Rice Alliance Clean Energy Accelerator now accepting summer applications

Applications to join the first Rice Alliance Clean Energy Accelerator cohort are open to early-stage clean energy startups.

The Rice Alliance Clean Energy Accelerator — located in Houston, the energy capital of the world — will provide participants access to Rice Alliance’s network of energy corporations, investors and advisors. These connections help startups attract capital, launch pilot programs and other initiatives.

The accelerator’s engaged support network and personalized mentor relationships are an integral part of its curriculum and programming, which is designed to bridge the gap between ideas and business success.

Launching virtually this June, the 12-week accelerator culminates in a Demo Day during the 19th Annual Rice Alliance Energy Venture Forum. This event will bring together more than 700 members of the energy industry, including investors, corporations and real opportunities for doing business.

Any startups that contribute to significant energy efficiency improvements; develop energy derived from renewable, zero-emissions sources; curb the environmental impact of all types of energy production, distribution or usage; or enable progress towards net zero carbon are encouraged to apply.

The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. CDT on April 14, 2021. Startups will be accepted on a rolling basis. Startups are not required to be in Houston and there are no fees to apply or participate. Submit an application at ricecleanenergy.org/apply.

The first cohort will run virtually this first year, but it will be held in person at The Ion in coming years.

Rice Alliance supports entrepreneurship education, technology commercialization and the launch of technology companies. Since its inception, the alliance has connected with more than 2,863 startups that have raised $20.1 billion in funding.