The Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Lilie) has announced the launch of a new startup accelerator program for Rice University students: Summer Venture Studio.
This summer, student teams will have the opportunity to work full-time with Lilie on their ventures in a dedicated coworking space along with one-on-one mentorship, tactical workshops and up to $15,000 in equity-free funding per team.
“The Summer Venture Studio will empower student teams to accelerate their ventures and hit escape velocity,” said Kyle Judah, executive director of Lilie. “We believe that with the right personalized program and resources, and led by our team of experienced founders, we can unlock students’ limitless potential to create the next generation of pillar companies for Houston, Texas and the world.”
The accelerator, which runs from May to August, is open to student founders from all majors, degree programs and graduation years, including students graduating in May before the program begins. Solo founders are welcome, as well as companies building all kinds of products across every industry, from new food and consumer packaged goods brands to financial technologies and business-to-business software or consumer apps.
“Summer Venture Studio offers Rice students the opportunity to work on their venture ideas with individualized programming customized to their experience, background and venture stage,” said Yael Hochberg, the Ralph S. O’Connor Professor in Entrepreneurship and head of the Rice Entrepreneurship Initiative. “The program is designed to blend seamlessly into students’ curricular and co-curricular experience throughout the academic year, ensuring that each student is met where they are in experience and entrepreneurial knowledge.”
Students accepted into the accelerator will have the opportunity to work with alumni, mentors, venture capitalists and other experts that will support their personal and venture growth, gaining first hand working experience in the startup world.
Applications are now open at https://accelerator.rice.edu/.