The Berkeley SkyDeck accelerator is expanding its application eligibility, welcoming startup founders from across the U.S. and abroad, regardless of their affiliation with the University of California at Berkeley. For Batch 19, this marks the first time that founders without UC Berkeley ties can apply.
Amid ongoing skepticism about the effectiveness of accelerators, Berkeley SkyDeck aims to enhance its role in identifying innovative startups globally. Caroline Winnett, executive director, and Chon Tang, founding partner of the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund, assert that broadening application eligibility will attract higher-quality startups and diverse applicants who previously lacked access to robust accelerator programs.
Typically, Berkeley SkyDeck receives around 2,000 applications per class, but this increased eligibility is expected to boost that number. “We’ve warned our screeners that they’re going to see a surge in applications,” said Winnett.
By opening its doors to more startups worldwide, Berkeley SkyDeck will tap into a larger talent pool and potentially achieve greater returns, recognizing that innovative ideas can emerge from anywhere. Startups selected will benefit from the specialized advice available at Berkeley.
Applications for Batch 19 are currently open, with a final deadline of August 23. Interested founders can apply here.
Introducing Two New Track Chairs
Batch 19 will also feature two new track chairs: Alberto Sangiovanni-Vincentelli for the Chip Track and Heather Koshinsky for the Bio Track. Both bring extensive experience in their fields, having successfully built and advised numerous companies.
Sangiovanni-Vincentelli, the Edgar L. and Harold H. Buttner Chair of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at UC Berkeley, has co-founded influential companies like Cadence and Synopsys. He has played an advisory role for major firms including Intel and Sony.
Koshinsky has founded or co-founded four life sciences companies, one of which was acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific. She currently serves as co-founder and CEO of Investigen, specializing in innovative DNA diagnostic testing solutions.
Other tracks include air and space, fintech and blockchain, and climate tech, leveraging Berkeley's vast network of advisors. With nearly 700 advisors, 70 industry partners, and a robust alumni network of over 510,000, Berkeley SkyDeck offers unmatched resources to its participants.
Winnett highlighted the exceptional capabilities of the new track chairs: “Alberto and Heather are not only accomplished entrepreneurs; they are also effective mentors. Their unique blend of practical experience and advisory roles positions them perfectly to lead these rapidly evolving tracks.”
Berkeley SkyDeck is among the world's most competitive accelerators, boasting an acceptance rate of about 1%. Each batch typically consists of 20 to 25 startups, receiving $200,000 in funding, $750,000 in free and discounted resources, and access to the network. Additionally, the $60 million SkyDeck Fund II actively invests in high-potential startups.
To date, the SkyDeck Fund has invested in 160 companies from 30 countries, generating over $2 billion in follow-on funding. Notably, the fund shares half of its profits with UC Berkeley, furthering the university's educational mission.
“With the U.S. recording 5.5 million new business applications in 2023 and leading globally with over 650 unicorns, our decision to expand eligibility to all U.S.-based startups is strategic for both the accelerator and investor perspectives,” stated Tang. “This surge in new business formations presents a prime opportunity to tap into unprecedented innovation.”
The announcement follows the successful second UC Berkeley AI Hackathon in June, which saw over 1,300 attendees and awarded prizes to 12 companies. Grand prize winner Dispatch AI and Climate Tech Track winner Greenwise each received $25,000 from the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund and invitations to join the incubator.
The next Berkeley SkyDeck demo day is scheduled for October 1 at UC Berkeley.
Recent graduates from the accelerator include MindsDB, which has raised $54.4 million from top investors like Benchmark and Nvidia's NVentures. Another notable alumnus, UK-based Hayden AI, focusing on AI mobile perception, has secured over $100 million from companies including Mitsubishi Electric Innovation Fund. Berkeley SkyDeck has been fostering innovation since its inception in 2012.
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