Rice Innovation supports faculty and researchers in transforming groundbreaking discoveries into solutions that benefit society. Whether you're exploring the commercialization potential of your research, seeking industry partnerships, or launching a venture, we provide comprehensive resources to help your innovations reach their full potential.
Commercialize Your Research
Office of Technology Transfer (OTT)
The Office of Technology Transfer serves as your partner in navigating the commercialization journey—from protecting intellectual property to bringing innovations to market.
Patent Filing Support
OTT's experienced team helps you evaluate patentability, file patent applications, and develop IP strategies that protect your discoveries while maximizing commercialization potential.
Licensing Opportunities
Connect your research with industry partners through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. OTT negotiates terms that advance your work while generating revenue for continued research.
Startup Formation
Considering launching a company? OTT guides faculty through startup formation, equity agreements, conflict of interest management, and the transition from research to entrepreneurship.
Industry Partnerships
OTT facilitates collaborations with corporations, investors, and organizations seeking to license Rice technologies or sponsor research that addresses real-world challenges.
Innovation Programs
The Rice Innovation Fellows program brings together top Ph.D.s and postdocs across Rice’s research labs to turn their research into breakthrough solutions for real-world problems. The goal of the program is to catalyze the next generation of world-changing, scientist-led companies. Hosted by the Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Lilie), this selective fellowship provides Ph.D.s with the dedicated time, expert mentorship, and equity-free funding needed to move their work from the lab to industry.
Join a community of science-based innovators who have already raised $25M in funding across cohorts.
The Rice Biotech Launchpad is a specialized program supporting life sciences and biotech ventures with wet lab access, business development resources, and connections to Houston's thriving Texas Medical Center ecosystem. The Launch Pad accelerates the path from bench to bedside for health-focused innovations. The mission is to accelerate the translation of Rice University discoveries and technologies into clinical practice to provide rapid patient access to leading-edge therapeutic products.
Funding Opportunities
The One Small Step Grant is gap funding for faculty and students to support early-stage projects with commercial potential. These grants help bridge the gap between research discovery and commercial viability.
- Industry-sponsored research
- Partnership opportunities
Innovation Infrastructure
Wet lab access:
Startup workspace:
Equipment and facilities: