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 8-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: July 24, 2026
- Program Dates: August 22 – October 20, 2026
- Early bird pricing available through June 26 (see Tuition)
Tuition
- USF Students: $2,500
- Early Bird: $2,800
- Regular: $3,100
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 1–7 | Online, live and interactive
- August 22 – October 10
- Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 - 8:00 PM PT
- Saturdays (3), 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT
Week 8 | In-person at the University of San Francisco
- Monday, October 19, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Tuesday, October 20, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Required attendance
Develop a Business Plan Using AI and Data Analytics
Over 8 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
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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.
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- $5,000 Grand Prize
- $3,000 Second Prize
- $1,000 Third Prize
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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.
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- Week 4: Preliminary Venture Idea
- Week 6: Venture Business Plan Proposal
- Week 8: Live Final Pitch Competition
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Week 1
Saturday, August 22 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. PST
Welcome and Kick-off
Session Type: Kick-off / Team FormationWednesday, August 26 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
Introduction of Silicon Valley and Transfer Innovation
Session Type: LectureThursday, August 27 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
Overview of Chartmetric and Its Music Data Analytics
Session Type: LectureWeek 2
Wednesday, September 2 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
Biomimicry Creativity and Innovation Activity
Session Type: WorkshopWednesday, September 2 | 6:10–8:10 p.m. PST
Introduction of Business Plan / New Venture Creation
Session Type: LectureThursday, September 3 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
Chartmetric Certification Preparation: Help Center, Video Library, and Self-Study Guide
Session Type: AdvisingThursday, September 3 | 6:10–8:10 p.m. PST
Transfer Innovation Activity – Business Model / Technology Acceptance Model
Session Type: WorkshopWeek 3
Wednesday, September 9 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
Overview and Trends of AI
Session Type: LectureThursday, September 10 | 4:00–5:00 p.m. PST
Chartmetric Certification Exam
Session Type: Certification TestThursday, September 10 | 5:10–7:10 p.m. PST
Learning AI Tools
Session Type: LectureWeek 4
Wednesday, September 16 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
Overview and Trends of Data Science / Analytics
Session Type: LectureWednesday, September 16 | 6:10–8:10 p.m. PST
Learning AI Agents / Generative AI
Session Type: WorkshopThursday, September 17 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
USF Coaching #1
Session Type: CoachingThursday, September 17 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. PST
Preparing for Initial New Venture Idea ProposalSunday, September 20 | Due by 12:00 Midnight
Team Initial New Venture Idea Proposal
Session Type: RefineWeek 5
Wednesday, September 23 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
AI Company Case Studies
Session Type: LectureWednesday, September 23 | 6:10–8:10 p.m. PST
Python / R / ML
Session Type: WorkshopThursday, September 24 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
Chartmetric Coaching #1
Session Type: CoachingThursday, September 24 | 6:10–8:10 p.m. PST
USF Coaching #2
Session Type: CoachingWeek 6
Wednesday, September 30 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
Data Analytics Driven Company Case Studies
Session Type: LectureWednesday, September 30 | 6:10–8:10 p.m. PST
Excel / Tableau / SQL
Session Type: WorkshopThursday, October 1 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
Chartmetric Coaching #2
Session Type: CoachingThursday, October 1 | 6:10–8:10 p.m. PST
USF Coaching #3
Session Type: CoachingSunday, October 4 | Due by 12:00 Midnight
Preparation for New Venture Business Plan Proposal Submission
Session Type: RefineWeek 7
Wednesday, October 7 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
USF Coaching #4
Session Type: CoachingThursday, October 8 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. PST
Chartmetric Coaching #3
Session Type: CoachingSaturday, October 10 | 9:00–10:00 a.m. PST
Online Program ClosingWeek 8
October 11–18 | Flexible Schedule
Final Preparation Week
Session Type: IndependentWeek 9
Monday, October 19 | 9:00–10:30 a.m. PST
Chartmetric Executive Session (Sung Cho)
Session Type: In-PersonMonday, October 19 | 10:45 a.m.–3:45 p.m. PST
Coaching Intensive Sessions
Session Type: In-PersonMonday, October 19 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. PST
Welcome Dinner and Networking
Session Type: In-PersonTuesday, October 20 | 1:00–1:45 p.m. PST
USF and Chartmetric Leadership
Session Type: In-PersonTuesday, October 20 | 1:45–3:45 p.m. PST
Final Presentation
Session Type: In-PersonTuesday, October 20 | 4:00–5:30 p.m. PST
Award Ceremony and Closing Reception
Session Type: In-Person
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