Silicon Valley Technology New Venture
Designed for ambitious undergraduate and graduate students, this program equips you to build and pitch a real AI-powered venture using applied data analytics.
Partner With Chartmetric, a Leading AI-Powered Data Analytics Platform
The Silicon Valley Tech New Venture program is an 9-week immersive dual certificate created by the University of San Francisco Data Institute in collaboration with Chartmetric, a leading AI-powered data analytics platform trusted across the global music and entertainment industry.
AI is transforming every industry. The real question is how we turn data into impact. In collaboration with Chartmetric, you’ll learn using real-world datasets from the music industry—while developing AI and analytics skills that apply across any sector. This is not just a certificate—it’s a launchpad.
Designed With You in Mind
You leave with a portfolio-ready startup project, executive pitch experience, and industry-recognized credentials.
- Real Venture Creation
Build a startup concept from idea to prototype — not just a classroom exercise. - AI + Data + Market Strategy
Learn how AI-powered analytics creates competitive advantage across industries. - Silicon Valley & San Francisco Immersion
Experience the innovation mindset that defines San Francisco and the Bay Area ecosystem. - High-Impact Innovation Challenge
Compete live at USF Data Institute.
Course Information
- Application Deadlines: November 13, 2026
- Program Dates: January 16 - March 20, 2027
- Tuition: $2500
Prerequisites
No prior startup experience required. Open to all backgrounds.
Who Should Apply
- Undergraduate and graduate students (U.S. and international)
- Aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators
- Interests in music, business, data, AI, or technology
Format
Weeks 1–8 | Online, live and interactive
- January 16 – March 18, 2027
- Thursdays, 4:00 - 8:00 PM PT, and Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT
Week 9 | In-person at the University of San Francisco
- Friday, March 19, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM & Saturday, March 20, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Attendance both days is required.
Develop a Business Plan Using AI and Data Analytics
Over 9 weeks, you will:
- Learn applied AI and data analytics
- Identify real market opportunities
- Form cross-functional startup teams
- Develop and prototype an AI-powered venture
- Receive coaching from faculty and industry leaders
- Submit a preliminary venture idea
- Deliver a formal business plan proposal
- Pitch live in San Francisco at the final innovation challenge
- Compete for $9,000 in cash prizes
Program Details
-
We are proud to partner with Chartmetric, a Silicon Valley-based AI data analytics company serving artists, labels, and industry leaders worldwide.
Through this collaboration, students will:
- Access Chartmetric’s professional data platform
- Learn how AI-powered analytics drives decision-making at scale
- Earn a Music Data Analytics & AI Certification from Chartmetric
- Receive a Silicon Valley Technology New Venture certificate from USF
- Gain exposure to how real AI companies operate
This partnership brings direct industry relevance into the classroom.
-
- $5,000 Grand Prize
- $3,000 Second Prize
- $1,000 Third Prize
-
Registration is individual.
You may:
- Apply independently (we match you to a team), or
- Apply with a pre-formed team (3–5 students)
Strong teams combine technical, business, and domain expertise.
