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About the OwlSpark Accelerator

OwlSpark is an intense, immersive summer experience for startup and small business teams. Utilizing entrepreneurial training and a diverse mentor network, OwlSpark provides ventures with hands-on experience launching a tech startup or a small business. The 2025 program begins May 15 and concludes August 1, 2025, and will be hosted in tandem with RED Labs, the University of Houston startup and small business accelerator.

Program Overview

Throughout the summer, OwlSpark delivers entrepreneurship education, teaches relevant business fundamentals, pairs teams with knowledgeable mentors and industry experts, features office hours with entrepreneurs, and yields key community connections. OwlSpark culminates with the Bayou Startup Showcase, a one-day event that showcases your venture. Together, these resources and collaboration provide exposure and direct access to Houston’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, increasing the probability of continued success beyond the OwlSpark experience.

Two tracks are available for ventures to provide a tailored approach to your business needs—one track is geared toward the high-growth tech startup, and one is for small businesses, regardless of industry (formerly called BlueLaunch).

Program Requirements

OwlSpark includes intensive mentoring, entrepreneurial training, and exposure to Houston’s best resources. Like any entrepreneurial venture, launching a startup requires determination, grit, versatility, and most importantly, passion. Throughout the summer, founders are expected to meet several program requirements, including, but not limited to:

• Attending and actively engaging in training sessions, workshops, events, mentoring, and weekly accountability meetings
• Setting and reporting key performance metrics
• Conducting customer interviews
• Building brand identity, website, marketing materials, and more
• Developing a clear, concise, compelling pitch, and pitch video
• Pitching at organized events

Eligible Team Composition

OwlSpark is open to students, staff, and faculty across all schools and all disciplines, as well as alumni. Eligible ventures must include one to three founders, and at least one founder must be affiliated with Rice University. International students are eligible but must secure authorization from the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) prior to the start of the program.

Team members are expected to participate full-time between May 15 and August 1, 2025, and also pitch at the August showcase event. Sessions are held several days per week, and founders must be present at each session. Additionally, all founders must demonstrate a strong commitment and interest in launching their businesses.

Getting Started

To be considered for Class 13, one application per venture must be completed by the Rice-affiliated founder. Applications are due by March 7 at 11:59 pm CT. Review the FAQs, instructions and application questions before applying as there is no option to save and finish later. 

What's Next?

A copy of your application will be sent to the email address provided. If your application reveals a potential fit for the program, an OwlSpark team member will reach out regarding next steps. For questions, reach out to Jessica Fleenor at jef4@rice.edu.