LAUNCH Accelerator is the University of California's premier accelerator program, aimed at transforming early-stage startups into fundable companies. With a rigorous Lean Startup-focused curriculum, teams are guided by serial-entrepreneurs and mentors with extensive operational experience. Over a three-month period, startups participating in LAUNCH refine their value propositions, protect intellectual property, connect with industry experts, and develop minimum viable products for their customers.

The program culminates in a Demo Day, where teams pitch their ideas to judges for cash prizes in front of a live audience. Since its inception in 1999 as the Haas B-Plan Competition, LAUNCH has been playing a pivotal role in guiding startups from prototype to pitch. By bridging the gap between academia and entrepreneurship, LAUNCH has successfully supported UC founders with top-notch mentors and valuable resources, without taking equity or charging fees.

Its proven model has seen alumni go on to raise over $125 million in funding, achieve recognition on Forbes' 30 under 30 list, and secure spots in prestigious programs like Y Combinator. Based in Berkeley, California, LAUNCH is committed to fostering innovation and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs