Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the 2025 Rice Business Plan Competition!

Register to volunteer HERE.

The RBPC is a phenomenal way to engage our Houston entrepreneurial ecosystem and beyond as a volunteer. With 42 startups participating from all over the country, this is a can't-miss chance to network and support the largest and richest student startup competition in the world.

Volunteer positions include:

Registration & Guides

• Greet guests and direct them to the appropriate rooms.
• Answer questions regarding schedule and room locations.
• Assist questioning Judges with microphones.
• Remind guests of the food and drink policy.
• Other duties as needed on the day.

Gatekeepers

• You are the bouncer/room manager/enforcer!
• Managing the entry. Only specific people are allowed in each room; you must ensure it stays that way.
• Be familiar with assigned competition teams and schedules.
• Assist volunteers who are unable to leave the room.
• Distribute and collect scoring sheets from Judges.
• Monitor rooms during recesses.

Moderators

• Answer any questions regarding rules from judges or teams.
• Moderate questions directed at competitors.
• Explain the schedule and format before every event.
• Open and close all pitch sessions.
• Signal competitors to indicate the remaining time.
• MUST be available for the entire time block.

Volunteers are key to the success of our event. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to interact closely with venture capitalists and entrepreneurs, enhance your professional development, and represent Rice University and RBPC!

For questions about volunteering or specific interest in moderating, please contact Catherine Santamaria, Director of the RBPC, at csantamaria@rice.edu