UC Davis and Aggie Square Launch New Accelerator for UC Davis-affiliated Startups

For early-stage founders in Sacramento, one of the biggest challenges is finding the right mix of capital, guidance, and industry connections at the same time. The new Aggie Venture Accelerator aims to bring those pieces together in one place.

Launched through UC Davis’ Innovation and Economic Development Office and delivered through Venture Catalyst, the Aggie Venture Accelerator is a new program built to support startups working at the intersection of life science, food, and health. In partnership with The March Group, the program combines mentorship, structured support, and investment to help founders move closer to commercialization. It is based at Aggie Square in Sacramento and will also operate in Davis, making it especially relevant for startups building in the region.

A Program Built Around UC Davis Innovation

What makes this accelerator stand out is how closely it is tied to the UC Davis innovation ecosystem. This is not a general startup program open to every type of company. It is designed for science and technology-based startups, especially those with the potential to create meaningful impact in human, animal, or planetary health.

The program builds on UC Davis’ broader startup track record. According to the program materials, UC Davis has supported the launch of more than 300 startups over the past decade. The Aggie Venture Accelerator is meant to build on that momentum by creating a more focused environment for early-stage teams that need both business support and technical credibility.

There is also a clear local connection here. With Aggie Square continuing to grow as a center for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Sacramento, this accelerator signals another step in strengthening the city’s role in science-driven company building.

What Startups Actually Receive

One of the most notable features of the program is the investment. Selected startups are eligible for $250,000, but the structure is more specific than a simple cash award. The funding is made up of two post-money SAFEs executed at the same time: $175,000 in cash and $75,000 in program value tied to infrastructure, resources, and services provided through UC Davis.

Beyond funding, participating teams receive weekly mentorship, access to domain experts, and curated connections to industry partners and investors. The stated goal is to help startups hit key technical and business milestones while building momentum for future fundraising. Learn more here and apply.

How the Program Operates

The Aggie Venture Accelerator runs as a four-month cohort-based program. Cohorts are intentionally small so founders can get hands-on support rather than being lost in a large group. Participating startups are expected to commit serious time to the experience. The materials estimate 10 to 13 hours per week of structured programming and out-of-class work during the four-month period.

At least one team member must attend cohort sessions, which are expected to take place mostly in person on Tuesday and Friday mornings. There is also pre-work, post-session deliverables, and weekly check-ins with the program director to monitor progress and help troubleshoot challenges.

That level of structure matters. For founders trying to balance product development, customer discovery, and fundraising preparation, a program like this can provide useful accountability as well as access.

Who Should Consider Applying

The Aggie Venture Accelerator is looking for early-stage startups seeking pre-seed to seed funding. Strong applicants should have a founding team with at least two members, including one full-time C-level leader, and a clear path to securing rights to their core technology or invention. The program also prioritizes startups with ties to UC Davis, whether through students, faculty, staff, research, incubators, accelerators, or strategic collaborations.

This means the program is likely a strong fit for founders who already have a compelling technology and validated value proposition, and who are ready to build with deeper support from the UC Davis ecosystem.

Wrap Up

The Aggie Venture Accelerator feels important not just because of the funding, but because of how specifically it is designed. It is rooted in UC Davis, connected to Aggie Square, and structured for founders building in life science, food, and health. For Sacramento area startups that fit that profile, this is more than a general accelerator. It is a focused opportunity to gain capital, guidance, and a stronger path toward commercialization. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis through May 18.

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