Lilie Impact Report

At the Liu Idea Lab for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Lilie), we believe entrepreneurship is more than building ventures—it’s about unlocking potential, pushing boundaries, and cultivating a mindset of curiosity, creativity, and courage.

Our annual impact reports celebrate the students, alumni, faculty, and partners who make up our vibrant community of builders and problem solvers. It highlights the programs, events, and learning experiences that fuel bold ideas and the generous mentors and donors who help bring them to life.

As we continue to grow, our commitment remains the same: to empower the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders and make Rice the most entrepreneurial university in the country.

Welcome to the Lilie universe!

2024-2025 Impact Report

As we approach the 2025–2026 school year and prepare to celebrate Lilie’s 10th anniversary, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a year of bold experimentation, deep learning, and real impact.

This report captures the heartbeat of the Lilie universe – from what makes us built different, to student-led ventures and global programs to groundbreaking courses and community-wide events.

Inside, you’ll find highlights like:

  • $25M+ funding raised by Innovation Fellows Program Ventures
  • 75% of Summer Venture Studio Ventures closed successful fundraising rounds
  • Record-breaking NRLC Pitch Competition with our first nonprofit winner and the largest prize pool yet

  • Innovative use of AI in the classroom and across student ventures

  • Global immersion experiences in Tokyo and Amsterdam

  • Expanded mentorship and alumni engagement across programs

Back Big Ideas. Build Big Futures.

At Lilie, we believe the future is built by those bold enough to chase it—and our students are doing just that. They’re not just dreaming big; they’re launching real ventures, tackling real-world problems, and leading with purpose.

These founders are creating what’s next. But no founder builds alone. Behind every great venture is a network of believers—people who see potential and help turn it into momentum.

That’s where you come in.

Your support—whether through a gift or mentorship—can help take a student from pitch to prototype, from idea to impact. Your investment unlocks access to funding, guidance, and the kind of hands-on learning that changes lives (and industries).

As we head into Lilie’s 10th anniversary, we’re inviting you to be part of our next chapter.

  • Make a gift that fuels bold student innovation.
  • Become a mentor who helps shape the next generation of leaders.
  • Change the game for a founder who’s ready to build something that matters.

Let’s go from inspiration to impact—together.

 

TO PARTNER WITH LILIE

To give or get involved, reach out to us for more info or to set up a meeting.

Nick Tucker
Lilie Senior Associate Director
Nick.Tucker@rice.edu

2025-2026 Lilie Team

Yael V. Hochberg, Ph.D.
Head of Rice Entrepreneurship Initiative & Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Kyle Judah
Executive Director

Hesam Panahi, Ph.D.
Director of Strategic Initiatives and Programs & Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship

Nicholaus Tucker
Senior Associate Director

Cherise Johnson
Head of Marketing

Caroline Arzoo
Head of Venture Acceleration

Antonio Cordova
Head of Early Stage Ventures

Maddie Thorud
Program Coordinator

Rafael Serrillos Barboza
Lilie Faculty Success Manager

Lilie Supporters

Frank Liu, Frank Liu Family Foundation Endowment

Sandy Aron
Rakesh Agarwal
Jonathan Chan
John Chao
Shoukat Dhanani
Lorin Gu
Sandy Guitar
Matt Harrigan
Bryan Hassin
Earl Hesterberg
Emily Keeton
Rob Labb
Charlie Meyer
Hong Ogle
Annise Parker
Gary Stein
Remington Tonar
Bobby Tudor