Berkeley SkyDeck Opens Batch 19 Applications with Expanded Eligibility and Three New Track Chairs

Berkeley SkyDeck, the global hub for entrepreneurship, has announced that applications for Batch 19 are now open, with a final deadline on August 23, 2024. In a notable expansion, the accelerator welcomes US-based startup founders alongside international applicants, regardless of their affiliation with UC Berkeley. Batch 19 will also see the introduction of three new track chairs: Alberto Sangiovanni-Vincentelli and John Busch for the Chip Track, and Heather Koshinsky for the Bio Track.

Alberto Sangiovanni-Vincentelli, a renowned figure in electrical engineering, has co-founded enterprises like Cadence and Synopsys. John Busch, currently COO at SirenOpt, brings his strategic experience from Applied Materials and his role at Bay Angels. Heather Koshinsky, with a background in life sciences, co-founded Investigen and advises SkyDeck companies.

With an acceptance rate around 1%, each SkyDeck batch benefits from $200,000 in funding, $750,000 in resources, and access to the SkyDeck network. The SkyDeck Fund II has invested in 160 companies globally, sharing half of its profits with UC Berkeley. This strategic expansion aims to tap into the record 5.5 million new US business applications in 2023.