About this programme
Berkeley SkyDeck is UC Berkeley's startup accelerator, running its main Cohort Program from Berkeley, California, with cohorts of roughly 20 startups admitted twice a year. It is industry-agnostic and particularly known for deep science and academic spinouts, and says about two-thirds of the founders it has accepted historically were founded outside the US, with international applicants welcomed.
Alongside the flagship Cohort Program, SkyDeck also runs specialized tracks in Bio+Health, Chip & Quantum, Air & Space, FinTech & Blockchain, and Climate Tech, an earlier-stage Pad-13 incubator for idea-stage teams, and an Innovation Partners Program that accepts companies at various funding stages.
How it works
In the Cohort Program, SkyDeck invests $210,000 for 7.25% equity in each company it admits. The specialized industry tracks invest $200,000 for the same 7.25% equity. Note: the program's homepage advertises "$200,000 investment per startup" for the Accelerator Program generally, while its program page gives $210,000 for the standard Cohort Program specifically.
Cohort participants pay a $7,500 program fee.
The Pad-13 incubator, aimed at idea-stage teams with one or two founders, instead charges a $500 fee or takes a 1% equity allocation to UC Berkeley.
The program expects companies to be able to deliver a minimally viable product within six months using the funding provided.
Support includes access to 900-plus advisors and mentors, Berkeley Acceleration Method (BAM) workshops, connections to a 500,000-strong Berkeley alumni network, talent matching with UC Berkeley students, MBAs and postdocs, faculty advisor placements, and customer-development introductions through industry partners.
Companies can participate in other accelerators at the same time, as long as SkyDeck remains their primary residence during the program.
Who can apply
SkyDeck is industry-agnostic and open to startups worldwide; international founders are explicitly welcomed and have historically made up about two-thirds of admitted companies.
Cohort Program companies are generally preparing for their first institutional seed round. Pad-13 accepts teams as early as idea stage with one or two founders. The Innovation Partners Program accepts companies at various funding stages.
Whatever the stage, SkyDeck looks for the ability to reach a minimally viable product within six months of joining.
How to apply
- Apply through the SkyDeck APPLY page; applications for the flagship Cohort Program typically open in the mid-year window (for example, Batch 23 ran July 2026 to August 21, 2026).
- Selected applicants are invited to interviews (Batch 23's interview window ran September 8 to October 5, 2026).
- Admitted companies attend an in-person orientation to start the program (Batch 23's orientation was November 2, 2026).
- The program runs for roughly 6 months, ending in a Demo Day (Batch 23's program ran to April 15, 2027, with Demo Day in April 2027).
Frequently asked
Is investment guaranteed if I'm accepted into the cohort?
No. Investment from the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund requires a separate review process even after a company is accepted into the program.
How much does SkyDeck invest and for how much equity?
The Cohort Program invests $210,000 for 7.25% equity; specialized industry tracks invest $200,000 for the same 7.25% equity.
Do I have to be based in Berkeley or the US to apply?
No. SkyDeck accepts international founders and says about two-thirds of the startups it has historically accepted were founded outside the US.
Can I join SkyDeck while in another accelerator?
Yes, as long as SkyDeck is your "primary residence" during the program.
Is there a cheaper way in if my startup is very early stage?
Yes. The Pad-13 incubator accepts idea-stage teams of one or two founders for a $500 fee or a 1% equity allocation to UC Berkeley, instead of the full Cohort Program terms.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.