Join Rice University’s Liu Idea Lab for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Lilie), for our Change Maker Summit!
WHAT IS THE CHANGE MAKER SUMMIT (CMS)?
CMS is a day-long in person event where you’ll:
- Meet your fellow changemakers. Make new friends who share your excitement for solving meaningful problems, and meet Rice faculty and partners who want to support you.
- Dive into what it means to solve difficult problems with a human-centered, iterative approach through group-based projects with other incoming students.
- Get connected with resources to stay engaged with innovation and entrepreneurship while at Rice, including courses, student clubs, competitions, small grant funding, and personalized mentorship.
The Change Maker Summit is an in person program held at the Liu Idea Lab for Innovation & Entrepreneurship on the Rice campus the day before Move-In Day for the residential colleges, the weekend immediately before O-Week.
CMS 2025 will take place on Saturday, August 16th, 2025.
Who is it for?
All incoming first-year undergraduate Rice University students who are curious about social impact, innovation, and entrepreneurship are welcome to apply! It does not matter what your major, interest, or experience is; all that matters is your willingness to learn, be engaged, and get excited about all you can do during your time on campus!
Schedule
- Breakfast and networking
- Introduction to Lilie and Rice Entrepreneurship
- Keynote speaker
- Design challenge
- Student club panel
- Closing activity
- Parents mixer
In order to get the most out of the Change Maker Summit, all attendees must be able to attend the full day of programming and events. This is the day before move-in day to the residential colleges, so hopefully it is easy enough for you to arrive in town and be present.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Apply Here by Sunday, July 6th!
COSTS?
There is no cost to participate in the Change Maker Summit, but travel into town, and accommodation on Saturday night are up to you and your family. Breakfast, lunch, drinks, and snacks are provided during the day of the program.
DO I NEED TO HAVE A BUSINESS IDEA?
No you don’t need to have a specific idea you want to explore. CMS and many of Lilie’s programs are suitable for anyone interested in leveling up their problem solving skills and entrepreneurial mindset. Change Maker Summit is specifically designed to be an engaging experience for students interested in innovation in its many forms, whether that’s conducting cutting-edge research, starting a movement, working at a non-profit, founding a startup, or building a brand.
CAN I DO CMS AND OWL ACCESS?
Yes you can! We worked with the Student Success Initiative team to ensure students participating in Owl Access have the opportunity to attend CMS. Please go ahead and apply if you’re excited about meeting your fellow change makers and working on your problem-solving skills with us.
CAN I DO CMS AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION?
Unfortunately, the two schedules are not compatible. However, we will be hosting an open house on Friday during International Student Orientation where you can come meet our team and get a taste of entrepreneurship at Rice. We’re also happy to meet with you either virtually before you come to campus or in-person once you’re here. Book a time with our team here: Get time with the Lilie team
