Festival of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Science, Tech, & Art

FIESTA is a 3-day Festival to kick off the school year and celebrate Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, and Art at Rice University.

FIESTA is a 3-day Festival to kick off the new school year. Students hear from keynote speakers, faculty researchers, and student founders and celebrate the incredible innovation being worked on by the Rice community.

Discover mind-blowing research and world changing innovations coming from Rice University faculty, students, and alumni.

  • Connect with folks across many disciplines and industries who share your interests.

  • Learn about the resources and upcoming opportunities available to you at Lilie.

  • Be inspired to take the first steps on your own entrepreneurial journey.

Attendees will also hear about the upcoming opportunities Lilie offers to support students in their entrepreneurial pursuits. 

Grab your spot at FIESTA at Lilie Events!

Don’t forget to register at Lilie Events!

FIESTA 2026 Schedule

August 24 | Lilie Lightning Talks

We're bringing back three familiar faces — former Lilie regulars who used to sit right where you're sitting — for a night of rapid-fire fireside chats. Each one gets 20 minutes in the hot seat: real questions, real stories, zero filter.

August 25 | 2026 Summer Venture Studio Demo Day

Enjoy dynamic pitches from nine cohort companies selected for the2026 Lilie Summer Venture Studio, an immersive summer accelerator program designed to propel Rice University’s most innovative ventures forward. After the main event, celebrate our founders' achievements at our after party!

August 26 | First Pitch Open Mic Night

Do you have an idea for a product, service, or company you’ve been thinking about for a while? This is your chance to grab a mic, get the spotlight, and share your passion, problem, and product ideas with the entrepreneurial community at Rice.​No idea is too early to take advantage of this opportunity!