​🚀 Ready to see the future of innovation?

​Join us for an unforgettable night at the Napier Rice Launch Challenge (NRLC) Championships, where Rice University's top student founders take the stage to pitch their bold, creative ventures for a chance to win a share of $100,000 in prize funding.

​Here’s what’s in store:
🎤 Live pitches: Cheer on brilliant founders as they compete for cash prizes
🏆 Audience voting: Cast your vote for the People’s Choice winner
🤝 Networking: Connect with founders, investors, and Houston's entrepreneurial community
✨ High-energy inspiration: Leave motivated by incredible student innovation

​🚀 Meet the 2025 NRLC Final 5 👀

​Haast Autonomous

​Co-Founders | Jason Chen, Ege Halac, Santiago Brent

​Haast Autonomous is building unmanned, long-range VTOL aircraft with cold storage to revolutionize organ transport—delivering life-saving medical supplies roof-to-roof faster, safer, and more efficiently than current systems.

​Kinnections

​Co-Founders | Emmie Casey, Tomi Kuye

​Kinnections' Glove is a lightweight, wearable device that uses targeted vibrations to reduce tremors and improve motor control in Parkinson’s patients, offering a non-invasive, portable solution to enhance daily life.

​Labshare

​Co-Founders | Julian Figueroa Jr, John Tian, Mingyo Kang, Arnan Bawa, Daniel Kuo

​Labshare is an AI-powered web app that streamlines lab inventory and resource sharing, reducing waste and improving efficiency by connecting neighboring labs through a centralized, real-time platform.

​Veloci

​Founder | Tyler Strothman

​Veloci Running creates innovative shoes that eliminate the trade-off between foot pain and leg tightness, empowering runners to train comfortably and reduce injury risk—so every stride feels strong and pain-free.

​SteerBio

​Co-Founders | Mor Sela Golan, Martha Fowler, Alvaro Moreno Lozano

​SteerBio’s LymphGuide is a patented, single-surgery hydrogel solution that restores lymphatic function by promoting vessel growth and reducing rejection, offering a transformative, cost-effective treatment for lymphedema.

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​The H. Albert Napier Rice Launch Challenge (NRLC) is Rice’s new venture competition, where undergraduate, graduate, and MBA students pitch their business ventures to win a share of $100,000+ in equity-free funding, all while launching their venture on the biggest stage of the year.

​For more information, visit the NRLC page.