Applications Open for Accelerate CA Deep Tech Funding Program

Science-driven startups in the Greater Sacramento region now have an opportunity to access non-dilutive funding through the Accelerate CA program, an initiative designed to support the growth of high-potential deep tech companies developing solutions to major challenges in agriculture, health, and sustainability.

Accelerate CA focuses on startups working in three key sectors that are increasingly important to the region’s innovation economy:

  • Agrifood Tech

  • Health & Life Sciences

  • Clean Tech

These sectors reflect areas where the Sacramento region has significant research activity, industry partnerships, and long-term economic opportunity. From agricultural innovation and biotechnology to medical devices and climate technologies, startups in these fields often require longer development timelines and specialized resources. Programs like Accelerate CA help provide early support that can move promising technologies closer to commercialization.

The program also aligns with the region’s expanding research and innovation ecosystem. Developments such as the opening of Aggie Square and Sacramento State’s advancement to R2 research classification are increasing the pipeline of research, intellectual property, and technically driven founders building companies in Northern California.

For Founders: Is This Program Right for You?

Accelerate CA is designed for early-stage startups at the pre-seed through pre-Series A stage that are building technology-driven products rooted in research, engineering, or scientific innovation.

Eligible companies must be located within the eight-county Greater Sacramento region and working within one of the program’s focus areas: agrifood tech, health and life sciences, or clean technology.

Many deep tech startups face a common challenge in the early stages of growth. Developing breakthrough technologies often requires time for research, testing, and validation before companies are ready to raise significant venture capital. Non-dilutive funding can help bridge that gap by allowing founders to continue building their technology without giving up ownership or equity.

Accelerate CA aims to support startups during this critical phase by providing financial resources that can help founders advance product development, conduct testing, refine prototypes, or build early traction with customers and partners.

Funding Opportunity

Through the Accelerate CA program, $300,000 in total non-dilutive funding will be awarded to participating startups, with individual awards starting at $50,000.

Because the funding is non-dilutive, companies receive capital without giving up equity or ownership in their business. For early-stage founders, this type of funding can be particularly valuable as it allows teams to continue developing their technology while preparing for future fundraising.

Grants of this type can support a range of activities that help move companies forward, including product development, validation work, pilot programs, and early commercialization efforts.

Key Dates

The Accelerate CA program runs through May 2026, culminating in a regional showcase event highlighting participating startups.

Important dates include:

  • Application Deadline: March 30, 2026  Apply Here

  • Startup Showcase Event: May 7, 2026

The showcase will provide participating companies with an opportunity to present their innovations and progress as part of the program.

Strengthening the Region’s Innovation Economy

Programs like Accelerate CA play an important role in supporting early-stage founders working on complex technologies. Deep tech companies often require longer development timelines and specialized expertise, but they also have the potential to create transformative solutions in areas such as food systems, health care, and climate technology.

By providing access to non-dilutive funding and increasing visibility for emerging companies, Accelerate CA helps strengthen the pipeline of science-driven startups in the Greater Sacramento region.

For founders building the next generation of agrifood, health, and clean technology solutions, this program represents a valuable opportunity to accelerate progress and gain additional support as they grow their companies.

Interested in other grant and accelerator programs? Check out our full listing here.