Tesoro AI + Semiconductor Accelerator Spring 2026

Dates: March 2 – May 21, 2026

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Global Demo Day: May 21, 2026

Applications Now Open

The Tesoro AI + Semiconductor Accelerator is a 12-week hybrid program empowering startups that fuse advanced AI software, intelligent systems, and semiconductor innovation — from chip design and advanced packaging to data-center infrastructure, simulation tools, and industrial edge applications.

Based in Phoenix, the epicenter of America’s semiconductor corridor, the Spinrg 2026 Cohort runs March 2 – May 21, 2026, giving founders direct access to world-class foundries, design partners, and investors, and culminating in a Global Demo Day spotlighting breakthroughs that unite software intelligence with hardware performance.

• Startups developing enabling technologies for the AI and semiconductor ecosystem
• Teams working in data centers, cloud infrastructure, and edge computing
• Innovators in photonics, quantum sensing, robotics, and advanced packaging
• Founders seeking U.S. market entry, customer pilots, and strategic partnerships

AI / Machine Learning • Semiconductor Design & IP • EDA Tools • Advanced Packaging / Chiplets • Photonics / Quantum / Sensors • Robotics / Industrial Edge • Data Centers / Cloud Infrastructure • Automotive / Defense (Dual-Use) • Healthcare / Medical AI

• Access to world-class partners for design, simulation, and manufacturing
• Customer discovery with leading fabs, OSATs, and data center operators
• U.S. soft-landing support for legal, banking, and hiring setup
• Media, investor, and partner exposure through Tesoro showcases

• 12-week hybrid accelerator anchored in Phoenix (soft-landing track only)
• Intensive design, simulation, and prototyping support with ecosystem partners (Cadence, TSMC, Amkor, and others)
• Partner and customer introductions for pilot engagements
• Fundraising and Global Demo Day preparation

We’re looking for visionary founders building technologies that make entire industries smarter, faster, and more capable.

• Breakthrough technical advantage with real-world potential
• Solutions that amplify innovation across the AI and semiconductor stack
• Founders ready to prototype, pilot, and scale during the program
• A growth mindset and openness to collaborate within Tesoro’s deep-tech ecosystem

If you are an entrepreneur with a vision for an AI or semiconductor startup, Tesoro VC is here to help you accelerate that vision. Apply to our accelerator program and gain access to funding, mentorship, and a network that can propel your startup to new heights.