Top 15 Incubators for Deep Tech Startups in North America in 2025
The deep tech startup ecosystem is rapidly evolving, with incubators and accelerators playing a vital role in nurturing innovative ideas and fostering groundbreaking technologies. As we move into 2025, here's a detailed look at the Top 15 Incubators for Deep Tech Startups in North America that are expected to make a significant impact this year.
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1. Techstars
Focus: Industry-specific, including AI, EnergyTech, Space, and more.
Investment: Varies by program, typically seed-stage funding.
Program Length: Typically 3 months.
Location: Multiple locations across North America (e.g., Boston, San Francisco, Tulsa, Los Angeles), and some remote programs.
Description: Techstars is a well-known global accelerator that provides mentorship, funding, and access to an extensive network. With a range of programs tailored to different industries, they are at the forefront of supporting deep tech innovation.
2. Y Combinator
Focus: Broad range, including deep tech.
Investment: $500,000 standard investment for 7% equity.
Program Length: 3 months.
Location: San Francisco, CA (in-person).
Description: Highly prestigious, Y Combinator has a remarkable track record of successful startups spanning various fields. Their intensive mentorship and significant seed funding make them a prime choice for deep tech founders.
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3. SOSV
Focus: Deep tech, life sciences, hardware.
Investment: Up to $250K for 8-10% equity.
Program Length: Varies depending on the program.
Location: USA, Europe, and Asia, with programs tailored for North American startups.
Description: SOSV operates multiple industry-specific accelerators, such as HAX for hardware and IndieBio for biotech, focused on nurturing innovative deep tech and life sciences ventures.
4. Creative Destruction Lab (CDL)
Focus: Science and technology ventures, including AI, quantum, space, and more.
Investment: Non-equity program.
Program Length: 9 months.
Location: Multiple locations across Canada (e.g., Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver).
Description: CDL is a seed-stage program designed for massively scalable, science-based ventures, leveraging its strong network of scientists and engineers to support tech startups.
5. MaRS Discovery District
Focus: Enterprise Applications, High Tech, and various other sectors.
Investment: Seed, Series A, and later stages.
Program Length: Varies.
Location: Toronto, Canada.
Description: MaRS is a major innovation hub that aids startups across several sectors, providing mentorship, funding, and physical facilities to foster deep tech advancements.
6. Berkeley SkyDeck
Focus: Technology ventures, including deep tech.
Investment: $200,000.
Program Length: 6 months.
Location: Berkeley, California.
Description: The University of California, Berkeley's startup accelerator welcomes startups from around the globe, focusing on growth-stage companies and helping them scale through robust resources.
7. 500 Global (formerly 500 Startups)
Focus: Early-stage tech companies.
Investment: Up to $150,000 for around 6% equity.
Program Length: 16 weeks.
Location: USA and global locations.
Description: 500 Global is recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusive entrepreneurship, catering to early-stage tech ventures aiming to make a mark in deep tech.
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8. Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator (CU Boulder)
Focus: Deep Tech, innovation in science or engineering.
Investment: Non-equity program.
Program Length: 4 months.
Location: Boulder, Colorado.
Description: This accelerator is uniquely focused on supporting research teams from the University of Colorado that are ready to transition their innovative research into successful deep tech startups.
9. Polsky Deep Tech Ventures (University of Chicago)
Focus: Translating deep-tech innovations into startups.
Investment: Not specified.
Program Length: Varies.
Location: Chicago, IL.
Description: Polsky focuses on taking deep tech innovations and converting them into market-ready startups, offering a comprehensive range of resources and support for development.
10. The DMZ (Toronto Metropolitan University)
Focus: High-impact tech startups.
Investment: Non-equity assistance.
Program Length: Varies.
Location: Toronto, Canada.
Description: As a leading university-based tech incubator, DMZ helps tech startups grow through mentorship, access to capital, and invaluable resources.
11. Launch Academy
Focus: Technology sectors.
Investment: Not specified, workspace available for rent.
Program Length: Varies.
Location: Vancouver, Canada.
Description: Launch Academy offers startups workspace and tailored services, fostering innovation in technology with a supportive community atmosphere.
12. AngelPad
Focus: Early-stage tech startups.
Investment: Not specified.
Program Length: 10 weeks.
Location: San Francisco, CA, and New York, NY.
Description: AngelPad is a boutique accelerator prioritizing quality over quantity, providing a focused 10-week program designed to help early-stage startups gain traction.
13. Mucker Lab
Focus: Internet software, services, media ventures, enterprise, fintech, B2B, and consumer products.
Investment: Not specified.
Program Length: Varies.
Location: Santa Monica, California, USA.
Description: Mucker Lab focuses on seed and pre-seed stages, working with early-stage startups and guiding them through the initial phases of growth.
14. MassChallenge
Focus: Broad range of sectors with nine accelerator programs globally.
Investment: Non-equity program.
Program Length: Varies.
Location: Multiple locations in the USA and globally.
Description: MassChallenge is a global network of accelerators that seeks to develop innovative solutions to major challenges through support for startups.
15. Alchemist Accelerator
Focus: Enterprise startups.
Investment: Not specified.
Program Length: Varies.
Location: San Francisco, CA.
Description: Alchemist Accelerator is specifically geared towards startups focused on monetizing their offerings for enterprises, providing strategic guidance and support throughout the process.
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FAQ
Q: What is deep tech?
A: Deep tech refers to startups focused on advanced technologies and science-based innovations that require significant research and development. Learn more about deep tech.
Q: What are the top incubators for deep tech startups in North America in 2025?
A: Some top incubators include Techstars, Y Combinator, and SOSV, which offer support for startups in various deep tech sectors. Discover Techstars, Learn about Y Combinator, and Explore SOSV.
Q: How long do accelerator programs typically last?
A: Most accelerator programs for deep tech startups last between 3 to 9 months, with specific durations varying by program. Check program specifics at MaRS Discovery District.
Q: Do incubators provide funding for deep tech startups?
A: Yes, incubators often provide seed-stage funding, typically ranging from $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the program. Learn more about funding at Y Combinator.
Q: Can international startups apply to North American incubators?
A: Yes, many North American incubators welcome international startups, often accepting applications from around the world. Explore opportunities with Berkeley SkyDeck.
Q: Are deep tech startup incubators only found in major cities?
A: Many incubators are located in major cities like San Francisco and Toronto, but there are programs available in other regions, such as Boulder and Santa Monica. Learn about the Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator.
Q: How do I know if a program is a good fit for my startup?
A: It’s essential to research the specific focus areas, mentorship opportunities, and resources offered by the incubator to ensure alignment with your startup's needs. Visit the DMZ for insights.
Q: What should I consider before applying to an incubator?
A: Consider the program length, investment terms, location, and focus area, as well as potential networking opportunities. Check out Launch Academy.
Q: Are non-equity incubator programs available for startups?
A: Yes, several incubators operate non-equity programs, providing support without taking equity in exchange. Check MassChallenge for non-equity options.
Q: How often do application deadlines occur for these incubators?
A: Application deadlines vary by program, and many incubators have specific cycles, so it's advisable to check their websites for the most current information. Stay updated on application deadlines at Polsky Deep Tech Ventures.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
