USC and Techstars is a 13-week LA accelerator offering $220K for 5% equity in bio, AI, deep tech and healthtech. Needs a USC-affiliated founder. Deadline Nov 18, 2026.
The USC and Techstars Accelerator is a 13-week, in-person program in Los Angeles for startups in bioscience, AI, deep tech and healthtech. Eligibility is narrower than most Techstars programs: at least one founder must be affiliated with USC as a student, alum or faculty member, so confirm that requirement before investing time in an application.
Teams work with Techstars mentors and the USC research and entrepreneurship community to move technology out of the lab and toward customers and capital. The program is a good match for university spinouts and technical founders who want access to Southern California's talent, clinical partners and investors, along with the Techstars alumni network after graduation.
Techstars is one of the largest accelerator networks in the world, and every program runs on the same model: a small cohort, an intensive three months of mentor-driven work, and a Demo Day where founders present to investors. Founders also get lifelong access to the Techstars alumni network, which many graduates cite as the most durable benefit of the program.
Applications for the Spring 2027 cohorts close on November 18, 2026 and the program starts on March 8, 2027. The standard Techstars terms are a $220K investment for 5% equity, so founders should come prepared to explain how the capital and the mentorship fit their next twelve months. Verify current terms and eligibility on the official application page before applying.
Founders should prepare a concise pitch deck covering team, traction, market and the specific use of funds, since reviewers read many applications.
Our pitch deck template will guide you through the requirements of an Accelerator-ready presentation.
