USTAAR — University Student Startup Accelerator
About the program
USTAAR is UM's flagship student accelerator founded in 2024 with a donation from alumni brothers Angel and Victor Alvarez (ABB Optical founders). Director: Dr. Suhrud Rajguru. Two-phase model: Phase I (Foundation) up to $10,000 non-dilutive for idea validation and MVP; Phase II (Scale) up to $100,000 equity investment for qualified startups. $2M+ total awarded across three cohorts. 169 startups applied, 270 entrepreneurs served. Partners include Venture Mentoring Team, The Launch Pad, OTT, Cane Angel Network, Orange Umbrella, and Startup Clinic at UM Law School. Oracle/InfoLob partnership for cloud/AI resources. Also offers Ignite awards ($1,000) and Venture Catalyst awards ($10,000).
Key numbers
Funding range
Not listed
Funding available
Equity
Varies by investment
Application
Not specified
Last activity
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Student experiences · Read or add a note
Student notes
USTAAR — University Student Startup Accelerator
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Startups
3rd-i
Safer running venture; 2025 USTAAR pitch competition winner ($100,000).
AIDmd
2026 USTAAR pitch competition winner ($100,000).
Aura
2026 USTAAR pitch competition winner ($100,000).
SimuStride
AR for amputees; 2025 USTAAR winner ($100K) and 2024 Rothberg EPIC grand prize ($30K).
SmArT
Sustainable farming nanoparticles venture; USTAAR winner 2025 and repeat 2026 ($100,000).
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