USC Education Technology Accelerator
A Uniquely Impactful Accelerator
We work with entrepreneurs who are developing promising technology solutions aimed at solving some of the most pressing educational challenges and improving educational access and outcomes for all learners.
Our Accelerator Advantage:
As perhaps the country’s most impactful edtech accelerator while concurrently its most diverse, our success is a result of the focus we place on eliminating barriers to participation typical of other accelerator programs and our emphasis on customizing the accelerator program for entrepreneurs, rather than requiring them to follow a pre-packaged, one size fits all approach:
- We have always been virtual and do not require start-ups to relocate.
- We are agnostic about market and location; consequently, we cover K-12, Higher Ed, CTE and Workforce Development and we work with companies all over the world.
- We do not take equity in the companies or charge application fees, admission fees or tuition.
- We personalize the curriculum for each cohort (while including core fundamentals such as product efficacy, product market fit, go to market strategy, sales, operations and financing).
- We provide access to our unparalleled network of industry participants, mentors and advisors.
- We do not require companies to have a pre-existing affiliation with USC.
Our Impact
- Our companies have impacted over 23 million learners to date and improved educational outcomes for learners from all over the world.
- Our alumni have raised over 130 million dollars in financing from edtech investors.
- Of the 7 Cohorts since inception, over 80% of our co-founders are BIPOC or women.
Announcement
Today, USC’s Rossier School of Education announced that it will begin accepting applications for the 8th cohort of its Education Technology (EdTech) Accelerator program on September 1st. The Accelerator is aimed at tech-enabled education solutions with high potential to improve the quality and equity of education, from early childhood through adult learning.
USC’s Edtech Accelerator is a virtual program that nurtures and accelerates the growth of edtech startups by providing a combination of operational and technical assistance, business strategy, product roadmap development/refinement and access to participants in the education ecosystem—including educators, investors, foundations, education companies and key service providers. Entrepreneurs in the program also benefit from interaction with USC faculty and the university’s network of industry participants, advisors and mentors.
“It’s an exciting time to be developing an edtech solution given the rapid advances in technologies and the changing landscape of education,” said Mark DeGennaro, managing director of the USC Edtech Accelerator program. “We are excited to work with the next cohort of founders as they build impactful solutions.”
The USC EdTech Accelerator is fully virtual and does not charge tuition or take equity in the companies that participate in the program, making it accessible to all entrepreneurs. Companies in the program are located all over the world and are developing solutions in all education markets, K–12, higher ed and workforce.
“We are excited to support the work of the USC EdTech Accelerator at Rossier” said USC Rossier Dean Pedro Noguera. “There is a real need to ensure that learning technologies are efficacious and unbiased, and that they improve learning outcomes and access for all learners.”
You can read more about USC’s EdTech Accelerator Program here. The application portal for the 2025-2026 cohort is open from September 1-30. Apply here.
Current Cohort
We will be taking applications between September 1st and September 30th for the next cohort of the Accelerator program. The program will begin in late October 2025. Click here to apply.
Our Alumni
Our alumni are among the most innovative and engaging companies shaping the future of education.
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News
USC’s EdTech Accelerator program opens its application portal
Today, USC’s Rossier School of Education announced that it will begin accepting applications for the 8th cohort of its Education Technology (EdTech) Accelerator program on September 1st. The Accelerator is aimed at tech-enabled education solutions with high potential to improve the quality and equity of education, from early childhood through adult learning.
Innovation meets impact at the USC EdTech Accelerator
Participants in the annual program—including several USC alumni—run companies that are reshaping the field of educational technology and the future of learning.
USC’s EdTech Accelerator Program opens its application portal
Program helps aspiring EdTech professionals with training, mentorship and access to build solutions that improve outcomes for learners all over the world.
EdTech Accelerator alums lead the way in integrating AI into educational tools
Program participants are incorporating artificial intelligence into tools for a range of educational purposes, from tackling inequities in access to improving the classroom experience for students with learning disabilities.
Preparing future teachers for the AI era
USC Rossier faculty aim to instill curiosity and inquiry in students as they grapple with and integrate artificial intelligence in their classrooms.