-
- Week 4: Preliminary Venture Idea
- Week 6: Venture Business Plan Proposal
- Week 8: Live Final Pitch Competition
-
Week 1
Saturday, January 16 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. PST
Welcome and Kick-off/Team Formation
Session Type: Kick-off / Team FormationThursday, January 22 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
Introduction of Silicon Valley and Transfer Innovation
Session Type: LectureSaturday, January 23 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. PST
Overview of Chartmetric and Its Music Data Analytics
Session Type: LectureSaturday, January 23 | 11:00–11:15 a.m. PST
Brief Check-in
Session Type: ReminderSunday, January 24 | Due 12 Midnight
Team FormationWeek 2
Thursday, January 28 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
Biomimicry Creativity and Innovation Activity
Session Type: WorkshopThursday, January 28 | 6:10–8:10 p.m. PST
Introduction of Business Plan / New Venture Creation
Session Type: LectureSaturday, January 30 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. PST
Chartmetric Certification Preparation: Help Center, Video Library, and Self-Study Guide
Session Type: AdvisingSaturday, January 30 | 11:00 a.m.–1:10 p.m. PST
Transfer Innovation Activity - Business Model/Technology Acceptance Model
Session Type: WorkshopWeek 3
Thursday, February 4 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
Overview and Trends of AI
Session Type: LectureSaturday, February 6 | 9:00–10:00 a.m. PST
Chartmetric Certification Exam
Session Type: Certification TestSaturday, February 6 | 10:10 a.m.–12:10 p.m. PST
Learning AI Tools
Session Type: LectureWeek 4
Thursday, February 11 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
Overview and Trends of Data Science / Analytics
Session Type: LectureThursday, February 11 | 6:10–8:10 p.m. PST
Learning AI Agents / Generative AI
Session Type: WorkshopSaturday, February 13 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. PST
USF Coaching #1
Session Type: CoachingSaturday, February 13 | 11:00 a.m.–1:10 p.m. PST
Preparing for Initial New Venture Idea Proposal
Session Type: Initial PreparationSunday, February 14 | Due by 12:00 Midnight
Team Initial New Venture Idea Proposal
Session Type: RefineWeek 5
Thursday, February 18 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
AI Company Case Studies
Session Type: LectureThursday, February 18 | 6:10–8:10 p.m. PST
Python / R / ML
Session Type: WorkshopSaturday, February 20 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. PST
Chartmetric Coaching #1
Session Type: CoachingSaturday, February 20 | 11:00 a.m.–1:10 p.m. PST
USF Coaching #2
Session Type: CoachingWeek 6
Thursday, February 25 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
Data Analytics Driven Company Case Studies
Session Type: LectureThursday, February 25 | 6:10–8:10 p.m. PST
Excel / Tableau / SQL
Session Type: WorkshopSaturday, February 27 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. PST
Chartmetric Coaching #2
Session Type: CoachingSaturday, February 27 | 11:00 a.m.–1:10 p.m. PST
USF Coaching #3
Session Type: CoachingSunday, February 28 | Due by 12:00 Midnight
Preparation for New Venture Business Plan Proposal Submission
Session Type: RefineWeek 7
Thursday, March 4 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
USF Coaching #4
Session Type: CoachingSaturday, March 6 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. PST
Chartmetric Coaching #3
Session Type: CoachingSaturday, March 6 | 11:10 a.m.–12:10 p.m. PST
Online Program ClosingWeek 8
March 7–18 | Flexible Schedule
Final Preparation Week
Session Type: IndependentWeek 9
Friday, March 19 | 9:00–10:30 a.m. PST
Chartmetric Executive Session (Sung Cho)
Session Type: In-PersonFriday, March 19 | 10:45 a.m.–3:45 p.m. PST
Coaching Intensive Sessions
Session Type: In-PersonFriday, March 19 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. PST
Welcome Dinner and Networking
Session Type: In-PersonSaturday, March 20 | 1:00–1:45 p.m. PST
USF and Chartmetric Leadership
Session Type: In-PersonSaturday, March 20 | 1:45–3:45 p.m. PST
Final Presentation
Session Type: In-PersonSaturday, March 20 | 4:00–5:30 p.m. PST
Award Ceremony and Closing Reception
Session Type: In-Person
Professional Certificates at the Data Institute
Proven Expertise
Since 2016, the Data Institute at the University of San Francisco has been a leader in delivering top-tier professional certificate programs. Backed by renowned faculty and industry experts, our programs are designed to empower professionals with the knowledge and skills to excel in their fields.
Cutting-Edge Curriculum
Stay ahead of industry trends with courses that focus on the most sought-after topics, including AI, data science, and graph neural networks. Our curriculum is continuously updated to reflect the latest advancements and best practices.
Hands-On Learning
Master practical skills by working on real-world projects, engaging in interactive instruction, and using state-of-the-art tools and techniques trusted by leading professionals.
Data Institute
San Francisco, CA 94105
Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.