Startup UCLA January Mixer
Join us on January 14th in Covel Commons, Room 203 from 5:00pm - 6:30pm.
Kick off the winter quarter with Startup UCLA! Join us for refreshments, meet our team, and learn how you can get involved in UCLA’s entrepreneurship community. Whether you’re exploring an idea or already building a startup, this mixer is the perfect place to connect, ask questions, and discover upcoming programs and opportunities.
Venture Office Hours are open for January
Meet one-on-one with the Startup UCLA team to get feedback on your idea, venture, or next steps.
Book office hours
Winter Mixer — Wednesday, January 14 | 5:00–6:30 PM
Join us in Covel Commons, Room 203 to meet the Startup UCLA team, learn about our programs, and connect with fellow founders. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP
Accelerators & Pre-Accelerators:
Y Combinator — Spring 2026 Batch
Deadline: February 9, 2026 (8:00 PM PT)
The world-renowned accelerator offering a standard $500,000 investment and three months of intensive mentorship. The Spring 2026 batch runs April–June 2026 in San Francisco, with weekly in-person events and an option to stay connected remotely.
Apply here
Berkeley SkyDeck Accelerator
Deadline: February 2026
A six-month acceleration program for startups in any vertical. Selected Cohort teams receive a $200,000 investmentfrom the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund, dedicated workspace, a Lead Advisor, and the opportunity to present at Demo Day.
Apply here
US Women in Tech Accelerator (2026)
Deadline: January 30, 2026
Designed to address the persistent funding gap for women founders, the US Women in Tech Accelerator supports early-stage, women-led startups as they strengthen their businesses and prepare for growth through targeted mentorship and resources.
Apply here
Grid110 Community Business Accelerator (CBA)
Deadline: February 12, 2026
A 16-week intensive program for Los Angeles–based businesses building meaningful community impact alongside sustainable revenue. In partnership with FOUND/LA, CBA supports companies focused on job creation, access, and neighborhood growth.
Learn more
Techstars Founder Catalyst — Global Spring 2026
Deadline: February 13, 2026
A virtual pre-accelerator powered by Techstars, designed for early-stage founders from select global partner communities. The program focuses on founder readiness, network building, and preparing teams for future acceleration.
Learn more
Founder Institute — San Diego Spring 2026
Deadline: February 1, 2026
Founder Institute’s structured, milestone-driven program helps founders build their companies alongside experienced startup mentors and investors through intensive growth sprints and weekly feedback sessions.
Apply here
Events and Grants:
Bruins in Business & Tech
Date: Monday, January 12, 2026 | Time: 5:30–8:30 PM
A networking and community-building event bringing together UCLA alumni, founders, and professionals working across business and technology. Join fellow Bruins for conversation, connection, and collaboration in Santa Monica.
Location: Tiato Kitchen + Venue, 2700 Colorado Ave. #190, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Register here
SBIR & STTR Funding Opportunities (NIH)
Deadlines: January 5, April 5, and September 5 (annually)
Federal SBIR and STTR programs offer non-dilutive grant funding for small businesses conducting early-stage research and development. These opportunities are ideal for science, biotech, health, and technology startups pursuing innovative R&D.
Learn more