Reviewed by Lexie CornerApr 2 2025
Rice University has launched the Rice AI Venture Accelerator (RAVA) to promote the early-stage innovation and commercialization of artificial intelligence (AI). Developed in collaboration with Google Public Sector, RAVA is supported by Google Cloud technology and services. Its goal is to connect AI-focused startups with large corporations and public sector organizations to address key business and industrial challenges using AI.
The Rice AI Venture Accelerator is led by Rice Nexus, the university’s innovation hub in the Ion District, which launched earlier this year. Image Credit: Rice University
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Rice AI Venture Accelerator in partnership with Google Public Sector. This collaboration builds on Rice’s decades-long history of innovation and aligns perfectly with our mission to transform breakthrough research into real-world impact. Through RAVA, we are creating an ecosystem where industry leaders can access the next generation of AI-driven solutions.
Reginald DesRoches, President, Rice University
The AI accelerator is operated by Rice Nexus, the university's innovation hub located in Houston’s Ion District. RAVA partners will have exclusive access to Google Public Sector’s expertise in AI and machine learning research, cloud computing, and AI-focused sandbox services.
Google Cloud will provide the necessary technology to help AI startups rapidly develop minimum viable products and scale these solutions for broader industry deployment. This will include advanced cybersecurity technology, AI-optimized infrastructure, and valuable insights. Additionally, partners will benefit from the expertise of Rice’s leading AI researchers, who bring experience from the Ken Kennedy Institute and the Houston innovation ecosystem.
Google Public Sector is proud to partner with a leading institution like Rice University to launch the Rice AI Venture Accelerator. By providing access to Google Cloud’s cutting-edge AI, secure cloud infrastructure, and expertise, we’re enabling the next generation of AI pioneers to develop solutions that address critical challenges across industries and within the public sector.
Reymund Dumlao, Director, State and Local Government and Education, Google Public Sector
Dumlao added, “This unique partnership between education and industry will give participants access to cutting-edge research, leading technologists, specialized resources, and a collaborative academic ecosystem, fostering an environment for rapid innovation and growth.”
RAVA will also collaborate with Non-Sibi Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in identifying and selecting high-potential early-stage startups, to enhance the program’s value.
While Rice Nexus, a state-of-the-art 10,000-square-foot innovation hub, will serve as the physical hub, RAVA will offer support to AI companies across the United States, helping them develop solutions for corporate and public sector challenges. This aligns with Rice's overall strategic plan, Momentous, which emphasizes leadership in responsible AI, computing, and disruptive technologies.
By leveraging the vast resources and leadership of Google Public Sector from AI research, cloud service, and the AI-focused Rapid Innovation Team, we will provide RAVA partners access to unparalleled technology. This partnership is poised to accelerate the commercialization and real-world impact of AI solutions in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Paul Cherukuri, Vice President, Rice University
Under the guidance of Sanjoy Paul, an AI expert and entrepreneur, Nexus aims to be a key driver of innovation across various sectors, including biotech, energy, climate, and healthcare.
This hub enables AI startups to go beyond building minimum viable products that meet industry privacy standards by utilizing the latest AI technologies from Google Cloud. Our goal is to maximize the return on investment for our corporate partners, driving meaningful innovation that will have lasting impact on their industries.
Sanjoy Paul, Executive Director, Rice Nexus, Rice University
RAVA represents the next phase of Rice's commitment to innovation, advancing AI research and supporting the growth of Houston's innovation ecosystem. The program will provide essential resources to ensure that AI solutions are developed and scaled, impacting industries and advancing technology globally, according to university authorities.