When founders join Berkeley SkyDeck, they’re not just joining an accelerator. They’re stepping into a global network powered by the University of California, Berkeley’s (UC Berkeley) research, people, and reputation — right in the heart of Silicon Valley.
SkyDeck isn’t trying to be the flashiest or most exclusive program. It’s grounded in community, knowledge, and access. And it’s this mix that has helped turn it into one of the top university accelerators in the world.
A Startup Program With Academic Roots
SkyDeck is part of UC Berkeley. It’s not just affiliated or loosely connected. It was built as a partnership between the Haas School of Business, the College of Engineering, and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. This gives founders direct access to everything from Berkeley’s labs and research talent to student interns and faculty advisors.
Founders also get plugged into a global alumni network of more than 500,000 people. That kind of reach can open doors that would normally take years to unlock.
“When you combine Berkeley’s intellectual firepower with our position in Silicon Valley, you simply cannot find more fertile ground for innovation anywhere on the planet,” said Caroline Winnett, executive director of SkyDeck. She sees the program as a natural bridge between world-class research and startup execution.
The founders who come through SkyDeck aren’t just building companies. They’re often taking scientific breakthroughs or complex engineering ideas and turning them into products that work in the real world.
A Hands-On, Six-Month Program
The SkyDeck Accelerator Program runs twice a year. Each cohort includes about 20 companies. Over the course of six months, founders receive $200,000 in funding, mentorship from a group of 750 active advisors, and access to a long list of free and discounted services worth up to $750,000.
But the real value, according to Winnett, comes from the time and care the team invests in helping each company grow. “This isn’t a superficial accelerator experience. We provide the time and depth needed to meaningfully connect with our network,” she said.
Founders get personalized support — whether that’s finding a technical advisor, making a key hire, or understanding how to bring a deep tech product to market.
A Track Record of Innovation
Since 2012, SkyDeck startups have raised more than $2 billion. Sixty percent of participating companies go on to raise follow-on funding, and 17 have exited through acquisitions. The program supports startups across industries, but has become especially well-known for its work with deep tech and artificial intelligence (AI) startups.
“80% of our portfolio are AI-related startups, and already we are seeing companies like MindsDB grow in reputation and influence,” said Chon Tang, founding partner of the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund.
Because of its strong research ties, SkyDeck can offer technical validation and academic support that most accelerators can’t. For engineers, scientists, and others with doctorate degrees focused on turning research into businesses, this makes a huge difference.
What They Look For
SkyDeck is open to founders from all over the world, and you don’t need to be a UC Berkeley alum to apply. The team looks for bold ideas and clear execution plans. SkyDeck wants to see a vision for long-term impact, but also a practical entry point.
“We need to understand your bold ambition to transform the world with your innovation, but also the specific pathway you’ll take to gain initial market traction,” said Winnett. “I often describe this as showing us where your ‘camel’s nose is in the tent.’ “
The program is selective — less than 2% of applicants are accepted — but it’s not just looking for polished pitches or perfect decks. The team values resilience, clarity of purpose, and founders who are solving real problems for which they care deeply.
“Successful applicants demonstrate innovative technology with market disruption potential,” said Tang. “We particularly value international founders looking to establish a US presence. We’re industry-agnostic with specialized biotech, chip technology, aerospace, and fintech tracks.”
Joining a Community That Lasts
Perhaps the most lasting part of SkyDeck is what happens after the program ends. Founders become part of the broader Berkeley community. They stay connected to the people and networks that supported them, and they often give back as mentors, partners, or investors themselves.
“Regardless of where you graduated from, joining SkyDeck means becoming a full member of the Berkeley community,” said Winnett. “This isn’t just about name recognition — it’s about accessing a powerful ecosystem that creates value for everyone involved.”
It’s a cycle of support that keeps growing. And for many founders, that sense of belonging — of having a team behind them — makes all the difference.