Rice Residency

Rice Residency

Learn more about houston's first hacker house

About houston's first hacker house

We're launching Houston's first hacker house, a living community for 10 to 20 Rice-affiliated students ready to build, experiment, and take risks. Starting summer 2026, and continuing with fall, spring, and year-long cohorts, residents will live and work alongside some of the most driven minds on campus.

Whether you're a builder developing a new app, a researcher testing a bold hypothesis, a designer rethinking user experience, or a storyteller figuring out how to grow an audience, this is your place. You'll be surrounded by people who are obsessed with creating and pushing boundaries in every direction.

Residents will get access to mentorship from founders who've raised millions and built real companies. You'll connect with VCs, accelerators, and Houston's expanding innovation network to turn your ideas into something people need.

Apply Now

Gallery

What you can expect

Meet

The Team

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Lana Yepifanova

Co-lead

Harvard St. Commons Alum. Operator-investor building systems for real estate, energy markets, and tight founder communities.

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Lana Yepifanova

Co-lead

Harvard St. Commons Alum. Operator-investor building systems for real estate, energy markets, and tight founder communities.

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Catherine Zhou

Co-lead

The Residency alum. Founder and researcher using AI to accelerate drug discovery and power compliance in the food and supplement industry.

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Catherine Zhou

Co-lead

The Residency alum. Founder and researcher using AI to accelerate drug discovery and power compliance in the food and supplement industry.

Avatar

Catherine Zhou

Co-lead

The Residency alum. Founder and researcher using AI to accelerate drug discovery and power compliance in the food and supplement industry.

FAQ

FAQ

Do I need to drop internships, research programs, or work on a startup full-time?

No, you don't need to drop anything. Many of us juggle multiple jobs, clubs, research positions, and internships while being part of this community. The residency is designed to fit around your existing commitments.

Do I need to drop internships, research programs, or work on a startup full-time?

No, you don't need to drop anything. Many of us juggle multiple jobs, clubs, research positions, and internships while being part of this community. The residency is designed to fit around your existing commitments.

What are the requirements to apply?

The ONLY requirement is that you are passionate about adding to the startup community at Rice and are interested in entrepreneurship: either starting a company sometime in the future or building your brand/making content online or anything else along those lines. We just want people with passion.

What are the requirements to apply?

The ONLY requirement is that you are passionate about adding to the startup community at Rice and are interested in entrepreneurship: either starting a company sometime in the future or building your brand/making content online or anything else along those lines. We just want people with passion.

Which cohorts can I apply for?

Cohorts include Summer 2026 (3 months), Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 (semester programs), or the year-long program (Fall 2026 and Spring 2027). All offer the same mentorship and community support.

Which cohorts can I apply for?

Cohorts include Summer 2026 (3 months), Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 (semester programs), or the year-long program (Fall 2026 and Spring 2027). All offer the same mentorship and community support.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from undergrads, grads, PhDs, visiting students, or even dropouts. The program is open to anyone affiliated with Rice University who shares our passion for entrepreneurship and innovation.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from undergrads, grads, PhDs, visiting students, or even dropouts. The program is open to anyone affiliated with Rice University who shares our passion for entrepreneurship and innovation.

What if I don't have a startup idea yet?

That's perfectly fine! Many residents join without a specific startup idea. The program is about building skills, making connections, and developing an entrepreneurial mindset. You might discover your passion project while here.

What if I don't have a startup idea yet?

That's perfectly fine! Many residents join without a specific startup idea. The program is about building skills, making connections, and developing an entrepreneurial mindset. You might discover your passion project while here.

Do I need to be on a gap semester to join?

No, you do NOT need to be on a gap semester to be part of this program. Most people are fully enrolled as students. This program is designed to complement your academic journey, not replace it.

Do I need to be on a gap semester to join?

No, you do NOT need to be on a gap semester to be part of this program. Most people are fully enrolled as students. This program is designed to complement your academic journey, not replace it.

How do I apply?

Click the button below to access our application form. We review applications on a rolling basis and look forward to learning about your passion and interests!

How do I apply?

Click the button below to access our application form. We review applications on a rolling basis and look forward to learning about your passion and interests!

Ready to Build the Future?

Join a community of innovators, builders, and dreamers. Applications are now open for all 2026 cohorts.

Apply Now

Questions? Email us

Ready to Build the Future?

Join a community of innovators, builders, and dreamers. Applications are now open for all 2026 cohorts.

Apply Now

Questions? Email us

Ready to Build the Future?

Join a community of innovators, builders, and dreamers. Applications are now open for all 2026 cohorts.

Apply Now

Questions? Email us

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