Draper University Hero Training is a 5-week immersive pre-accelerator in Silicon Valley for founders at any stage; up to $100K via the DUV fund. Rolling.
Draper University Hero Training is a five-week immersive program in Silicon Valley that works as a pre-accelerator for founders at any stage. Participants live and work together while they develop ideas, build skills and meet mentors, and founders may be considered for up to $100K of funding through the DUV fund.
The Fall 2026 cohort is running from October 5 to November 6, 2026, with Spring 2027 as the next intake. Applications are open on a rolling basis and no Spring 2027 application deadline has been published, so founders should apply early and confirm dates on the official site.
The program is broader than a typical accelerator, because it is designed for people who may still be deciding what to build or how to build it. The immersive format means founders spend a concentrated period inside the Draper community, which is useful for building relationships and testing ideas quickly. Founders should review the cost of attendance and the terms of any DUV investment carefully, since the program has both an educational and an investment component. It suits early-stage and first-time founders who want structure and community more than a fast follow-on round. Confirm all terms on the official page before applying.
Most applications for programs like this ask for a short pitch deck, a clear description of the team and evidence of traction or customer conversations. Founders should tighten their story before applying and submit as soon as the application is complete, because rolling review tends to reward early, well-prepared submissions over last-minute ones.
Our pitch deck template will guide you through the requirements of an Accelerator-ready presentation.
