Rice University launches accelerator for consumer product companies
Rice University has a new resource for entrepreneurs: “BlueLaunch,” an accelerator for consumer product companies and other small businesses. It is the latest initiative from the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, providing hands-on training and mentoring designed to support the success of Rice-affiliated small business entrepreneurs in any industry.
As described here, companies accepted into the accelerator have access to legal, financial, sales and marketing resources as well as mentorship from an invaluable professional network. Participants in the program also receive a $1,000-per-month non-dilutive stipend for three months.
“BlueLaunch” builds on the success of the Rice Alliance’s “OwlSpark Accelerator” which has supported 73 technology-based, Rice-affiliated start-ups with 180 founders for 10 years that have gone on to raise more than $29 million in funding.
And, the university is well-known for the “Rice University Business Plan Competition” now in its 21st year.
