USC and Techstars Accelerator Spring 2027

The USC and Techstars Accelerator brings together the resources of a leading research university with the power of the Techstars global network for pre-seed and seed-stage companies. This 13-week, in-person program on USC's Los Angeles campus connects startups with mentors from inside and outside the university and gives access to USC's research, talent and entrepreneurial ecosystem. It is open to startups across all industries, with particular interest in bioscience, engineering, AI, healthcare, deep tech and media technology.

Key Benefits

• $220,000 equity investment
• Over $2M worth of perks
• Hands-on mentorship, curated entrepreneurial content and programming
• Office space at the University Park Campus for the duration of the program
• Access to Techstars' global network of mentors, investors, alumni and corporate partners

Eligibility

• At least one founding team member must be affiliated with USC as a student, alumnus, faculty member or staff member
• Founders affiliated with Keck Medicine of USC and Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) are also eligible
• Pre-seed and seed-stage companies across all industries

Program Structure

• Applications open Aug 24, 2026; final deadline Nov 18, 2026 (11:59 pm PT)
• Accelerator starts Mar 8, 2027; Demo Day Jun 3, 2027
• 13-week, in-person program at USC's University Park Campus, Los Angeles
• Workshops, masterclasses, speaker series, pitch practice and regular 1:1 mentor sessions; ends with Demo Day
• One Techstars application at apply.techstars.com (Techstars account needed); choose this program as your primary or alternate session