SkyDeck Accelerator Program - Batch 22

About the Program

The SkyDeck Accelerator Program selects ~20 cohort startups every six months to participate in a six-month accelerator designed to prepare companies to raise their first significant institutional round from top Silicon Valley VCs. Cohort startups are paired with Key Advisors, participate in Berkeley Acceleration Method (BAM) (SkyDeck’s proprietary six-month program), attend weekly required events, receive guided access to the SkyDeck community, and pitch at a large Demo Day.

Investment Terms

• $200,000 investment from the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund
• Equity investment (exact terms/percent not specified in provided text)

Eligibility / Ideal Stage

• Industry agnostic
• Typically “almost ready” to raise institutional funding; many have raised angel funding or VC outside the U.S.
• Startups worldwide are eligible; UC-affiliated and international startups are a priority

Key Benefits

• Key Advisor pairing + 1:1 office hours and expert-led support
• Product strategy + go-to-market guidance
• Team-building support (advisors, early hires)
• Customer introductions via UC Berkeley alumni network
• Demo Day pitch exposure (600+ attendees referenced)

Batch 22 Timeline (Dates & Duration)

• Application window: January 2026 – February 13, 2026
• Interviews: March 9, 2026 – April 6, 2026
• Orientation: May 4, 2026
• Program start & end: May 4, 2026 – October 9, 2026
• Cohort Demo Day: September 2026 (month stated; exact date not specified)
• Program duration: ~6 months

Location

Berkeley, California, United States (in-person community access implied)