Santa Clara University Bronco Venture Accelerator

Santa Clara University has launched a new business accelerator to support alumni, faculty and students who are creating new technology and startup companies. The Bronco Venture Accelerator (BVA) leverages the University's considerable assets, including access to mentors, faculty advisors, student interns, facilities, and related business and technology expertise. The BVA helps to promote the creation of new ventures, foster innovation, and increase the entrepreneurial culture and mindset at the University. It intends to engage the University community, including alumni, students and faculty. The University’s Schools of Business, Engineering, and Law, as well as the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, provide a strong foundation for the BVA. A number of other campus-based programs enhance the BVA's opportunities to find great entrepreneurs and foster a mindset of innovation, including the Ciocca Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Maker Lab, Frugal Innovation Hub, the Entrepreneurs Law Clinic, the Business Pitch Competition, and student-led entrepreneur clubs. BVA Goals The BVA program will accelerate promising ventures founded by University community members and prepare them for investment and improve chances for successful exits. The BVA will leverage faculty expertise and existing signature programs by creating a pipeline to the program, providing technical advice to companies, and offering programs and workshops to companies and students. The BVA will help participants develop entrepreneurial skills through hands-on experiences. The BVA will build connections with Silicon Valley by engaging experienced professionals as advisors, mentors, and investors. The BVA will promote cross-campus collaboration among academic and signature programs that strengthen the campus innovation culture. The BVA will foster the development of socially responsible and ethical business practices.