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AcceleratorEquity unknownVerified

OwlSpark

Also known as: OwlSpark Accelerator, BlueLaunch

Rice University · Houston, Texas

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  • Currently active
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Key numbers

Funding range

—

Equity

Unknown

Application

Annual summer cohort; Class 14 May 20–July 31, 2026

Student

Last activity

2026-07-01

High confidence

OwlSpark is Rice's 12-week summer startup and small business accelerator hosted by the Rice Alliance. Since 2013, it has supported 104 ventures and 229 founders who have raised approximately $116M in cumulative funding. The program offers two tracks — high-growth tech startups and small businesses (formerly BlueLaunch, merged in 2024) — with founder stipends, mentorship from 100+ industry experts, and a customized curriculum. OwlSpark is jointly run with University of Houston RED Labs and culminates in the Bayou Startup Showcase at The Ion Houston.