepare students to effectively launch and scale startups.
• Extracurriculars, internships, labs, capstone projects and student-led conferences that allow students to engage with Houston’s vibrant business community.

Global Startup Competitions

Rice Business is home to many pitch competitions and conferences, including the world’s largest and richest intercollegiate graduate student startup competition: the Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC). With more than $1 million in cash and in-kind prizes awarded annually, the event draws top graduate students and entrepreneurial talent from across the globe. 

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The benefits of participating in RBPC extend well beyond funding: Students gain access to experienced mentors, build meaningful connections with industry leaders and present their ventures in front of some of the most prominent investors in the startup ecosystem.

In addition to the RBPC, Rice Business offers a variety of industry-specific events, like: 

• Texas Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Conference
• Rice Napier Launch Challenge
• Rice Business Energy Case Competition
• The Veterans Business Battle (VBB)
   

Support Networks and Accelerators

Rice University is a proud supporter of Houston's thriving startup ecosystem. At the heart of this effort is the Ion, anchored in the Ion District, a 16-acre innovation hub developed by the university.

Located in Houston’s Midtown, the Ion fosters collaboration among startups, academics and established companies through its innovative spaces and programming. The Rice Alliance powers this programming, offering a variety of initiatives — from pitch days and investor introductions to intensive accelerators — that support transformative startups. The Ion also hosts events featuring senior leaders and technology experts, providing inspiration and impactful insights on pressing global challenges.

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The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship supports startups and the commercialization of new technologies. Through accelerator programs, pitch events, and immersive experiences, it connects founders to essential networks and capital.

Rice Nexus acts as a gateway at the Ion, linking Rice-founded startups and research-driven ventures to industry leaders. It provides incubator spaces and specialized accelerators, like the Rice AI Venture Accelerator, to drive collaboration and create scalable technology ventures.

The Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Lilie) is the student hub for entrepreneurship at Rice. Lilie offers courses and programs such as the Change Maker Summit, Venture Development Workshops and the annual FIESTA event, equipping students with the skills and mindset to innovate and succeed.

MBA Clubs for Innovators

Through on-campus organizations, Rice MBA students can become active participants in a thriving entrepreneurial culture.

Our Entrepreneurship Association helps students connect with founders, investors and startup leaders through panels, pitch nights and speaker events. And for those interested in the investor side of entrepreneurship, the Private Equity & Venture Capital Association helps students understand the funding landscape — from early-stage investment strategies to deal evaluation and portfolio management. Club members engage with alumni in venture roles, participate in case competitions and explore the mechanics behind high-growth investments.​​

These organizations, along with Houston’s thriving innovation scene, give Rice MBA students a unique opportunity to apply what they learn in real time.

Houston: A Hot Spot for Innovation

Houston’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is vibrant and diverse, offering unique advantages:

• Diverse industry base. Beyond its reputation as the energy capital, Houston hosts thriving healthcare, technology and aerospace industries, making it ideal for interdisciplinary innovation.
• Cost-effective startup environment. Lower operational costs compared to coastal startup hubs mean your capital stretches further, allowing startups to scale faster.
• Strategic location. Its central U.S. location and well-connected airports make Houston perfect for logistics, manufacturing and global business initiatives.

Ready to Launch?

Whether you’re developing groundbreaking tech, planning to acquire an existing enterprise or aiming to build the next startup unicorn, Rice Business — and Houston — are ready to help turn your vision into reality.

Continue reading about how our Rice MBA builds an entrepreneurial mindset and why we are recognized consistently as the #1 Graduate Program for Entrepreneurship.

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