Berkeley SkyDeck serves as UC Berkeley's global hub for entrepreneurship, dedicated to supporting startups founded by UC Berkeley students, alumni, and faculty. The program focuses on bringing scientific and technical discoveries to market and commercializing groundbreaking research from the university. Applications are open to startups globally, with a historical composition of approximately two-thirds of participants originating from outside the United States, reflecting a continued priority on both UC-affiliated and international companies.
Batch 23 Program Timeline
• Applications Open: July 2026 – August 21, 2026
• Interviews: September 8, 2026 – October 5, 2026
• Orientation: Monday, November 2, 2026
• Program Start & End Dates: November 2, 2026 – April 15, 2027
• Cohort Demo Day: April, 2027
Program Offerings
Berkeley SkyDeck provides three distinct programs tailored to the specific stage of a startup's development.
SkyDeck Accelerator Program
• Investment: Approximately twenty selected Cohort startups receive a $210,000 investment from the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund every six months.
• Target Stage: The program is designed for startups nearing their first institutional venture capital round. While SkyDeck is the first investor for many, about half have previously raised angel, grant, or pre-seed capital.
• Program Focus: The accelerator specializes in preparing startups for their first institutional seed investment and facilitates introductions to top VCs in Silicon Valley and beyond.
• Core Components: Participants are paired with Key Advisors, engage in the six-month Berkeley Acceleration Method (BAM) Program, attend mandatory weekly events, receive guided access to the SkyDeck community, and present at a Demo Day with over 600 attendees.
• Areas of Support: The program provides hands-on assistance with product strategy, team-building, and customer introductions through the extensive UC Berkeley alumni network.
Pad-13 Incubator Program
• Target Stage: Pad-13 is SkyDeck's incubator for early-stage startups, including those at the idea stage with one or two founders. It is open to global applicants with a preference for UC-affiliated companies.
• Program Goal: The program aims to foster growth and enhance competitiveness for selection into the SkyDeck Accelerator program.
• Duration: The incubator runs for a four-month period.
• Benefits: Startups gain access to over 50 workshops, unreserved desk space at the SkyDeck penthouse, a dedicated Key Advisor/Mentor, and perks from resource partners.
• Pitch Opportunity: Participants can apply to pitch at the Pad-13 Pitch Competition, attended by the SkyDeck community, selection committee, advisors, and angel investors.
Innovation Partners Program (IPP)
• Program Overview: The IPP offers partners an opportunity to send startups for a three-month acceleration period at SkyDeck, welcoming companies from various industries and funding stages.
• Global Innovation Partners (GIP): This track is for international government organizations and academic institutions aiming to build a bridge to Silicon Valley resources to develop their local innovation ecosystems.
• University Innovation Partners (UIP): This track serves higher-education institutions in North America seeking to expand their entrepreneurship ecosystems and supplement their curriculum with Silicon Valley connections.
• Corporate Innovation Partners (CIP): This track is for corporations worldwide looking to make strategic investments by accelerating internal projects, portfolio companies, or new startups addressing specific technology needs.
• IPP Startup Benefits: Participants receive access to workshops, networking events, office hours with experts, and a showcase event with over 100 attendees. The program provides custom programming to help startups prepare for US or international market entry.
Specialized Tracks
• Bio+Health Track: For startups in biotech, medtech, or life sciences. Selected companies receive a $200K investment, up to 12 months of residency, sponsored lab space, and specialized support from scientists, investors, and mentors in the life science field.
• Chip Track: Aimed at bringing the “Silicon” back to Silicon Valley, this track supports semiconductor startups. Two companies are selected every six months to receive a $200k investment, a six-month residency, and access to resources from partners like Synopsys, TSMC, and Cadence, as well as UC Berkeley's nanolabs.
• Air & Space Track: For startups in aerospace and air mobility. Accepted companies receive a $200K investment, up to 12 months of residency, expert support, focused investor introductions, and access to the Richmond Field Station for flight testing.
• FinTech & Blockchain Track: This track seeks startups innovating in FinTech, Blockchain, DeFi, Crypto, Web3, NFTs, and the Metaverse. Selected founders receive a $200K investment along with specialized support, strategic advice, and introductions to investors and partners in the field.
• Climate Tech Track: This track focuses on startups developing solutions in climate, sustainability, and energy tech, leveraging UC Berkeley's extensive network and research capabilities to accelerate climate innovations.
Berkeley Acceleration Method (BAM)
BAM is SkyDeck's proprietary six-month program designed to prepare startups for raising their first institutional investment round. It is a practical, experience-based curriculum developed by serial entrepreneurs, VCs, and UC Berkeley thought leaders. The program features expert-led workshops in six critical areas, matching with Key Advisors, one-on-one office hours, and curated introductions to hundreds of Seed and Series A investors.
Opportunities for the UC Berkeley Community
• For Students: UC Berkeley students can engage by applying to the Pad-13 program, attending one of three annual intern fairs that match over 800 students with startups, or interning directly for SkyDeck.
• For Faculty: Faculty founders are encouraged to join either the Cohort or Pad-13 programs. SkyDeck also features a Faculty Advisors group of leading researchers and founders who provide expert guidance. The program facilitates connections for faculty through introductions to industry partners, exclusive roundtables, and events focused on startup advising and resource management.
Application and Funding Details
• Eligibility: SkyDeck is industry-agnostic and accepts applications from companies worldwide. UC-affiliated and international startups are a priority.
• Funding Structure: Companies in the six-month Cohort Program receive a $210k investment for 7.5% equity from the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund. The Fund may also co-invest up to 10% of a company's first institutional funding round.
• Program Fees: A $7,500 program fee is charged to each startup in the Cohort program. Pad-13 startups have the option of a $500 fee or allocating 1% equity to UC Berkeley.
• Ideal Candidate: The accelerator program is best suited for founders whose companies are ready to raise institutional funds within the next six months. Applicants should have a full-time core team and a clear path to delivering a minimally viable product with the provided funding.
Berkeley SkyDeck offers a comprehensive ecosystem designed to launch high-growth startups by leveraging the extensive UC Berkeley network, a proprietary acceleration method, and deep connections within Silicon Valley. The program provides founders with critical resources for team building, product strategy, and securing investment, positioning them for success in a competitive landscape while enabling them to contribute to the next generation of university entrepreneurs.