RICE BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP LABS (E-LABS) COMPLEMENT CLASSROOM LEARNING BY PROVIDING STUDENTS SPACE TO PUT THEORY INTO PRACTICE THROUGH EXPERIENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES
E-labs are akin to independent studies, designed for both individual students or small teams, where students can launch their entrepreneurial venture or work alongside industry professionals for credit. There are opportunities to explore venture creation, venture capital, and acquisitions/mergers. The courses are directed by professors with founding experience themselves, as well as entrepreneurial alumni mentors. The exposure to Rice’s entrepreneurial alumni and the broader Houston entrepreneurial ecosystem is just one invaluable benefit from participation. Many of our students continue working on their venture or with their venture find funding post-graduation.
E-Labs are open to second-year MBA students and full-time students are required to enroll in an E-Lab in order to complete requirements for the Entrepreneurship Concentration. E-Labs require approximately 10 – 12 hours of commitment per week and the schedule for the class is set between the students and the professor.
Students will receive 3 hours of credit for two terms of participation (1.5 credits hours can be taken but only in special circumstances which are approved by the professor) and a grade of either satisfactory or unsatisfactory for the Venture Capital E-Lab and a letter grade for all other E-Labs.
NOTE: Students can only take 1 E-Lab class during a single semester.
Application Process
Applications for Spring 2025 are open now.
Applications close on November 11, 2024. We’ll reach out to you by November 23, 2024 with a decision and next steps.
For some E-Labs, an interview with a representative from the sponsoring organization or a faculty member will be required.
Applications received after the application deadline will be reviewed at the professor’s discretion. Late acceptances will be added to the course waitlist unless space is available.
Contact Taylor Anne Adams (taylor.anne.adams@rice.edu) for questions about the VC E-Lab and Kyle Judah (kyle.judah@rice.edu) for questions about the New Enterprise E-Lab.