Rice University in Houston, TX is hosting the 2015 Rice Business Plan Competition(RBPC), the richest global business plan competition for graduate level student entrepreneurs, from April 16th through the 18th. Student entrepreneurs have until the rapidly approaching deadline of noon Central time Feb. 27th to submit their application from which the RBCP will select 42 teams to compete and win over $1 million in awards.
Having helped over 138 startup companies that have raised over $859 million in capital, the RBCP has a created a track record of success over the past fifteen years. 58% of its participants launch a venture and 62% are still in business. 11 teams have had successful exits.
Participants will have the opportunity to meet and network with over 250 venture capital principals, early stage investors, and successful entrepreneurs at the competition’s April event. These experts will serve as judges for the competition and mentor the teams for 3 days of intensive feedback and advice.
To enter, one individual from the team is required to complete the online enrollment form found at rbpc2015.istart.org. In addition to the iStart Business Setup information, the Application and Executive Summary must be completed and submitted by the Noon deadline on February 27th.
On March 13, the RBPC will announce the 42 teams chosen to compete. Those chosen teams will have until Noon CST March 23 to submit a written business plan and other materials online.
Startups in the following areas are encouraged to apply: Clean Technology, Life Science/Biotech/Medical Devices, Energy (oil and gas, other traditional fuels), Sustainability, Information Technology/Web/Internet, Space Technologies/Aerospace Consumer Goods and Products, Social Impact and Advanced Materials/Other Technologies.
