The 2026 Rice Business Plan Competition announced today the 42 startups invited to compete for more than $1 million in prizes April 9-11 at Rice University and in the Ion District.
The RBPC, presented by Rice Business and hosted by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, serves as a global stage for emerging ventures from leading universities. Now in its 26th year, the competition brings together the best graduate founders and more than 300 angel investors, venture capitalists, corporate leaders and entrepreneurial ecosystem partners, creating an unmatched environment for investment, mentorship and connection.
The 42 startups were chosen by a panel of screeners composed of venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and corporate leaders who evaluated applicants based on innovation, market potential and investability. These ventures represent the very best in graduate student entrepreneurship from universities across the country and around the world — building cutting-edge solutions in energy, cleantech and sustainability; life sciences, medtech and health care; hard tech; digital enterprise; and consumer products and services. This year’s invited startups represent 39 universities from four countries.
The student entrepreneurs gain real-world experience pitching their startups, enhancing their business strategy and learning what it takes to launch and scale successfully. In addition to competing for investments, cash and in-kind prizes, these graduate students gain invaluable advice from investors on how to secure funding, raise awareness and launch a successful venture — pitching their companies through three rounds and three days of competition in hopes of taking home the grand prize.
The 42 startups selected to compete at RBPC 2026 are:
