Biotech Startup Accelerators in California

Apply to 22+ accelerator programs funding Biotech startups in California. Compare funding, equity, and success rates.

Active Programs

$125K

Average Funding

Average Equity

78%

Success Rate

California Accelerator Ecosystem

Ecosystem Overview

California ranks #1 globally for accelerator program quality, with 12 programs per 100,000 businesses—well above the national average.

The region has produced 145 successful accelerator exits valued at over $1B, creating a highly supportive funding environment for new startups.

Top Focus Areas

BiotechSaasFintech

Market Insights

Application Trends

Applications up 25% YoY with focus on AI and climate tech startups

Competitive Landscape

Increasing competition with new programs launching quarterly

Hot Verticals

AI/MLClimate TechDigital HealthFintech

Biotech Accelerator Programs

California Biotech Accelerator 1

California

14 weeks program

$155K

for 9% equity

1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-11-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 2

California

12 weeks program

$201K

for 8% equity

1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-03-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 3

California

17 weeks program

$164K

for 10% equity

3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-12-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 4

California

14 weeks program

$241K

for 9% equity

1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-07-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 5

California

17 weeks program

$165K

for 8% equity

1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-05-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 6

California

17 weeks program

$171K

for 9% equity

1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-08-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 7

California

14 weeks program

$73K

for 7% equity

1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-12-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 8

California

14 weeks program

$200K

for 10% equity

2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-04-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 9

California

15 weeks program

$63K

for 10% equity

2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-04-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 10

California

17 weeks program

$228K

for 6% equity

3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-03-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 11

California

17 weeks program

$57K

for 6% equity

3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-03-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 12

California

15 weeks program

$149K

for 7% equity

2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-12-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 13

California

17 weeks program

$170K

for 9% equity

2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-01-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 14

California

15 weeks program

$217K

for 7% equity

3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-09-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 15

California

15 weeks program

$92K

for 8% equity

3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-12-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 16

California

12 weeks program

$126K

for 8% equity

3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-12-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 17

California

14 weeks program

$80K

for 9% equity

2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-12-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 18

California

17 weeks program

$66K

for 8% equity

3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-02-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 19

California

15 weeks program

$97K

for 6% equity

2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-09-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 20

California

17 weeks program

$53K

for 9% equity

1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-12-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 21

California

17 weeks program

$63K

for 7% equity

1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-05-15Apply Now →

California Biotech Accelerator 22

California

16 weeks program

$97K

for 6% equity

1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

BiotechEnterprise Software

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-04-15Apply Now →

How to Get Accepted to California Accelerators

1. Program Research

• Study alumni companies and success stories
• Understand program focus and mentor network
• Analyze funding terms and equity requirements
• Check application deadlines and requirements

2. Application Preparation

• Craft compelling pitch deck (10-12 slides)
• Show traction with key metrics and growth
• Demonstrate strong founding team dynamics
• Articulate clear go-to-market strategy

3. Interview Success

• Practice pitch delivery and Q&A responses
• Show coachability and willingness to pivot
• Highlight unique insights about your market
• Connect with program alumni for insights

2025 Application Calendar

Upcoming Deadlines

Application Tips Timeline

8 weeks

Start researching programs and building your pitch deck

6 weeks

Connect with alumni and refine your application

4 weeks

Submit applications and prepare for interviews

2 weeks

Practice pitch delivery and follow up

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average acceptance rate for California accelerators?

California accelerator programs typically accept 1-3% of applicants, with top-tier programs like those offering $$125K having even more competitive rates. The key is applying to multiple programs that align with your startup's stage and industry focus.

How much equity do accelerators typically take?

Most California accelerators take between 6-8% equity for their investment and program value. The average in our database is 7%, which includes funding, mentorship, office space, and access to investor networks.

What do Biotech accelerators look for in startups?

Biotech accelerators in California typically prioritize strong technical teams, defensible technology or business models, clear market validation, and founders with deep domain expertise in biotech.

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Related Resources

Other Locations

New York Biotech →Massachusetts Biotech →Texas Biotech →

More Resources

California VC Funds →$2.5M in Founder Freebies →Who Funds Biotech in California? →

Last updated: 11/25/2025 | Data sources: Program websites, Crunchbase, accelerator reports |About our data