TWO IMPORTANT DATES:
AUGUST 28 - VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION
Friday, August 28th from 12-1 PM via Zoom.
Join us on Zoom to learn more about UC LAUNCH, eligibility, and the application process.
RSVP: uclaunch.com/events
AUGUST 30 — UC LAUNCH APPLICATIONS CLOSE
What is UC LAUNCH?
UC LAUNCH is a zero-equity accelerator for founders across the entire University of California system. That means:
We take zero equity. Founders remain 100% founder-owned.
Our Fall 2026 cohort runs virtually on Wednesdays from September through December, making it possible for founders from any of the 10 UC campuses to participate alongside their classes.
What founders receive:
$50K+ prize pool awarded live at Demo Day in December
Exclusive resources from Google Cloud, AWS, Microsoft for Startups, Carta, TriNet, and Western Alliance Bank
1:1 mentorship from industry experts, investors, and successful founders
Lean Startup curriculum focused on real customer discovery and validation
A UC-wide founder network that continues long after the program
Our track record:
300+ startups accelerated · $2.3B+ raised by alumni · 3 unicorns · 15+ acquisitions · 17+ teams that later went on to Y Combinator
Who can apply?
Teams must have:
At least one UC student, alum, faculty, or staff member from any UC campus or program
Evidence of validated demand, including paying customers, signed LOIs, or 100+ customer discovery interviews demonstrating product-market fit
The ability to commit to key program dates
$1M or less in dilutive funding raised to date
Apply by August 30: uclaunch.com/apply
