Berkeley SkyDeck Pad-13 🚀 Accelerator
SkyDeck's incubator track for idea-stage teams with a University of California-affiliated founder.
| Who qualifies | Idea-stage or early teams with at least one University of California-affiliated founder. No guaranteed investment; no equity or fee stated. |
|---|---|
| Open in | United States |
| Partner code needed | No: apply directly |
| Deadline | Batch 24 applications open January 2027 |
| Terms last checked | 2026-10-11 |
About Berkeley SkyDeck Pad-13
What you get
Pad-13 is the incubator track of Berkeley SkyDeck. Each batch takes 60 to 80 teams. You get some of the same resources as the Cohort track, but not the guaranteed $210K investment, the full mentorship programme or a demo day pitch. Pad-13 teams have no designated workspace but may use open areas. It is meant to make you more competitive for the Cohort (accelerator) track.
Who qualifies
At least one founder must be affiliated with the University of California. Teams can be as early as the idea stage, with just one or two founders.
Good to know
- The SkyDeck Fund may invest in Pad-13 teams that raise an institutional round, up to 10% of that round, on the same terms as the other investors.
- Pad-13 follows the SkyDeck batch calendar; Batch 24 applications open in January 2027.
- No fee or equity terms are stated.
Verdict
A low-commitment start for UC students, staff and alumni, with a path into the funded SkyDeck Cohort.
How to apply
- Confirm at least one founder has a University of California affiliation.
- Apply through skydeck.berkeley.edu/apply/ when the Batch 24 window opens in January 2027, choosing Pad-13.
- Use the programme to prepare for the Cohort track.
Who it is for
Steps Berkeley SkyDeck Pad-13 helps with
Pros
- Open to idea-stage teams
- Path into the funded SkyDeck Cohort
Cons
- Needs a University of California affiliation
- No guaranteed investment
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