I Want to Learn
Whether you’re exploring entrepreneurship for the first time or deepening your innovation skills, Rice offers world-class programs to build your foundation. As the nation's top-ranked university for entrepreneurship education, Rice integrates innovation thinking across disciplines, preparing students to tackle complex challenges through research, experimentation, and real-world problem-solving.
Curricular Programs
Gain academic credentials while developing real-world innovation skills through Jones School courses, entrepreneurship electives across disciplines, and specialized programs that blend theory with hands-on experience. Rice's entrepreneurship education combines cutting-edge research with practical application, giving students the tools to launch ventures, drive innovation within organizations, or pursue research that creates real-world impact.
I Want to Be a Founder
Turn your ideas into reality with comprehensive support from concept to launch. Rice Innovation provides student entrepreneurs with a variety of resources throughout every stage of the startup journey—from initial concept validation to scaling your venture.
Start Your Venture:
Protect Your IP:
Get Funding:
Find Space:
Explore Innovation Spaces
Rice Innovation provides student entrepreneurs with physical spaces designed to foster collaboration, experimentation, and venture creation across Houston's growing innovation ecosystem.
Connect & Learn
The Rice Office of Innovation connects accomplished alumni and industry leaders with the Rice entrepreneurial ecosystem, leveraging their expertise to accelerate startup success while fostering meaningful engagement with the university's innovation community.
Mentorship opportunities
For Mentors: The Rice Innovation Venture Advisor program is a flexible, network-based program that activates alumni expertise on an as-needed basis for mentorship or diligence, keeping advisors connected to the Rice innovation ecosystem.
This program is ideal for Rice University alumni and professionals based globally, who want to give back, stay connected to Rice Innovation, and share expertise flexibly around their existing commitments. Invitation to the Venture Advisor program is initiated by the Rice Innovation team, but interested parties may send a letter of interest to innovation@rice.edu.
For Mentees: Connect with experienced entrepreneurs, Rice alumni founders, industry experts, and venture capitalists who provide guidance, feedback, and connections to help you navigate your innovation journey. Rice's mentorship programs pair students with seasoned professionals who offer real-world insights on product development, fundraising, team building, and scaling ventures. These relationships often extend beyond graduation, creating lasting professional networks.