Rice University
IN-1: Innovation 1

The Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship is a nationally-recognized initiative that is devoted to providing funding and support to the “support of technology commercialization, entrepreneurship education, and the launch of technology companies.” The Rice Alliance has hosted more than 125 events since its inception in 2000. Through funding and support from Rice Alliance, more than 250 start-ups have been able to raise over $500 million. Many of these companies include green tech startups or sustainable initiatives. EcoLight and Power2Switch were two green tech, sustainable startups that were funded by the Rice Alliance Business Plan Competition. Each company is still in operation today, both having been sold in 2013. In addition to the business plan competition, Rice Alliance hosts forums and events from leaders in sustainable topics. Included among the events are the “Annual Energy and Clean Technology Venture Forum” and the “Annual Nanotechnology and Sustainability Venture Forum.” These events serve the entrepreneurial community by offering investor panels as well as leaders in industry. The events attract investors, business leaders and innovators in their respective fields to network, meet investors and potential customers, as well as secure funding for existing projects.

In the Business Plan Competition alone, teams have raised more than $244 million last year alone. More than 437 teams have competed since the first competition in 2001 and 11 of them have exited at an estimated market value of over $220 million.