Rice University Business Plan Competition

In just a few years, the Rice University Business Plan Competition (RBPC) has become the richest guaranteed prize money intercollegiate business plan competition in the world.  This three-day event is intended to simulate the real-world process of entrepreneurs soliciting start-up funds from early-stage investors and venture capital firms.  The Competition is hosted by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship and Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management at Rice University.

Thirty-six teams from top MBA programs will be selected to compete at Rice University, in Houston Texas, for over $285,000 in prizes; including an investment opportunity of $100,000 for the grand prize winner, $95,000 in cash that will be distributed among at least 24 different teams, and the opportunity to advance to the international finals of the MOOT CORP® competition.  Over $90,000 in in-kind prizes will be awarded to the seven finalist teams.

Teams attending RBPC have the opportunity to meet and network with over 150 experienced venture capital principals, early stage investors, successful entrepreneurs and/or senior business leaders who will serve as judges for the competition. The judges function as venture capital investors deciding on which business venture they would most likely fund.  They are hand picked by the Rice Alliance and participate by invitation only.  These judges are selected based on their expertise in investing and entrepreneurship and their interest in supporting early stage entrepreneurs.  To encourage diversity in expertise and industry, a firm’s representation is limited to one judge per firm.  Last year ~130 judges participated in the Competition, the most of any business plan competition; and 62% of judges surveyed considered investing in a team that presented at the 2006 RBPC or referred a team to a third-party investor.

We provide an unparalleled experience for the participants by designing a diverse program over the course of three-days; with significant time designated for feedback and interaction with the judging panel.

Highlights of the Competition include:

• Real-world opportunities to learn what’s required to successfully launch a new business
• Chance to receive mentoring from investors and experienced entrepreneurs
• Scheduled opportunities to network with potential venture capitalists and other investors during each day of the Competition – with the largest judging panel of any competition
• High caliber of judges, all senior level investors and industry leaders
• Opportunities to receive individual feedback during 3 separate sessions
• $285,000 in prize money distributed to at least 24 different teams (2007 prizes)
  • First Place: $170,000, including a $100,000 investment offer, $20,000 cash and over $50,000 in services
  • Second Place: $22,375, including a $15,000 cash prize
  • Third Place: $14,875, including a $7,500 cash prize
• All teams will participate and present on all 3 days
  • Thursday: Practice Round and Elevator Pitch Competition
  • Friday: Preliminary Round and Feedback Session
  • Saturday: Wildcard Round, Challenge Round, and Final Round
• New world-class facility at the Jones Graduate School of Management at Rice University
• Large pool of MBA-student volunteers
• Outstanding keynote speakers: VC’s, CEOs and successful entrepreneurs
• Rice is recognized for being one of the most effectively run business plan competitions
• Low-cost travel into Houston and discounted hotel rates

The goal of the RBPC is to provide the best overall educational and entrepreneurial experience of any business plan/new venture competition and we were very gratified by the feedback we have received from past competitors and judges.  (Testimonials)

For more information about the Rice University Business Plan Competition, please review the website, email us, or contact Philana Diaz at 713-348-3190.

About the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship

The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship is Rice University's flagship initiative devoted to the support of technology entrepreneurship.  Since its inception in late-1999, the Rice Alliance has assisted in the launch over 170 new technology companies.  Rice Alliance companies have raised more than $300 million in early stage funding.

The mission of the Rice Alliance is to support the creation of technology-based companies and the commercialization of new technologies.  The Rice Alliance provides entrepreneurs with a collaborative network and forum for support, education, and exchange of ideas.  It provides entrepreneurs access to the human and financial capital needed for success.

Information about the Rice Alliance can be found at alliance.rice.edu

About the Jones Graduate School of Management

The Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management at Rice University is one of the world's leading business schools.  Founded in 1974, it is already among the top ten percent of business schools.

The mission of the Jones School is to educate business leaders.  The Jones School is one of two business schools that require every student to work with real businesses as part of their education.  And the MBA communications program is an integral part of the two years of education.

The Financial Times 2003 ranks the Jones School No. 1 in U.S. and No. 6 in the World for Career Progress:  "The degree to which alumni have moved up the career ladder three years after graduating.  Progression is measured through changes in level of seniority and the size of the company in which they are employed."  It was ranked No. 2 in "Aims Achieved."  In "Leagues of Their Own: The Top Ten Schools" the Jones School was ranked among the top ten for finance for the fourth straight year and in the top ten for entrepreneurship for the second time in four years.  U.S. News & World Report 2003 ranked the school No. 1 in employed at three months.

For more information: jonesgsm.rice.edu.