Eligibility
Are you eligible to apply to the Rice Business Plan Competition? Let's see!
You are initially eligible for RBPC 2027 if your startup:
- is student-driven, student-created and/or student-managed
- has at least two current student founders or management team members, and at least one of those students is a current graduate degree-seeking student
- are from a college or university anywhere in the world
- has not raised more than $250,000 in equity capital prior to July 1, 2026
- has not generated revenue of more than $100,000 in any 12-month period prior to July 1, 2026
- is seeking funding or capital (or will be in the next 12 months)
- is a potentially viable investment opportunity
If you can answer all those questions with "Yes," then your startup appears eligible! Please read the full details on eligibility and what we will be looking for an application—this will help you submit the best application possible!
Apply for the RBPC starting Nov. 9 here!
Apply for #RBPC27
If you've reviewed eligibility and are ready to apply, visit the competition portal!
Important Dates for RBPC 2026 Applicants
| Date | Event or Deadline |
|---|---|
| November 9, 2026 | 8:00 AM CST - Applications for #RBPC27 open: https://rbpc.poetic.io |
| January 29, 2027 | 11:59 PM CST - Applications close; deadline to submit applications |
| February 16, 2026 | Noon CST - Startups invited to participate via social media, email and text. |
| February 22, 2026 | 5:00 PM CST - Invited teams confirm commitment to compete via written confirmation on application and last day to withdraw without penalty |