Amrita TBI x Berkeley SkyDeck Accelerator Program
A global accelerator for Indian startups to scale internationally with Silicon Valley exposure, funding, and mentorship from Amrita TBI and UC Berkeley's SkyDeck.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Amrita Technology Business Incubator (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (31 Jan 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Amrita TBI x Berkeley SkyDeck Accelerator Program is a highly competitive global accelerator designed to help high-potential Indian startups scale internationally through Silicon Valley exposure. Backed by UC Berkeley and leading Silicon Valley investors, the program provides unmatched access to a global ecosystem of investors, mentors, and alumni. Selected startups receive significant investment support and gain entry to one of the world’s strongest innovation networks, accelerating product development, market entry, and global expansion. The program is run jointly by Amrita Technology Business Incubator (Amrita TBI) and Berkeley SkyDeck, a top university-linked accelerator from the University of California, Berkeley.
The curriculum focuses on rapid growth, with mentorship, networking, and hands-on support tailored to startups ready to compete globally. The collaboration combines Amrita TBI's deep roots in Indian entrepreneurship with Berkeley SkyDeck's Silicon Valley expertise. This platform is ideal for Indian startups aiming for international markets and looking to build relationships with Ivy League mentors and U.S. investors.
Highlights
- Joint accelerator by Amrita TBI and UC Berkeley’s SkyDeck — one of the world’s top university-linked accelerators
- Open to all sectors including consumer tech, B2B software, deep tech, life sciences, and more
- Preference for startups with annual revenue above ₹1 crore or significant product traction
- 6-month intensive program with Silicon Valley mentorship and investor exposure
- Significant investment support provided (amount varies)
- Designed for Indian startups aiming for global scalability and investibility within 6 months
Who can apply
Indian startups with strong global market potential are welcome. The program is sector-agnostic, open to consumer technology, B2B software, IT, hardware, digital health, deep tech, and life sciences. Startups should be capable of becoming investable within six months. Preference is given to startups with revenue above ₹1 crore or those achieving major product milestones. Founding teams must be fully committed for the entire 6-month program. Startups must have a clear target customer, pricing strategy, market size estimates, competitive analysis, and strong differentiation. UC affiliation is not mandatory but is considered an advantage.
Amrita TBI x Berkeley SkyDeck Accelerator Program is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for Amrita TBI x Berkeley SkyDeck Accelerator Program closed on 31 Jan 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Investment support: Selected startups receive significant investment, the exact amount varies.
- Access to global networks: Connect with UC Berkeley ecosystem, Silicon Valley investors, mentors, and a strong alumni network.
- 6-month accelerator: Structured program focused on product development, market entry, and global expansion, including mentorship and workshops.
- Silicon Valley exposure: Opportunities to interact with U.S.-based mentors, investors, and industry leaders, potentially culminating in a demo day.
- No equity mentioned: The program description lists 'grant' as funding type but does not disclose whether equity is required; as a grant, it may be non-dilutive. Confirm with the provider.
About the provider
Amrita TBI x Berkeley SkyDeck Accelerator Program is offered by Amrita Technology Business Incubator, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by Amrita Technology Business Incubator as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The selection process is rigorous and multi-stage:
- Online Application: Submit through the official Amrita TBI page.
- Multiple screening rounds: Applications are filtered in successive rounds.
- Evaluation and interviews: Shortlisted startups get evaluated and invited for interviews.
- Final selection: Jointly made by Amrita TBI and Berkeley SkyDeck.
- Onboarding: Selected startups begin the 6-month accelerator program with investment and mentorship support.
The process emphasizes readiness for rapid scale and Silicon Valley engagement. Evaluation criteria include market potential, team commitment, product differentiation, and growth metrics (e.g., traction above ₹1 crore revenue).
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Amrita TBI x Berkeley SkyDeck Accelerator Program, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What is the amount of funding offered?
The funding amount varies and is not fixed at a specific figure. The program provides significant investment support, but the exact sum is determined based on the startup’s needs and evaluation.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is recorded as January 31, 2026. Startups are advised to confirm the exact date via the official application page as deadlines may be updated.
Who can apply?
Indian startups with strong global potential in sectors like consumer tech, B2B software, IT, hardware, digital health, deep tech, and life sciences. Teams must be committed full-time for the 6-month program and ideally have revenue above ₹1 crore or major product milestones.
Are there any industry restrictions?
No, the program is sector-agnostic. It explicitly welcomes a wide range including consumer technology, B2B software, IT, hardware, digital health, deep tech, and life sciences.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
The official eligibility summary does not mention DPIIT or MSME registration as a requirement. However, startups may benefit from having them for other reasons.
Does the program take equity?
The funding type is listed as 'grant', which typically indicates a non-dilutive investment. However, the program page does not explicitly state whether equity is taken. It’s advisable to confirm with Amrita TBI during the application process.
What documents or materials are needed to apply?
A complete online application covering your startup pitch, business model, target customer, pricing strategy, market size estimates, competitive analysis, and differentiation. You may also need to provide details on your revenue and product milestones.
How do I apply?
Submit your application through the official Amrita TBI program page: https://www.amritatbi.com/berkeley-skydeck-program.html
Who offers Amrita TBI x Berkeley SkyDeck Accelerator Program?
Amrita TBI x Berkeley SkyDeck Accelerator Program is offered by Amrita Technology Business Incubator, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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