APPLY FOR CLASS 4

March: Applications open • Apply via SlideRoom here

March 5: Virtual Info Session 1

March 21: Virtual Info Session 2

March 29: Applications close

Late April: Company Interviews (virtual)

Mid-May: Decision week

Late May: Invitations extended

July 8 - Sept. 13: Class 4 program dates

We welcome early-stage startups from seed stage to series A and who meet the eligibility criteria described below:

• The company must be an already established, corporately formed company or entity.
• The technology or innovation should serve one or more of the industry sectors described below.
• Each admitted company must participate in all required programming.
• At least 2 company employees, 1 of which is a C-suite level, must commit to attending all scheduled programming, including required in-person activities in Houston, Texas:

-Onsite kick-off:  July 9-12, 2024

-Onsite mid-point check-in:  August 5-9, 2024

-Onsite closing week and Demo Day: September 9 – 13

• Innovation - Is the technology impactful and scalable? Does it demonstrate promise for a sustainable competitive advantage? Having a prototype is very important and will be heavily considered in the evaluation process.
• Market - Is the potential market size large enough for sustained business growth, and aligned with the expectations of possible funding sources?
• Strategy - Do you have quantifiable value propositions and a sound business model?
• Viability - Have you demonstrated your technology or ability to raise funding?
• Capability - Does the team have the ability to deliver on the identified opportunity?

• Companies located outside the United States are welcome to participate with eligibility and travel costs being the same as for US companies
• Participants must speak fluent English and have access to a stable internet connection (the majority of activities are done virtually)
• Participants must be able to attend training activities typically scheduled during US Central Time business hours (keep in mind time zone differences)
• Participants must secure their own travel authorizations; we are unable to offer assistance in obtaining or sponsoring international visas

• Nine weeks beginning July through Sept. 2024

• Startups that have not yet formed into a corporate entity may apply, but if accepted, must finalize the formation of their entity before the start of the accelerator (June 2024).

• Yes, companies must be legally formed. U.S. entity status is not required, however, non-U.S. companies must be a recognized legal entities in their home country. 

• There is no equity or financial obligation for invited companies to participate; it is a no-cost program.
• We do not provide financial investment of any kind nor do we take equity, board seats, or any percentage of control.
• We offer a no-strings-attached stipend to help offset costs and be used at the determination of the company.

• We will favorably evaluate tech-enabled companies that have demonstrated feasibility of their technology/solution and are looking to scale or refine. On a Technology Readiness Level assessment, this would equate to Levels 3 to 7.

• Participants can expect to commit up to 8 hours per week throughout the program.  This includes weekly check-ins (virtual), weekly programming (virtual), mentor meetings and social activities.
• Additionally, participants must also attend the opening workshop, mid-point check-in, and closing week in Houston.

• In addition to making available our network of energy corporations, investors and advisors, our training and programming better position companies for attracting customers and investors.

• If your company previously applied but was not accepted, you are welcome to apply again. Having made progress since your last application speaks to the founder's resilience, commitment, and ultimate market adoption.

• Based on previous applicant data, the acceptance rate is 20%.

• Anticipate 30 minutes to complete the application. The application questions can previewed within the application portal.

• Phase I:  Screening - a panel of industry experts will evaluate the merits and commercial promise of each applicant company and make recommendations
• Phase II:  Interviewing - companies advancing to this phase will be invited to participate in a required team interview (virtual)
• Phase III:  Onboarding - accepted companies will receive an invitation roughly six weeks from the application closing date and will have one week in which to accept.

• We look for balanced teams of at least two that possess a complementary range of skills. For applicants with only one participant, we may question whether the necessary time, skills, and commitment is in place to achieve the desired outcomes.

• We strive to build diverse cohorts that serve multiple sectors, and do our best to avoid accepting competing companies within the same cohort. That said, there may be competing companies within the broader alumni base.

• Companies receive an equity-free stipend upon successful completion of the program
• Extensive training and personalized mentorship
• Access to an expansive network and exposure
• Lifetime access to CEA and Rice Alliance resources
• Pitch refinement and pitch deck design services

• Yes, accepted companies should continue with business as usual while participating in the accelerator. This includes working towards any goal that helps advance and/or accelerate adoption. 

• Lodging and ground transportation is your responsibility, but the CEA will provide a list of conveniently located lodging recommendations with favored rates, where possible.
• Travel and accommodation costs are at the expense of the participating company but may be covered with the CEA-provided stipend.