Apply
An extra week to apply! Applications will close at 12:00 am CT on March 14.
To prepare for the application process, review the information below. Please reach out to Jessica Fleenor for questions.
Apply to OwlSpark
About the OwlSpark Accelerator
OwlSpark is an intense, immersive summer experience for startup teams. Utilizing entrepreneurial training and a diverse mentor network, OwlSpark provides startups with hands-on experience launching a tech startup. The 2023 program begins May 17 and concludes August 4, 2023, and will be hosted in tandem with RED Labs, the University of Houston startup 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 startup. 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.
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 a number of 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 a minimum of 100 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 within five years. Eligible startups must include two to five 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 participate full-time between May 17 and August 4, 2023, and also pitch at the August pitch/showcase event. Sessions are held several days each week, and founders must be present at each session. Exceptions to this requirement are considered on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, all founders must demonstrate a strong commitment and interest in launching their businesses.
What are we looking for?
The application is divided into two sections: (1) technology or business idea, and (2) the team. You should prepare thoughtful, concise answers to the questions below. We encourage you to review the application questions and pitch video criteria prior to applying.
Getting Started
To be considered for Class 11, one application per startup must be completed by the Rice-affiliated founder. Applications are open through March 6 at 11:59 pm CT. Applications close at 12:00 am CT on March 7. The application must be completed in its entirety. Because there is no option to save and finish later, startup teams are strongly encouraged to review the application questions and pitch video criteria prior to beginning the application.
What's Next?
A confirmation email with a copy of your application will be sent to the startup team within two business days. If your application reveals a potential fit for OwlSpark, your startup will be invited to interview. An OwlSpark team member will reach out to you regarding details and next steps.
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The application is divided into two sections: (1) the technology or business idea, and (2) the team. You should be prepared to provide detailed, concise answers to questions surrounding each of these topics. Because there is no option to save and finish later, startup teams are strongly encouraged to review the application questions below and prepare their answers before beginning the application.
Technology or Business Idea
- What is the name of your startup team?
- What does your startup do, provide, make or sell? Describe your technology or business idea.
- What problem or need is your technology or business idea solving?
- Who is your customer and/or end user? Describe them in terms of age, gender, geography, industry, business type, etc.
- How will your startup generate revenue? Describe your business model.
- What is new or unique about your technology or business idea? Describe how it is different from what is currently on the market.
- What other companies or solutions currently address the problem or need you are solving? Do you consider these companies or solutions to be competitors?
- Through which Rice University programs, events, and/or courses (if any) has your team evaluated the commercial viability of your technology or business idea?
- Include a link to your 60-second pitch video. Please provide a complete URL (i.e. “https://www.owlspark.com/pitch_video”). Review the Pitch Video Criteria below.
- Include a link to any websites, slide decks, demos, or other materials you feel would support your application. Please provide a complete URL (i.e. “https://www.owlspark.com/slide_deck”).
Team
- Name and Contact Information
- University Affiliation (if no affiliation, you must specify your affiliation)
- If you are a Rice University student or alumni, indicate graduation year (anticipated or completed). Other affiliates can skip this question.
- Academic Discipline (if no Rice University affiliation, choose N/A)
- Is this founder able to participate full-time during the program? If no, please list dates of outside commitments between May 17 and August 4, 2023, that preclude this founder from attending and participating.
- Briefly describe the skills and strengths this founder has to advance the innovation or business idea. Include one to two sentences describing the skillset and contribution that demonstrates a high level of ability.
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As part of the application process, your startup team is required to submit a 60-second Pitch Video. Please upload the video to the web and provide a link to the video on your startup team’s application.
Your purpose is to get others excited about your idea, pique their interest enough to want to learn more about your startup. You only have one minute, so every second counts. You are free to structure your video however you wish, but the following content should be included (timing for each topic is optional).
Intro / Hook (5 – 10 seconds)
Start strong and help people remember your skillset (use a hook, make it interesting).
Example: My name is John and I’m a futurist and designer creating the next generation of drone videography tours in the real estate industry.
Problem? (10 – 20 seconds)
Describe the problem in simple terms that the audience can relate to.
Example: Have you tried to buy or sell a house lately? All the websites and ads look the same. The real estate market presents homes in a boring, predictable way to potential buyers, despite the technology available today. This limits the seller’s chance of getting their home sold and potential buyers’ chances of truly experiencing a home’s real potential.
Solution (10 – 20 seconds)
Make your solution plausible and logical. Add your secret sauce, i.e. your skillset that shows you can make this work.
Example: I propose to develop a stylized package of videos and photos that buyers can use to showcase their homes, recorded and photographed by drones and put together by designers.
Team (5 – 10 seconds)
Why is your team the right team to execute your business idea?